CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION
Messages of Welcome
From the CMA Chairperson, CMA General Manager and CMA Race Director
Making it all Happen
The unique Comrades Marathon Association is more like a family than an event company, with many of the Board, staff and volunteers having been involved in the race in one way or another for decades. These are the people who make it all happen every June.
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Maritzburg Reg Made Easy
If you’ ve opted to do your Race Pack Collection in Pietermaritzburg, we’ ve got all the info here as to what you can do at Comrades House when you pop in for registration, including shopping, chilling with running mates, and a museum visit.
Dressed for Success
Make sure you read these important notes on race numbers and apparel before you finalise your race day kit, and avoid any issues with your race day result.
Expo Maps & Exhibitor List
Theatre of Running Programme
Check out the on-stage times of all the inspirational and informative speakers you can catch at the Theatre of Running during the Comrades Marathon Expo
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Born out of Comradeship |
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Supporting a Charitable Cause |
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Welcome to the Official Event Digimag of the 2026 Comrades Marathon, designed to provide you with all the info you need to make your final preparations for the race, from race pack collection and registration, to finding your way around the finish. |
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The six official Comrades Amabeadibeadi Charities of the Comrades Marathon bring huge value to their local communities, and you can show your support for the work they do by visiting their stands at the Comrades Marathon Expo. |
STATISTICS THE START
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Stacks of Stats! |
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On Your Marks … |
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When it comes the Comrades Marathon, the stats are always impressive – it is, after all, The Ultimate Human Race – so we broke it all down into a few interesting statistical categories. |
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Here’ s everything you need to know about the start of the 2026 Comrades Marathon, from getting there and dropping off your tog bag, to lining up in your correct start group and batch. |
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Some Less Serious Stats
Nothing makes a statistically-minded runner more excited than getting his hands on a database to play with, and the 2025 finishers database meant hours of fun to find these somewhat‘ different’ stats.
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Start Map
THE ROUTE
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BIT OF ADMIN
Toyota Win a Car Competition
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Here’ s the full programme for race week, so that you can plan your week in Durban and Pietermaritzburg for the 2026 Comrades Marathon.
REGISTRATION
Where Race Week Comes Alive
Before you can line up to run the Comrades Marathon, you need to register and collect your race pack, so here’ s a step-by-step guide to doing that at the Durban Race Pack Collection and Comrades Marathon Expo presented by Cell C.
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Long Road to Maritzburg
Here’ s everything you need to know about the route of the 2026 Comrades Marathon, from markings and marshalling, through refreshment stations and medical assistance, to cut-offs and rescue buses. Now make your final race plans!
Refuelling the Runners
Hydration and nourishment are key to race-day success when it comes to an 85.777km ultra-marathon, and with well-stocked refreshment stations on the race route, your needs will be well supported. All you have to do is drink, eat and run!
Route Map
Your 2026 Pacesetters
Look out for the Official Comrades Marathon Pacesetters as they once again tackle the road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, carrying their time flags and conducting their pacing buses to help their fellow runners achieve their race goals.
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