Comrades Marathon

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Sports & AdventureDurban/Pietermaritzburg
DatesDates TBA · Usually JuneCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
CrowdSmallAbout 25,000 people
Best forCompetition, enduranceFew races anywhere carry the cultural weight
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: ZAR
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Comrades Marathon in Durban/Pietermaritzburg

The Comrades Marathon is the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon, run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal since 1921. Roughly 90 km long, the direction alternates yearly between the up run from Durban and the down run from Pietermaritzburg, held each May or June and drawing tens of thousands of entrants.

The Comrades Marathon was founded in 1921 by Vic Clapham, a World War I veteran who wanted to commemorate South African soldiers who had marched long distances during the East Africa campaign.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Few races anywhere carry the cultural weight of Comrades: since the 1980s more than 10,000 runners have crossed the finish line within the strict 11 or 12-hour cutoff in all but three editions, a scale unmatched by any other ultramarathon

02

The mystery stays covered

The alternating up and down routes each test runners differently, with the down run from Pietermaritzburg's 655 metre elevation dropping to sea level in Durban, and the up run reversing that climb

03

The city starts moving

Landmark climbs including Polly Shortts, Inchanga and Cowies Hill have entered South African sporting folklore, memorialised in Bruce Fordyce's spoken-word description of the race's final approach to the finish

04

The water draws everyone in

Finishers are awarded medals by time bracket, from gold for the fastest through to the Vic Clapham medal for those finishing just inside the cutoff

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Runners who complete ten Comrades finishes earn a permanent green number

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a status revered within South African running culture

The sacred route

Living ritual

while the race's spoken-word finish-line poem by Bruce Fordyce and the traditional Chariots of Fire pre-dawn start are fixed rituals repeated every year regardless of direction

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually June

Getting around

Getting to Comrades Marathon works best when arrival and return routes are decided before the busiest part of the day.

What to wear

Technical running kit for a course that runs through KwaZulu-Natal's Midlands, where morning starts can be cool and later stages hot; many runners carry buffs or caps against sun exposure...

Safety

Comrades Marathon is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

Stay near workable transport in Durban/Pietermaritzburg, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

ZAR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map29.86 S, 30.98 EOpen in Google Maps

Durban/Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Nearest airportDUR — King Shaka
TransportGetting to Comrades Marathon works best when arrival and return routes are decided before the busiest part of the day.
Stay areaStay near workable transport in Durban/Pietermaritzburg, especially if the event runs late or streets close.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Durban/Pietermaritzburg via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Durban/Pietermaritzburg, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for June.Compare faresFestival gearTechnical running kit for a course that runs through KwaZulu-Natal's Midlands, where morning starts can be cool and later stages hot; many runners carry buffs or caps against sun exposure over the many hours the race takes to complete.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for South Africa and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Comrades Marathon?

Comrades Marathon is listed for Past edition: 14 June 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Comrades Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Durban/Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Durban/Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

How big is it?

Small: 25000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLcomrades.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually June
Source statusOfficial source linked
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