REGISTRATION
12 THE THEATRE OF RUNNING
One of the major attractions at this year’ s Expo is the Theatre of Running, a dedicated stage featuring a packed programme of informative, educational and inspirational presentations throughout the three-day event. Runners can look forward to hearing from:
• Comrades Coach Lindsey Parry
• Renowned Comrades Marathon legends
• Elite athletes and race experts
• Official Comrades Marathon partners and sponsors
• Industry specialists covering training, nutrition, recovery and race-day strategy
Whether you’ re a novice preparing for your first Comrades or a seasoned campaigner chasing another medal, the Theatre of Running offers valuable insights, practical advice and inspiring stories to help make your race experience even more rewarding. The full programme appears in the next few pages of this digimag.
13 EXPO PHYSIO AREA
The Comrades Marathon Expo also features a dedicated Physio Area, providing essential support for runners in the final days leading up to race day. Staffed by experienced physiotherapists and recovery specialists, the area is designed to help athletes manage niggles, ease tight muscles, and ensure they arrive at the start line in the best possible condition. Whether it’ s pre-race maintenance, advice on recovery strategies or treatment for minor issues picked up during training, runners can access professional care in a calm, supportive environment.
14 CASTLE LITE BEER GARDEN
Visitors to the Expo can unwind at the Castle Lite Beer Garden, located in the North Plaza just outside the expo hall. This relaxed outdoor space offers a comfortable place to sit down with chilled refreshment options, to socialise and take a break between race pack collection, expo activations, and final preparations. With its open-air setting and easy access from the main expo flow, it has become a popular meeting point throughout the weekend.
15 iToo SHOE DROP
Runners are encouraged to support the iToo Shoe Drop, a simple but impactful initiative that turns unwanted shoes into opportunity. While collecting your race pack or visiting the Expo, take a moment to go past the shoe drop collection area, where any new or gently used running shoes you no longer need can make a real difference to someone else’ s running journey.
Runners will be issued a tog bag voucher when they drop of their bags, which must be presented in order to collect your bag after the race. Important: No voucher, no collection.
The Biddulphs Removals Tog Bag Service will transport all deposited bags to the finish venue, where they can be collected in the Runner Chill Zone just after the finish line. The collection point will be on your right as you make your way towards the exit of the Runner Chill Zone.
Please note: While all reasonable efforts will be made to protect your personal property, neither the CMA, Biddulphs Removals nor any of their respective staff, Board Members, representatives, sponsors, partners or volunteers will accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred by a participant subsequent to their delivery of a tog bag to the Tog Bag Service. Please do not leave any valuables in your bags.
17 RUNNER BUS TICKETS
Getting to and from the start and finish of the Comrades Marathon is made easier with the official Runner Bus service, which provides convenient transport for athletes travelling between Durban and Pietermaritzburg on race day. Runners are invited to use the official Santaco Shuttle Bus Service before the race to get from Pietermaritzburg to the Start in Durban, and / or after the race, to get from the Finish in Pietermaritzburg back to Durban. This helps runners avoid logistical stress, so they can focus fully on their race preparation and the run itself.
Where to buy tickets: At the Runner Bus ticket stand, located towards the exit of the Expo venue. Ticket Cost: R190 per ticket Please note: Tickets are not sold at the start or finish on race day.
Please note that tickets will need to be presented before you can climb aboard one of the buses, so make sure you have it with you before leaving for the race venue.
Getting to the Start: The Santaco Shuttle Bus Service from Pietermaritzburg to Durban will leave from Longmarket Girls’ School in Boshoff Street – use the football field access gate on Boshoff Street. The shuttle buses will be lined up on Boshoff Street, between Woodhouse Road and Bulwer Road. They will depart when full, with the first bus leaving at 01h00, and the last bus is scheduled to leave at 02h30. The buses cannot wait for latecomers, so make sure your alarm is set!
Getting From the Finish: Return buses to Durban will depart from the grassed area adjacent to Woodhouse Road, located to the left of the Runner Chill Zone exit. This service will operate between 10h00 and 20h00 on race day. Passengers will be dropped off outside the Durban Exhibition Centre on Walnut Road.
The iToo Shoe Drop is located at the expo near the Novice Hospitality Area and alongside the name signing wall. Just drop your shoes off on your way through.
16 TOG BAG DROP-OFF
Runners are reminded that a convenient and complimentary tog bag drop-off service will be available at both registration venues, operated by Biddulphs Removals, ensuring athletes can hand over their race-day belongings before collecting their race packs. At Durban Race Pack Collection, the Biddulphs truck will be stationed outside the Expo hall, near the Centrum Parking Bridge, and will be clearly signposted for easy access.
All that’ s left to say is enjoy the Expo experience as you get yourself physically, mentally and logistically prepared to tackle the 2026 Comrades Marathon!
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