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Comrades 2026
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#biogen_sa #nike #nikerunning #thirstiwater #nikevision #NMI
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The Comrades Marathon does not allow the display of religious, cultural, or political views. The race is a platform for unity through sport, and any conduct that does not align with this spirit is not condoned
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COMRADES MARATHON 2026 FINISH HOSPITALITY INFORMATION FOR ALL NEDBANK RUNNING CLUB ATHLETES.
The Nedbank Running Club Hospitality Site.
We are excited to announce that the Nedbank Running Club will have a festival and rewarding hospitality area for our Comrades runners to make sure you get spoiled after a hard and tough day on your feet.
You will be entertained with food and drinks and a host of products from our loyal partners like Biogen and Thirsti to make sure you put back what you have taken out of your bodies during this grueling run.
Join us at our Gazebos where you will receive vouchers for your food and drinks as well as free massaging that will once again be done by qualified Students to assist in your recovery after the grueling Comrades marathon.
Your entry into the Nedbank Running Club Hospitality site will be your full Nedbank Running Club Running Kit (Vest/Crop top and Shorts/Tights) and Comrades race number.
The Nedbank Running Club Hospitality site will be Situated at the Club Tent Tier 2 on the below map highlighted in Green - Click here for the full Comrades finish map
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Comrades News
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Total Prize Purse for 2026 Comrades Marathon Tops R8.2-Million
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) can confirm that with a combined prize purse of over R8.2-million in prize money and incentive bonuses, the 2026 Comrades Marathon is set to reward the top performing runners well for their race-day efforts.
The top contenders in this year’s race will have more than just fame, glory and bragging rights to race for on Sunday 14 June, in the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon. A total prize purse of R5,790,400 is up for grabs across the top 10 positions, individual prizes, age categories, and team prizes for men and women, including prize money for the first South African finisher and top three KwaZulu-Natal athletes.
This includes a staggering R925,000 prize each for the first man and woman over the line, while runners-up will receive R464,000 and third-place finishers R334,000. The prize monies for the top 10 men and women include a Cell C Top-up that boosts their winnings by just over 30%, and the first 10 men and women will also be awarded solid gold medals as well.
A further R2,420,000 is on offer for various records or time incentives, taking the total prize monies available to R8,210,400, which represents a 10% increase across all categories on the total prize monies on offer in the 2025 edition of the race. “This once again shows the Comrades Marathon Association’s commitment to making The Ultimate Human Race the most sought after and most competitive ultra marathon in the world,” says CMA General Manager Alain Dalais.
“For the CMA, increasing the prize purse is not just about keeping up with inflation, we see it as a valuable investment in the world class elite athletes that this race attracts, and who play a leading role in the drama and aspirational element of each year’s Comrades Marathon,” continues Dalais.
“So many of our runners started as young fans, watching the top runners in action during the live broadcasts of the race or standing alongside the route cheering these heroes on, and aspired to also run this great race someday. Increasing the prize purse rewards those top runners not just for their physical performance, but also the role they play in the Comrades Marathon legacy, and continued growth of the event,” adds Dalais.
Unpacking the Prize Purse
All prize monies in the Comrades Marathon are paid out equally for men and women. A total of R4,620,000 has been allocated to the Top 10 category, with men and women receiving equal payouts, including the Cell C Top-up amounts added to each of the top 10 monetary prizes. Prize money will also be awarded across the age categories, with the top three finishers in the 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+ categories all securing a share of the rewards.
There is a substantial prize of R242,000 for the first South African man and woman over the line, and in conjunction with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, there is also prize money for the top three KZN men and women, provided they finish in the top 30 of their gender.
The men’s and women’s winners will be further incentivised to chase fast times by the bonuses on offer. These include a bonus incentive of R605,000 should either the men’s or women’s race winners break the best time previously recorded for the Up Run. The current men’s Up Run Record is 5:24:49, run by Russian Leonid Shvetsov in 2008, while the women’s Up Run Record of 5:49:46 was set by South Africa’s Gerda Steyn in 2024. With the route being 85.777km long, which is 133 metres shorter than in 2024 and the shortest route distance in recorded history for the Up Run, this incentive may well be claimed on race day by one or both of the race winners.
Thanks to official race sponsor Cell C, there are still more incentives on offer for the top performers. The Cell C Average Pace incentive bonus of R550,000 is on offer to the men’s and women’s winners if they clock an overall average pace per kilometre faster than the previous best performance on the Up Run. There is also a Cell C Hot Spot prize of R55,000 that will be claimed by the first athlete to reach the designated hot spot, and who then also completes the race.
