REGISTRATION
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.
1 RACE NUMBERS 3 AGE CATEGORIES
You will be issued with two Comrades Marathon 2026 race numbers, which must both be worn at all times during the race, without any alterations, clearly displayed on the front and back of your running vest, T-shirt, or crop top. Race numbers may not be attached to your running shorts. If you are using a hydration pack, please ensure your back number( if the hydration pack is worn on the back) or front number( if hydration pack is worn on the front) is securely pinned to the pack so that it remains visible at all times.
Your timing chip will be attached to your race numbers, and may not be crumpled, bent, defaced, or modified in any way.
Start Group Identification: The race numbers will be printed in three different colours:
• Group 1 – Identified by a purple block with the number 1 printed in it.
• Group 2 – Identified by an orange block with the number 2 printed in it.
• Group 3 – Identified by a blue block with the number 3 printed in it.
Seeding Identification: Your seeding batch is reflected by the alphabetical letter preceding the numerical digits on your race number. You must enter and start the race from within the Seeding Batch to which you have been allocated. You are not permitted to start the race from in a higher seeding batch to which you have been allocated.
No Transfer Permitted: Race numbers may not be transferred, reproduced or replicated. Any runner found in violation of this rule will be disqualified from the 2026 race and will face a ban of at least two years. This rule is in place as an important safety measure and is essential for your protection.
2 LICENSE NUMBERS
South African participants: Licensed athletes are not required to wear their provincial or ASA license numbers, as special Comrades Marathon race numbers will be issued. If your ASA provincial license number is stitched / permanently attached to your running vest, kindly ensure that it is fully covered by your Comrades Marathon race number.
As your age category will be pre-printed onto your race number / bib, it will not be necessary for you to wear ASA-approved cloth age category tags. Unless you requested in writing to the CMA, before the deadline in May, to change your age category to a lower age category, you will be entered into the age category of your chronological age.
A participant will not be eligible for a prize in more than one age category for individual or team prizes, but can win a top 10 position prize in the open category as well as an age category prize. Participants who win age category prizes must provide positive identification to verify proof of age.
4 RACE APPAREL
In terms of race outfits and clothing worn during the race, all participants must comply with ASA Rules 3 and 24, which govern advertising and displays during competitions. Where race apparel includes the branding of a technical sponsor( shoe or apparel brand), the maximum permitted height of the logo is 5cm, and the maximum permitted area of the branding is 40cm2. This rule applies to both South African and International participants.
South African participants: You are strongly encouraged to wear your official club colours, as registered with your provincial federation. If you choose not to wear your official club kit, kindly ensure that your race apparel is free of any corporate( non-club) branding.
Other rules regarding apparel will apply throughout the duration of the race
• Non-elite participants may take part in the race wearing apparel bearing the Comrades Marathon logo.
• Participants are prohibited from wearing apparel that is transparent, revealing or explicit in nature.
Note: under ASA Rules, the display of tobacco, alcohol, political slogans and statements in any form by participants is strictly prohibited throughout the event.
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