Organisers of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) today announced a new start plan and course cut-off system for the 2026 Up Run. 

“The changes follow extensive operational analysis, safety and medical assessments, technical reviews, as well as a detailed review of runner feedback following the successful implementation of a two-group start model in 2025,” organisers said. ‘The enhancements for 2026 form part of the CMA’s ongoing commitment to continuously improving operational delivery, runner safety, medical accessibility on the route, and the overall runner experience, while preserving the traditions and spirit that make the Comrades Marathon one of the world’s most iconic sporting events.”

In the 2025 edition of the race, two starting groups set off at 5.45am and 6am. In the 2026, the revised official start times for the 2026 Comrades Marathon will be:

• Group 1: 05h00
• Group 2: 05h15
• Group 3: 05h30

“A key consideration in the introduction of the earlier start time was the opportunity to maximise daylight running conditions for participants,” explained CMA Race Director Sue Forge. “Unlike the Down Run, the earlier sections of the Up Run are generally well lit, allowing the race to safely commence earlier with staggered starts while the field remains at its most congested. This approach significantly enhances runner safety and comfort, as well as medical accessibility, during the early stages of the race, when participant density is highest.

A key consideration in the introduction of the earlier start time was the opportunity to maximise daylight running conditions for participants.

“The earlier start time will also enable a greater number of runners to reach the latter stages of the race, including the demanding Polly Shortts climb and the final approach into Pietermaritzburg, during daylight hours, further improving visibility, safety and the overall runner experience.”

All runners will still get the full 12 hours to complete the race, with each group’s official race time commencing at the firing of the start gun for that specific group. Starting in an earlier group will therefore not provide additional time to complete the race. All finishing times will be verified post-finish, with medal eligibility confirmed at the medal tent.

Three Starts
Building on the operational success of the two-group start introduced in 2025, the CMA has expanded the model to three controlled starts for 2026. Forge says: “The 2025 two-group start model delivered meaningful improvements in congestion management, route flow and emergency access. Feedback from runners, medical teams, safety officials and technical experts confirmed that the staggered start approach materially improved both operational delivery and the runner experience.”

Overall, the CMA said they believed the three-group start format will deliver several key benefits, including:

• Reduced congestion and crowd pressure at the start.
• Improved runner flow across the route.
• Better access for medical, emergency and safety vehicles.
• Enhanced safety at traditionally congested sections of the course.
• Improved service flow through refreshment stations.
• Reduced pressure on runners to recover lost time after crossing the start line.
• More open road running and improved pacing opportunities.
• Improved spectator visibility and engagement.
• A more comfortable and enjoyable race experience for runners across all pacing groups.
• Improved finish-line flow and overall operational efficiency.

“With a confirmed field of 21 633 qualified runners this year, the revised format is designed to significantly improve athlete flow from the start precinct through the narrowest sections of the route and into the finish precinct in Pietermaritzburg,” says Forge. “It will allow runners greater freedom of movement from the outset, while also reducing pressure points traditionally experienced during the early stages of the race.”

The staggered start system also allows the CMA to retain the race’s long-standing “gun-to-mat” principle, ensuring that each group competes within its own official 12-hour race window. Importantly, the traditional and iconic elements of the Comrades Marathon start experience will remain part of the race morning programme, including the singing of the National Anthem and Shosholoza, and the playing of Chariots of Fire and Max Trimborn’s famous cock-crow. Group 1 runners will experience the full traditional start programme, while Groups 2 and 3 will enjoy a shortened yet equally inspirational version ahead of their respective starts.

“While we continue to evolve operationally, protecting the traditions and spirit of Comrades remains incredibly important to us,” says Forge. “Every runner will still experience the emotion, atmosphere and iconic build-up that makes the Comrades Marathon so special.”

Enhanced Cut-Off  System
The 2026 race will also introduce an enhanced ‘traffic-light’ cut-off system at the on-route intermediate cut-off points, designed to provide runners with clearer pacing guidance throughout the race, while supporting safer route management and more efficient operational deployment. All cut-offs will be based on the final start group departing at 5.30am.

As runners approach a cut-off point, they will be provided with a simple colour-based pacing guidance warning system:

• Green Zone – GO: Runners reaching a cut-off point within the green zone remain comfortably within the required pacing strategy needed to complete the race within the official 12-hour limit.
• Amber Zone – WARNING: Runners entering the amber zone are approaching the final reasonable pacing threshold. While they may continue, they must maintain or improve their pace to reach the next cut-off point or finish within the allotted time. Rescue bus officials may advise runners who are unlikely to sustain the required pace to board official rescue vehicles.
• Red Zone – CUT-OFF: Runners arriving at a cut-off point in the red zone will not be permitted to continue and will be required to board official rescue buses.

Forge says this new system is intended to give runners clearer and more practical information throughout the day while supporting the operational realities of managing the race across an extensive route network.

“Cut-offs are an essential operational and safety requirement that enable the controlled reopening of public roads, while also ensuring that medical, safety and logistical teams can operate effectively throughout the event,” she explains.

“The ‘traffic-light’ system is designed to help runners better understand their pacing position during the race and make informed decisions before reaching critical cut-off points. It also allows officials to identify runners who are unlikely to safely reach the next cut-off or the finish within the official time limit.”

Cut-Off Schedule
The CMA has encouraged all runners to carefully study the official 2026 cut-off schedule and pacing guidelines ahead of race day. The published pacing schedule reflects the estimated pace required for runners starting in Group 3 at 5.30am to reach the finish shortly before the final 12-hour cut-off at 5.30am. Runners aiming for a more comfortable finish are encouraged to maintain a pace faster than the published guideline.

“It is important for runners to understand that cut-off times are operational requirements and not pacing targets,” says Forge. “Proper pacing strategy remains one of the most important factors in achieving a successful Comrades finish."

This year's race will be the shortest in the races history at 85.777km

For more info check out comrades.com

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