No Doubt – Nakanjani
“There is absolutely no doubt that the 2024 Comrades Marathon is going to be one of the most exhilarating editions of the world-famous ultramarathon as we host an Up Run again after nearly five years,” said Comrades Marathon Association Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo at the launch of the 97th Comrades at Comrades House today (Tuesday, 7 November 2023).
Ngcobo also unveiled next year’s campaign slogan, ‘No Doubt – Nakanjani’, an inference to the Comrades athlete’s firm belief in the power, stature and attraction of the world’s biggest, oldest and most loved ultramarathon.
The launch was attended by members of the media, dignitaries, sporting personalities, CMA sponsors, stakeholders, reigning champ, Tete Dijana, former winners and other elite athletes.
Ngcobo said, “The slogan speaks to the legacy of this larger-than-life event, lauded by athletes around the globe as the ultimate road-running challenge and the world’s greatest footrace.
”The Comrades Marathon has contributed in so many meaningful ways to changing lives, adding purpose and enhancing the social landscape of our beautiful country.”
The 97th Comrades Marathon will be an Up Run on Sunday, 9 June 2024, starting at the Durban City Hall at 05h30 and finishing 12 hours later at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse.
As with previous Up Runs, the race distance will be approximately 87km. This will be the 49thComrades Up Run.
The entry period opens at 10amon Tuesday, 21 November and will close at 16h30 on 11 December 2023 or once the entry cap of 23,000 has been reached, whichever comes first.
Entry fees remain the same as that of the 2023 Race and are as follows:
| Entry Type | Entry fee |
| South Africa 2024 Entrants | R1 200 |
| Rest of Africa 2024 Entrants | R2 000 |
| International 2024 Entrants | R4 500 |
Entry fee is waived for holders of 25 or more Comrades medals.
- Online entries can be done via the Comrades Marathon website: www.comrades.com.
New CMA Race and Operations Manager, Ann Ashworth says they are looking forward to pulling out all the stops in ensuring a memorable race day in 2024.
Qualification for the 2024 Comrades Marathon will be applicable from 1 September 2023 till 2 May 2024.
“The qualifying criteria for next year’s Comrades Marathon remain unchanged, requiring completion of a standard, officially timed 42.2km marathon in under 4 hours and 50 minutes, or a 56km ultra-marathon in under 6 hours and 45 minutes.”
The substitution process will run over the month of March and April 2024. More details will be revealed closer to the time.
Ashworth also confirmed that prize money for the 2024 Comrades Marathon has been increased by 10% for the Top Ten, meaning that the winner in both the Men’s and Women’s races will take home a cool R550,000 with a total prize purse of over R4,6million, which includes a cash payment of R550,000 should the winners break the Best Time previously recorded for the Up Run in both the Men’s and Women’s races.
The CMA has also introduced a 70+ prize category for the First Man and Woman over the age of 70 years to cross the finish line.
Additionally, in conjunction with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the race will incentivise the Second and Third Men and Women home with a cash prize. This was previously reserved for only the First KZN Man and Woman.
