The road to the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon has already demanded endurance long before race day, with hopeful runners forced into a sprint for limited opportunity through a newly introduced ballot system.
The 2026 Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg (Approximately 87 km – 89 km) which takes place on Sunday, 14 June 2026 is capped at 22 000 entries. This was sold out in record time (under 10 hours) on 3 November 2025.
A total of 4 832 applicants chased 2 444 substitution entries, turning the process into a race within a race. These slots emerged from withdrawals logged between March 16 and 30, all funnelled into a draw that replaced the previous first-come method. Like a tightly packed starting batch surging for daylight, demand quickly outpaced supply.
Entrant Statistics for Sold Out 2026 Comrades Marathon
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa: With general entries having closed for the 2026 Comrades Marathon in less than one day – a new record for the event – the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) can now share some of the… pic.twitter.com/YpV77vwKoB
— ComradesRace (@ComradesRace) November 6, 2025
Comrades Marathon Association race director Sue Forge acknowledged the emotional terrain while defending the shift in approach.
“In previous years, substitutions operated on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning a runner’s chance of securing an entry depended largely on being the quickest to log in,” she said in a statement.
Forge described the old system as uneven footing.
“This system was not fair, as many runners have limited or inconsistent access to the Comrades Marathon website or app, and payment processing difficulties also placed some runners at a disadvantage.”
The new ballot, she explained, was designed to level the playing field.
“This year we introduced a ballot system in which all available entries were placed into a draw, giving applicants an opportunity to secure one of the available entries.”
The substitution ballot entry period for the 2026 Comrades Marathon saw 2,444 runners secure a substitution entry. Photo Credit: Comrades Marathon Association
Still, the numbers told their own story.
“Unfortunately, with 4 832 applicants competing for 2 444 entries, some runners were inevitably left disappointed,” Forge said, capturing the sting felt by those who fell short at the line.
Behind the scenes, the process unfolded in multiple waves. After the application window closed on April 2, successful runners were notified, with entry fees automatically debited.
Failed payments triggered further attempts, with unclaimed entries looping back into the ballot pool like runners rejoining the pack after a stumble.
“Our entries office went the extra mile throughout these processes,” Forge said.
“In addition to conducting three rounds of ballot draws and payment processing, staff personally contacted runners who had not responded to emails or whose payments had failed.”
“Our goal was to ensure that all available entries were allocated, and that every runner seeking an entry had a fair opportunity of getting into the 2026 race.”
For those left behind, the road does not end. Forge extended a forward-looking message.
“We acknowledge that some runners remain very disappointed after missing out, and we sincerely hope they will try again in 2027, when we celebrate the centenary edition of this incredible race.”
“Importantly, all runners wishing to be part of the 100th edition next year will once again have a fair chance of securing an entry. Participation in the 2026 race will not influence eligibility or selection in the 2027 process.”
With entries now locked, attention shifts to preparation. Runners must finalise qualifying details and medical information by May 4. Missing that deadline could see their place vanish like energy in the final stretch of a marathon climb.
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Forge also shared a note of gratitude to the running community.
“The entry process is now officially closed and the CMA will not be undertaking any further entry processes or ballot draws after the May 4 deadline.”
“Finally, I would like to thank all runners for their passion, enthusiasm, and ongoing support of the Comrades Marathon. Your commitment to the race continues to inspire us and remains at the heart of everything we do.”
As June 14 approaches, the field is set. For those on the start line, the journey continues. For others, the wait begins for another shot at one of the world’s most iconic ultras.
