The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced a record-breaking qualification rate for the 2026 edition of the Ultimate Human Race, with 95.37% of entrants successfully confirming their qualifying status ahead of race day on Sunday 14 June. The event will mark the 99th running of the iconic ultra-marathon and the 50th official Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

Demand reached unprecedented levels, with all 22 000 entries selling out in under 10 hours…

Demand for the 2026 Comrades Marathon reached unprecedented levels, with all 22 000 entries selling out in under 10 hours after entries opened in November 2025. Following the substitution process held between March and April this year, 2 444 runners secured entries through runners withdrawing.

With the 4 May deadline now passed for runners to submit qualifying times, update their profiles, and complete the compulsory medical and transport questionnaires, the CMA has confirmed that 21 633 entrants have successfully qualified for the 2026 race.

The figure represents the highest qualification percentage recorded in more than a decade, rising to 95.37% from last year’s 93.96%. It also continues a recent trend of increasing numbers of entrants successfully meeting the qualification requirements for the Ultimate Human Race.

“We are thrilled by the exceptionally high percentage of successfully qualified runners for this year’s event. Our Entries Office team worked tirelessly in the lead-up to the 4 May deadline, providing ongoing communication, support and guidance to assist runners in completing all the requirements within the stipulated timelines,” says race director Sue Forge.

“Our objective throughout the process was to ensure that runners who had secured an entry were able to confirm their place on the start line. Achieving one of the highest qualification success rates in the recent history of the race is a reflection not only of the dedication and commitment of our Comrades Marathon staff, but also of the positive response and cooperation shown by the runners throughout the process.”

Forge added that the CMA team has been particularly encouraged by the way runners embraced the additional requirements introduced as part of this year’s entry process, especially the completion of the medical and transport questionnaires.

“This information is critical, as it ensures that our race-day medical teams have access to the correct medical details for each runner in an emergency, while also enabling more effective planning and coordination of transport and operational logistics. These are significant advancements for the event, and we extend our sincere appreciation to all runners for their cooperation, commitment and enthusiasm in helping us strengthen the overall race experience and safety measures for 2026.”

SOME DISAPPOINTMENT FOLLOWING ENTRY CLOSURE

Unfortunately, due to the exceptionally high demand for entries, some runners missed out on an entry this year, and there were a few complaints about the introduction of the ballot system. “The CMA continuously updated runners on all official entry processes and opportunities to secure an entry for the 2026 event. The ballot system was explained in all of our communications, and the substitution ballot process was clearly communicated as the final opportunity to obtain an entry,” says Forge.

“All entrants were required to meet the official qualifying criteria and complete their profiles, including medical and transport information, by the published deadline of 16h30 on 4 May 2026. These deadlines and requirements were communicated extensively throughout the entry process, and any runner who did not complete their entry profile unfortunately forfeited their entry, in accordance with the published race rules and entry conditions.”

Forge added that entries for the 2026 race are now officially closed, with no additional entry or substitution opportunities available. “The CMA will not be reopening entries, reallocating entries between runners, or accommodating requests outside of the official processes. The event’s safety planning, medical preparedness, route management, transport logistics and overall race operations are all structured around strict operational timelines.”

“We appreciate and acknowledge the disappointment felt by runners who were unable to secure an entry, particularly given the deep passion and commitment that so many runners have for the Comrades Marathon. We hope that those runners will return and try again in 2027, as we celebrate the historic centenary edition of this extraordinary race. We would also like to reassure all aspiring entrants that participation in the 2026 event will not influence eligibility or participation opportunities for 2027, ensuring that every runner will once again have an equal opportunity to be part of the landmark 100th edition.”

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