Lucrative Day’s Work!
An athlete will be able to win more than one prize, where applicable. For example, an individual athlete could finish in the top 10 overall, in the top three in an age category, be the first South African over the line and the first KZN athlete, as well as part of a team prize. Another example is that if a South African runner wins the race with new Up Run and Average Pace records, he or she would pocket an incredible R2,322,000 – and could earn still more if he or she also qualifies for a team or age category prize, and the Cell C Hot Spot incentive!
All prize money, trophies and/or special medals will only be issued within 60 days of the announcement of Doping Control results – whether the athlete is tested or not – and subject to clearance. All prize money is subject to South African tax laws, and may take up to three months to process.
Click here to read more
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Top Contenders Back for 2026 Comrades Marathon
The 2026 Comrades Marathon will once again see a world-class field of elite athletes take to the roads between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, at the head of a field of 21,677 runners in the 99th edition of The Ultimate Human Race. The race will start in front of the Durban City Hall and finish 85.777km later at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
The elite race is shaping up to be another hotly contested competition, with nearly all of the top 10 men and women from the 2025 race due to line up once again in 2026 – the only missing face from these 20 athletes will be women’s 2022 winner Alexandra Morozova, who finished as runner-up last year. This means that both defending champions – three-time men’s winner Tete Dijana and four-time women’s winner Gerda Steyn (both of South Africa) – will be running again in 2026.
“All the signs are that this should be another thrilling race, not just in terms of proven gold medallists, but also with the addition of a number of very fast marathoners and ultra-marathoners from both South Africa and abroad, including world-class 100km competitors. We’re looking forward to seeing who claims the podium spots and a share of the biggest prize purse in the history of the Comrades Marathon,” says Race Director Sue Forge.
The top contenders will be racing for a slice of a total prize purse of R5,790,400 across the top 10 positions, individual prizes, age categories, and team prizes for men and women, including prize money for the first South African finisher and top three KwaZulu-Natal athletes. The men’s and women’s winners will each take home R925,000. A further R2,420,000 is on offer for various records or time incentives, taking the total prize monies available to R8,210,400.
“We have made sure that the top contenders in the 2026 edition of the Comrades Marathon have 8.2 million reasons to give everything they have on the route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg,” continues Forge. “This race has always produced world-class performances, and this considerable prize purse reflects the status of both the race and the elite field we have running this year.”
Piet Looking to defend hes Up Run title
Dijana having won the Down Run in 2022, 2023 and 2025, Dijana will be looking to win the Up Run for the first time. (The 2022 and 2023 races were both run ‘down’ following the disruptions of the COVID pandemic.) However, he will likely face tough competition from his perennial rival, Dutchman Piet Wiersma (Nedbank Running Club), who won the last Up Run in 2024 and finished second behind Dijana in both 2023 and 2025.
Another runner looking to make history will be three-time winner Bongmusa Mthembu (2014, 2017 and 2018), who currently has 11 gold medals in the race. That puts him tied for second place for most golds with Bruce Fordyce. Mthembu finished eighth last year, and if he can claim another gold in 2026, he will move to 12, and tied first with Robb. Like Dijana, Mthembu could also move to four wins this year, which would also put him tied with Robb!
Men’s Contenders to Watch
The elite field features another two former South African winners amongst the returning 2025 gold medallists – Edward Mothibi (2019) and David Gatebe (2016) – who were fourth and seventh last year respectively, and they will be joined by Russians Nikolai Volkov (Nedbank Running Club) (third in 2025) and Vasilii Korytkin (10th) (Nedbank Running Club), South Africans Joseph Manyedi (fifth) and Gordon Lesetedi (ninth), and Alex Milne (Nedbank Running Club) of the UK (sixth).
Outside of the returning gold medallists, the men’s field includes some notable contenders that may challenge for the podium or gold medals on race day. These include SA’s George Kusche (Nedbank Running Club), a former sub-four-minute miler who finished 12th in the 2025 Comrades Marathon, and has been picked by several pundits as a favourite for this year’s race. Another local favourite is Onalenna Khonkhobe (Nedbank Running Club), who led the race until about 20km to go last year, and has posted a number of terrific wins or results in various ultra-marathons around the country over the past year.
Also look out for current World 100km Champion Aleksandr Sorokin (Russia), who will be making his Comrades Marathon debut, as will Charles Lawrence, holder of the US 100km Record and who set a World Record for 50 miles (approximately 80km) in 2023. Making a return will be French 100km Record-holder Guillaume Ruel, who will undoubtedly look to do better than last year’s 7:03 for 344th place.
