The Comrades 2027 Marathon will not only celebrate the centenary of this event but will also be the largest edition in history, as the finish line will be located at the Kings Park sports complex.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced several changes designed to make the centennial edition a significant event for both runners and spectators. The Down Run 2027 is scheduled for Sunday, June 13th, starting at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and finishing at the Kings Park sports complex in Durban. The participant limit has been increased to a record 28,000 people.
The prize fund will amount to a record R8,919,100, which is 9% more than in 2026; winners of the men's and women's races will each receive R1 million. Prize money will be paid to the top 10 in both races, and the first South African participant will receive R266,200. Awards will also be introduced for the youngest and oldest finisher, as well as for the first-time newcomer.
New Finish in Kings Park
The most significant change concerns the finish area in Durban, which will move to the Kings Park sports complex. The route is expected to be approximately 91 km, although the official distance will be confirmed after measurements following roadworks on some sections. Compared to the Down Run 2025, which was 89.98 km long, the new finish will provide significantly more space for the marathon village and operational activities, including medical care, recovery, hospitality, transport, and post-race amenities.
The marathon maintains a time limit of 12 hours, and intermediate checkpoints will be announced later.
Record Number of Participants
The increase in applications to 28,000 will make 2027 the largest year for Comrades. The previous Down Run record was set in 2025 with 24,172 runners, while the Up Run record stands at 24,636 since 2019. Furthermore, this race will mark the 50th anniversary of the Down Run, adding another milestone to the centenary edition.
Four Registration Windows and Lottery System
Registration opens on Tuesday, August 25th, and includes four stages. Race Director Forge noted that due to the rapid sell-out of spots last year, a lottery system has been introduced for 2027, through which over 52% of available spots will be allocated. The first window will open at 10 am on August 25th for athletes with Green and Yellow numbers; this is a 'first come, first served' system, and it will close at 4:30 pm on August 31st or earlier if the limit is reached.
The second window will open at 10 am on September 2nd exclusively for CMA members and will last for 72 hours or until the limit is reached. General applications will begin to be accepted at 10 am on September 9th via the lottery system. Applications will close at 4:30 pm on September 22nd, and the draw will take place on September 23rd, with participants notified the same day. All registrations are conducted online only through the Comrades website or app.
Qualification Requirements Remain
Even when applying, the qualification requirement remains in effect. Runners must complete a 42.2 km marathon in under five hours between June 15, 2026, and May 3, 2027. The participation fee will not change compared to the last increase in 2022: it is R1,200 for South African runners, R2,000 for the rest of Africa, and R4,500 for international participants. Runners who have completed 25 or more Comrades races are exempt from paying the registration fee.
A partial payment option is available: a runner can pay 50% upon registration and pay the remaining amount by January 31, 2027. The Comrades Runners’ Relief Fund will support up to 1,500 unemployed or low-income South African runners whose income does not exceed R30,000 per year, offering discounts of up to 50%.
Selection and Phased Start
Forge acknowledged the successful implementation of the runner selection and phased start system this year, which will play a crucial role again in improving runner flow and safety in the next Down Run. She emphasized that this measure allowed runners to run at their own pace, without being forced to follow much faster participants, to have the opportunity to reach feeding stations, and to take breaks and enjoy the race without feeling pressured by the crowd.
Running for a Cause
CMA will release 1,000 charity places for Amabeadibeadi at 10 am on August 25th to raise R10 million. Participants pay the basic fee plus an additional R10,000 donation for charity. This initiative is open to South African, African, and international participants and will end once the limit of 1,000 places is reached. Funds will go to help eight charitable organizations. There is also a Race4Charity program available to everyone without a fundraising limit; those who raise R6,000 or more will receive an exclusive Race4Charity starter pack.
The central campaign for the centenary runs under the slogan 'The Greatest Story Ever Run', commemorating the race first held in 1921, and invites 2027 participants to be part of its next chapter. With a record number of participants, a new finish, unchanged fees, the lottery system, and a prize fund of R8.9 million, Comrades 2027 promises to be a unique edition.