DURBAN. – The 2026 Comrades Marathon takes place on Sunday 14 June, with runners leaving Durban City Hall for the Up Run to Pietermaritzburg. This is the 99th edition of the race and the 50th Up Run between the two cities. The officially measured distance is 85.777km.
Three group start for 2026
The Comrades Marathon Association has introduced a three group start to ease congestion and improve runner safety. Group 1 starts at 05:00, Group 2 at 05:15 and Group 3 at 05:30. Every runner receives the full 12 hours from their group’s gun to complete the race.
The route and the Big Five hills
The Up Run climbs from the coast to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and takes in the famous Big Five hills: Cowies Hill, Fields Hill, Botha’s Hill, Inchanga and Polly Shortts. The race campaign for 2026 is Ska Fela Moya, Setswana for Don’t Give Up.
