Largest field and record prize money announced for 100th running of the Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon, celebrated as the world's oldest long-distance running event, has announced significant changes for its 100th running in 2027. The race, held in Durban, will cap its participant field at 28,000, a record for an ultra-distance road race in Africa. Entry periods are divided into three categories: runners with prior Comrades experience (yellow numbers), those who have completed at least ten races (green numbers), and all other participants, each with specific entry windows.

Notably, the first 1,000 runners supporting the Amabeadibeadi charity, requiring a R10,000 minimum donation, will secure guaranteed spots. The remaining entries will be allocated through a ballot system.

Entry fees remain unchanged, with South African runners paying R1,200, participants from other African nations paying R2,000, and those from other continents paying R4,500. Underprivileged runners qualify for a 50% discount via the Comrades Marathon relief fund. To qualify for the race, entrants must complete a 42.2km marathon within five hours between June 15, 2026, and May 3, 2027.

The prize money for the event has also increased to over R8.9 million, marking a 9% rise from the previous year. This is the highest prize purse ever offered for a road running race in Africa. Winners in both the men's and women's categories will each receive R1 million, along with bonus incentives. For the first time, prizes will also be awarded to the youngest finisher, the oldest finisher, and the first novice.

The race will start in Pietermaritzburg and finish at the Kings Park Sporting Precinct in Durban for the 2027 edition. The exact distance of the race will be announced later.