Everything you need to know about the 100th Comrades Marathon

The 100th Comrades Marathon, set to take place on June 13, 2027, is shaping up to be the largest edition in history. Organized by the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), the race will see an increased entry cap of 28,000 runners, up from the previous record of 24,172 in 2025. The race route, spanning approximately 91km, will conclude at the Kings Park sports precinct in Durban, marking a significant change from previous years.

Prize money for the event will be increased to R8,919,100, a 9% rise from the 2026 pool, with the men's and women's winners each receiving R1 million. Additional prizes will be awarded for the youngest and oldest finishers, as well as the first novice runner to cross the finish line. The race will retain its 12-hour time limit, with intermediate cut-offs yet to be announced.

Entry fees remain unchanged, with South African runners paying R1,200, Rest of Africa runners R2,000, and international entrants R4,500. Special consideration has been given to financially disadvantaged runners, with the Comrades Marathon Runners’ Relief Fund providing assistance to up to 1,500 South African runners from low-income backgrounds.

The ballot system, introduced to manage the high demand for entries, will open for Green Number and Yellow Number athletes on August 25, with general entries following on September 9. Special charity entries, worth R10,000 each, will also be granted to raise funds for eight different charities. The centenary edition of the Comrades Marathon, with its record-breaking entry numbers, new finish location, and substantial prize pool, is set to be a monumental event in the world of long-distance running.