First run in 1921, the Comrades Marathon is the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon, run annually between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban, alternating Up and Down directions. The 2027 edition will take place on Sunday 13 June and will be the 100th edition of the race, as well as the 50th edition of the Down Run to Durban.

At the launch, the CMA announced that the entry cap has been increased to 28,000 for the 2027 race – up from 24,000 for the last Down Run in 2025, and increased from the 22,500 of last year’s Up Run – and a new finish venue will be used at the Kings Park Rugby Stadium precinct. According to CMA Race Director Sue Forge, “The decision to increase the entry cap to 28,000 has been carefully considered and is supported by extensive operational and safety planning.”

“The Kings Park precinct provides significantly more space for the finish area and race village, enabling us to accommodate the larger field while creating a safer, more efficient and more memorable experience for runners, supporters and spectators. The increase represents managed and responsible growth for this milestone edition of the race,” she says.


ENTRY FEES

Welcome news for the Comrades Marathon community is that the entry fees for the 2027 race remain unchanged. In fact, the race entry fees have not been increased since the 2022 race. The three entry category fees are:
   * South African Entrants      R1200
   * Rest of Africa Entrants      R2000
   * International Entrants        R4500

Runners can choose the option to pay the entry fee in one immediate instalment, or in two instalments: 50% on entering and the remaining 50% by 31 January 2027. Runners should note that failure to settle the balance by the cut-off date will result in forfeiture of their entry as well as their initial (50%) payment, and their entry will be made available in the substitution process.

Another aid to runners who want to enter the race is the continuation of the Comrades Relief Fund, an initiative that allows up to 1500 disadvantaged South African athletes to apply for a reduced entry fee of up to 50% (which they pay in full on entry). Terms and conditions apply, and more details are available on the official Comrades Marathon website.

“In our continuing effort to keep the Comrades Marathon accessible to as many runners as possible, we have once again held entry fees the same, with no increase since 2022,” says Forge. “We recognise the financial commitment required to prepare for and participate in the race, and we hope that retaining the existing fees, offering a two-instalment part payment option, and continuing the Comrades Relief Fund will assist more runners in pursuing their Comrades Marathon dream. Also, as a further acknowledgement of exceptional commitment to the race, the entry fee will once again be waived for runners who have earned 25 or more Comrades Marathon medals.”


ENTRY PROCESS WINDOWS

All three entry windows are open to eligible South African, Rest of Africa and International runners, subject to the applicable entry criteria, capacities and terms and conditions for each stage.

Entry Window 1: Green Numbers & Yellow Numbers
Opens: Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 10h00
Closes: Monday 31 August 2026 at 16h30 (or sooner if capacities are reached)

This first window will give Green Number-holders (athletes with 10 or more medals) as well as Yellow Numbers (athletes with nine medals and who will be going for Green), an exclusive opportunity to enter first, as reward for their proven commitment to the race. (This window works on a first come, first served basis, and there will be a cap on the number of entries taken.)

“This is the third year that Green Number holders are being offered an exclusive early entry opportunity, following the introduction of this entry window ahead of the 2025 race. For the first time, we are delighted to extend this opportunity to Yellow Number holders who will be pursuing their coveted Green Number in 2027,” says Forge.

Addition to Entry Window 1: Amabeadibeadi Charity Entries
Opens: Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 10h00
Closes: when entry capacity is reached

The first entry window will also see 1000 Amabeadibeadi Charity Entries made available, offering participants the opportunity to purchase a guaranteed entry at the applicable base entry fee, together with a compulsory charitable contribution of R10,000 per entry. (This offer will work on a first come, first served basis, and will close when the capacity of 1000 entries is reached.)

“This initiative not only provides runners with an opportunity to secure a guaranteed entry into the historic 100th Comrades Marathon, but also enables them to create a lasting social impact through their participation, as all funds raised through these entries will be directed towards the eight official Amabeadibeadi Charities,” says Forge. “The initiative has the potential to raise an additional R10 million for our official charity programme, extending the impact of the Comrades Marathon far beyond race day by supporting vulnerable communities, survivors of abuse, humanitarian relief, military veterans and environmental conservation.”

Entry Window 2: CMA Members
Opens: Wednesday 2 September 2026 at 10h00
Close: Saturday 5 September 2026 at 10h00 (or sooner if capacity is reached)

The second window is reserved for CMA Members who signed up for an annual membership of the association by the 18th of August 2026. This early entry window is a nod of thanks to those Comrades Marathon runners and volunteers who have signed up to become more involved in the Comrades Marathon while enjoying exclusive benefits and opportunities. (This window works on a first come, first served basis, and entries will be limited.)

Entry Window 3: General Ballot Applications
Opens: Wednesday 9 September 2026 at 10h00
Closes: Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 16h30

The final entry window is for General Ballot Applications for an entry, which will go into the ballot draw on Wednesday 23 September, and successful entrants will be notified immediately after the draw. This window is for all prospective entrants who do not qualify for either of the early entry windows, and will include novices, Back-to-backs, and runners from all geographical bases, i.e. South African, Rest of Africa, and International.

“The three-stage entry process has been designed to recognise the heritage and loyalty that lie at the heart of the Comrades Marathon, while managing the extraordinary demand expected for the 100th edition in a fair and responsible manner,” says Forge. “The protected entry windows recognise the longstanding commitment of our Green and Yellow Number holders and CMA Members, while the ballot provides a fairer opportunity to all applying runners, notably those who do not have immediate access to the entry platform when entries open.”

“The CMA is also committed to protecting the Back-to-back journey. Runners who are unsuccessful in securing an entry through the 2027 General Ballot will have their Back-to-back status honoured in the next Comrades Marathon Down Run in which they are able to participate,” says Forge.

All entries for the 2027 race will be taken online, via the Comrades Marathon website (comrades.com) or on the Comrades Marathon app. The entry process is straightforward, and the CMA team is available to assist with any queries.


INTERNATIONAL & REST OF AFRICA ENTRY PACKAGES

International and Rest of Africa entrants who would like to secure a guaranteed entry – and thus avoid going through the ballot process – can work through Marathon Tours & Travel, the Exclusive Official International Tour Operator for the Comrades Marathon. Their entry package offer includes a guaranteed International or Rest of Africa race entry as well as accommodation, airport and private race transfers, meals, celebrations and race-week support, expert guidance from an experienced international and local team, and optional post-race extensions and tours.


QUALIFICATION

The qualification period for the 2027 Comrades Marathon is from 15 June 2026 (the day after the 2026 Comrades Marathon) to 3 May 2027. Runners may enter before qualifying, but must complete an approved qualifying event and update their entry profile by 3 May 2027.

The qualifying criteria for next year’s Comrades Marathon remain unchanged, requiring runners to complete an officially timed standard marathon (42.2km) in under five hours. (Longer distances and required times are available on the Comrades Marathon website.) The closing date for submission of qualifying information, including personal details, medical questionnaire as well as seeding upgrade requests, is 3 May 2027.

Entry FAQs will be available on the Comrades Marathon website and Comrades Marathon app for more information.