{
  "id": 16878294,
  "title": "ROAD TO 100: Comrades Marathon Centenary edition — an entries explainer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/road-to-100-comrades-marathon-centenary-edition-an-entries-explainer",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-28T09:40:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-10-28-comrades-marathon-centenary-edition-an-entries-explainer/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Comrades Marathon, the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon, will celebrate its centenary edition in 2027. With a record-breaking 28,070 runners from various backgrounds applying for participation, the race is set to be an unforgettable event. The 100th Comrades Marathon will be a down run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, marking the 50th anniversary of this particular route.\n\nThe entry process consisted of three windows, with the first window reserved for exceptional athletes and charity applicants. A total of 4,566 applications were received during this window, followed by 7,897 entries from CMA members and 42,802 applications from the general ballot process. Despite the high demand, the race is expected to run smoothly due to careful planning and supervision during the draw.\n\nNotably, the gender ratio has seen a significant increase, with 30% of the field being female, making it the largest ever female participation in the race's history. The most common age group among the participants will be 40-49, followed by 50-59, with 14 participants aged 80 and above.",
  "summary": "With the high demands that came with the centenary race of the Comrades Marathon, which will take place on 13 June 2027, there was always going to be some disappointment for runners wishing to participate.",
  "key_points": [
    "28,070 runners apply for 2027 Comrades Marathon centenary edition",
    "100th race runs from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, marking 50th anniversary of route",
    "30% female participation, largest ever female representation in race history"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The record-breaking surge in applications and historic female participation levels signal a broadening demographic appeal for the world's oldest ultramarathon as it approaches its landmark centenary milestone.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}