LONG ROAD TO MARITZBURG
THE ROUTE
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. It’ s time to make your final race plans!
Images: Comrades Marathon Association
1 THE ROUTE
The official race route for the 2026 Comrades Marathon appears on the next pages of this magazine, with the official distance being 85.777km. The race route will be closed to all non-accredited vehicles, bicycles and other individual transport, and no driving, cycling or parking will be permitted along the route. Certain access roads will also be closed to the public as these roads serve as dedicated emergency vehicle escape routes.
Please note: Illegally parked vehicles on or near the route will be fined, and may also be towed. This is especially relevant to spectators and supporters who plan to follow their runners on race day.
2 COURSE MARKING
The race route will be marked using barriers, traffic cones, delineators and other official signage. Participants are responsible for recognising, understanding and complying with all route markings, signage and race-related instructions throughout the event. Prominent yellow boards with the even logo are also attached to lampposts and road signs wherever possible to mark the course.
3 MARSHALS AND RACE OFFICIALS
Marshals and race officials will be positioned throughout the route to assist participants, support safety measures, and ensure the smooth running of the race. All participants must comply with the instructions of race referees, marshals and race officials at all times.
4 REFRESHMENT STATIONS
There will be 49 well-stocked refreshment stations positioned along the course, manned by some 5000 volunteers from sponsoring companies, service organisations and NGO’ s, to look after the hydration and energy needs of the runners. The products available at all stations will be water sachets, Thirsti Sport energy drinks, and Coca-Cola carbonated beverages. Selected refreshment stations will also stock a range of potatoes, orange segments, bananas, 32Gi nutritional supplements and Orange Grove Amahewu, as well as other snacks.
Collectively, the 49 refreshment stations will stock the following:
• 2.2 million sachets of Thirsti Water
• 612,000 sachets of Thirsti Sport energy drink
• 4000 + cases of Coca-Cola, Fanta and Crème Soda
• 700 + boxes of bananas
• 900 + pockets of oranges
• 2 tonnes of baby potatoes
• 45,000 250ml cartons of Asemzanzi Amahewu
• 440kg of energy biscuits
• 1200kg Salticrax
• 1100kg Chocolates
• 80,000 + sachets of various 32Gi products
• Arnica Ice & Arnica Spray
• Vaseline
• Water troughs
• 43 tonnes of Thirsti sponsored ice
• 3000 + cardboard bins
• 3500 bin bags
Please Note: There will be dedicated Elite Athlete Hydration Stations from which seeded Elite Athletes may collect their own pre-mixed bottles and race nutrition. This service will only be available to seeded Elite Athletes. Any participant found removing or interfering with bottles or nutrition belonging to an Elite Athlete will face penalties and exclusion from future Comrades Marathon events.
5 PERSONAL SECONDING
Supporters may provide refreshments or supplies to non-elite participants from a stationary position alongside the route, provided this is done safely and without obstructing other runners, officials, medical personnel or race operations.
For the safety of all participants, supporters and seconds are strictly prohibited from parking on freeways, restricted roads or unsafe areas along the route to access runners. The race route will remain closed to all non-accredited vehicles for the duration of the event. No supporter or second may drive, cycle or run alongside a participant on the course or within 100 metres of a refreshment station.
6 PHYSICAL ASSISTANCE
Participants must be able to move forward under their own power. In accordance with World Athletics Rule TR6.3.6, and for medical safety reasons, any participant being carried or physically supported on the route and or across the finish line will be stopped and referred for medical attention and all involved will be subjected to disciplinary procedures.
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