Fifth Win on the Cards for Steyn
In the women’s race, Steyn will be looking to claim her fourth win in a row since 2022, and fifth overall, and she will be running full of confidence, having recently won the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD for the seventh consecutive time. She dominated the Cape Town race while once again making it look easy.
Another victory in 2026 would move Steyn up to five wins, making her just the second women and seventh runner overall to take five wins in the history of the race. Until Fordyce (9) and Nurgalieva (8) set their records for the most wins, five wins was considered a legendary feat at the Comrades Marathon, and Steyn richly deserves to be included in that conversation, alongside legends such as Arthur Newton and Wally Hayward.
More Women Racing for Top Honours
However, as dominant as Steyn has been in recent years, there will be a number of women determined to cut her reign short. Also running will be eight of the other nine gold medallists from last year: Kenyan Shelmisth Muriuki (third), South Africans Irvette van Zyl (fourth) and Jenet Mbhele (seventh), Poland’s Dominika Stelmach (Nedbank Running Club) (fifth), the UK’s Carla Molinaro (sixth) and Melissah Gibson (10th), Caitriona Jennings of the Republic of Ireland (eighth), and the USA’s Courtney Olsen (ninth).
While Kenyan runners dominate the global marathon events, they have traditionally not fared that well in South African ultra-marathons. That’s why Muriuki’s third place last year in her Comrades Marathon debut really caught the eye, and many are looking to see if she can push on from that this year. Meanwhile, Van Zyl appears to have come into a rich vein of form – she bounced back from a disappointing Two Oceans to break the course record at the Loskop 50km – and that may have boosted her confidence going into the Comrades Marathon. Stelmach, Molinaro and the rest of the returning golds also bring a wealth of Comrades Marathon experience to the race, so anything can happen on the day.
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Also hoping to return to the gold medal positions will be Galaletsang Mekgoe (Nedbank Running Club) and Jenna Challenor (Nedbank Running Club). Mekgoe finished fifth in 2022 and 11th in 2023, but had to settle for 62nd place last year, while Challenor, who was sixth in 2019 and fourth in 2022, will hope to be back amongst the golds after finishing 13th last year.
On the international front, many pundits have listed Nobukhosi Tshuma of Zimbabwe as a possible surprise contender. She will be making her Comrades Marathon debut, but recently finished a strong third at Two Oceans, and has been training in Kenya to prepare for this race. Also in contention may be Russian Yulia Ryzhankova (Nedbank Running Club), who was 10th in 2024 and 12th last year.
Action-packed Race Expected
The men’s elite field consists of 97 runners, while the women’s elite features 34 runners, all of whom had to apply to be seeded in the elite start group. They will line up at the front of the first starting group and will set off at 5h00. The elite race will be covered in depth by the live broadcast of the race, which can be viewed on the Comrades Marathon channel on YouTube.
The Comrades Marathon Association will host its pre-race Elite Athletes Media Briefing on Thursday 11 June, at 14h00 at the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel in Durban. All accredited media are welcome to attend, and there will be opportunities to interview some of the leading contenders for the 2026 race.
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Partners
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THIRSTI Spring Water is proud to be the official hydration partner of the Nedbank Running Club. With Comrades Marathon approaching on 14 June, we look forward to cheering on all the Nedbank runners taking on the “Ultimate Human Race".
We are inspired by the commitment, discipline, and strength shown by the athletes throughout their demanding training journey. Your hard work and perseverance do not go unnoticed, and we are proud to support you every step of the way.
Best of luck to all the runners preparing for Comrades 2026 — we’ll be cheering you on to the finish line!
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Results
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NEDBANK RUNNING CLUB NATIONAL WEEKEND ROUND-UP 6-7 June 2026
NRC GN TSHWANE COMRADES SEND-OFF
Nedbank Running Club Gauteng North hosted a special Comrades Marathon Send-Off event in Tshwane on 4 June 2026, bringing together athletes, supporters, coaches, and the broader running community in celebration and preparation ahead of the iconic race.
The evening was graced by two distinguished guest speakers who shared their knowledge, experience, and passion for the sport. George Kuche and Dr. Lelanie Cornelius took to the stage to inspire our Comrades-bound athletes with invaluable insights on race strategy, mental preparation, and the remarkable journey that lies ahead on the road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The atmosphere was electric as the club rallied behind its runners in true Green Team spirit.
To every Nedbank athlete toeing the Comrades start line - the club is behind you every step of the way. Run green, run proud.
