Comrades Marathon 2027: Date, Route, Entries, Fees and Qualifying
The Comrades Marathon is the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon. Each year it switches between an up run (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) and a down run (Pietermaritzburg to Durban).
Comrades 2027 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 13 June 2027 |
| Direction | Down run, Pietermaritzburg to Durban |
| Edition | 100th Comrades Marathon (and 50th down run) |
| Finish | Kings Park Rugby Stadium precinct, Durban (new) |
| Distance | About 90 km (official distance still to be measured) |
| Entry cap | 28,000 runners |
| Qualifying window | 15 June 2026 to 3 May 2027 |
Entry Fees
| Entrant | Fee |
|---|---|
| South African | R1,200 |
| Rest of Africa | R2,000 |
| International | R4,500 |
Fees have not changed since 2022. You can pay in two parts: 50% when you enter and 50% by 31 January 2027. If you do not pay the second half on time, you lose your entry and the first payment.
How Entries Worked for 2027
Entries opened in three windows in 2026:
| Window | Who could enter | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Green and yellow number holders, plus 1,000 charity entries | 25 to 31 August 2026 |
| 2 | Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) members | 2 to 5 September 2026 |
| 3 | General ballot | 9 to 22 September 2026, draw on 23 September |
The first window sold out within hours. If you did not get an entry, watch the official Comrades website for any further entry options.
How to Qualify
You must run an official marathon (42.2 km) in under five hours between 15 June 2026 and 3 May 2027. Then update your entry profile with the qualifying result by 3 May 2027.
Your qualifying time also decides your starting batch. A faster qualifying time puts you closer to the front at the start.
Training Tips for First-Timers
- Start building your weekly distance slowly. Most coaches suggest adding no more than about 10% a week.
- Run your qualifying marathon early, so you have time to recover and train.
- Practise running downhill. The down run is hard on the legs, especially the quads.
- Train in the shoes and clothes you will wear on race day.
- See a doctor before you start a long training plan.
Comrades 2027 Questions
When is the Comrades Marathon 2027?
On Sunday, 13 June 2027.
Is Comrades 2027 an up run or a down run?
A down run, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
How much is the Comrades 2027 entry fee?
R1,200 for South Africans, R2,000 for the rest of Africa and R4,500 for international runners.
What is the qualifying time for Comrades 2027?
A marathon (42.2 km) in under five hours, run between 15 June 2026 and 3 May 2027.
Where does Comrades 2027 finish?
At the Kings Park Rugby Stadium precinct in Durban, a new finish venue.
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