NRC GN CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE 5 | EERSTERUST
Nedbank Running Club Gauteng North took to the Eersterust course for Cross Country League 5, with a strong contingent of green vests representing the club with pride and determination across all age categories. The event was attended by NRC National Manager Nick Bester, whose presence underscored the commitment of Nedbank Running Club to developing the sport at every level and supporting its athletes across the country. One of the most heartwarming moments of the day came when young Aria, his granddaughter, stepped up to the start line for her very first cross country race, proudly wearing the iconic Nedbank kit for the first time. A future Green Team star in the making - what a way to begin the journey!
On the results front, the Nedbank ladies were outstanding across the age categories. In the Women 50–59, Ingrid Koster claimed 1st place with Manie Sayman-Jacobs close in 2nd. Dalene Sonnekus dominated the Women 60–69 category, taking the top spot. Strong performances all round from the Green Team.
NRC LIMPOPO FORTRESS HALF MARATHON | VENDA, LIMPOPO 6 June 2026
Tabitha Tsatsa finished 3rd overall and took the top spot in the Masters category in a superb time of 1:36:10 - a standout result that speaks to the depth of talent and determination in our club. Well done Tabitha on a fantastic race!
NRC CGA CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE 3 | SOWETO
The Nedbank Soweto Development Team showed up in great numbers at the CGA Cross
Country League 3 in Soweto, and the young athletes did not disappoint. Two standout performances from the club's juniors set the tone for the day. Kganya Mphelane claimed a superb victory in the Boys U/8 1km, finishing in 1st place and showing that the Green Team's future is very bright indeed. Bontle Mathole was equally impressive, placing 3rd in the Girls 10 2km Cross Country. Both athletes are a credit to this club and to themselves - built today, champions tomorrow!
NRC CT TOP FORM 10KM
At the Top Form 10km, Nedbank Running Club WPA athletes delivered a strong podium showing across multiple age categories. Elmé Middlemost took gold in theW40-49, Vakalisa Kopolo claimed silver in the M40-49, and Charmaine Cupido rounded off the medal haul with bronze in the W70-79. Three medals, three proud athletes - well done to all.
NRC CT WPA RACE WALKING SERIES 2 | YOUNGSFIELD MILITARY BASE
At the WPA Race Walking Series 2 held at Youngsfield Military Base on 6 June 2026, Nedbank's Tariq Klink claimed the championship title in the new 21.1km walking distance, crossing the line in 1:59. A dominant performance and a well-deserved win - well done Tariq!
NRC GEORGE SWD 32GI KLIPKERK 10KM
Annatjie Botes took on the 32GI Klipkerk 10km and came away with a 1st place Masters finish on what she described as a beautiful route. Congratulations Annatjie on a wonderful performance!
SWELLENDAM TRAIL RUN
Two Nedbank athletes made the trip to Swellendam for the Trail Run and both came home with victories. Bruce Maboza won the 11km event while Selwyn Matthews claimed the top spot in the 20km - a remarkable double for the Green Team on the trails. Outstanding effort from both athletes!
NRC CT WPA 5KM & 1 MILE CHAMPIONSHIPS | KILLARNEY RACE TRACK
The Green Team arrived at the WPA 5km and 1 Mile Championships and left with an impressive haul - 4 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals. It was a dominant display across all age categories, with Nedbank Running Club athletes stepping onto the podium time and time
again throughout the day. Riaan Wildschut was the standout performer of the day, claiming gold in both the 5km and the 1 Mile in the M40-49 category - a remarkable double. Charmaine Cupido was equally impressive, earning silver medals in both events in the W70-79 category. Anthony Grendon took gold in the 1 Mile M60-69, while Reagan Freeman claimed silver in the Junior Men's 1 Mile. Kobie Griffiths and Rolandi Schutte went 1st and 3rd in the W40-49 1 Mile. Completing the medal tally were Roger Simpson (silver, 5km M60-69), Robbie Lindsay (bronze, 5km M70-79), and Elmé Middlemost (bronze, 5km W40-49). A superb collective effort - this is what the Green Team is all about.
What a weekend for the Green Team! From championships to trail runs, from juniors to masters, Nedbank Running Club athletes were competing and winning across the country. Congratulations to every athlete who represented the club this weekend. You make us incredibly proud - keep running, keep pushing, keep wearing the green with pride.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the countdown to the Ultimate Human Race enters its final days, we wish every Nedbank Running Club athlete lining up at the 2026 Comrades Marathon this Sunday a safe, strong and memorable journey. Run with courage, run with heart, and wear the Green Dream Team colours with pride. We are behind you every step of the way!
#RunWithUs | #GreenDreamTeam | #NedbankRunningClubNational
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