By Adnaan Mohamed
The battle to secure a place at the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon proved as demanding as the race itself, with the newly introduced ballot system placed under immediate pressure by overwhelming demand.
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. The race had already sold out its full quota in a single day in (under 10 hours) on 3 November 2025, underlining the enduring appeal of the ultra-marathon.
A total of 4 832 runners applied for 2 444 substitution entries, which became available after withdrawals between 16 and 30 March. Those entries were funnelled into a draw, replacing the previous first-come system that had long drawn criticism.
Comrades Marathon Association race director Sue Forge (pictured above) said the shift to a ballot was necessary to create a more equitable process.
“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,” Forge said.
“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.”
Forge said the ballot system ensured that every applicant had an equal opportunity.
“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.”
Despite the revised approach, the imbalance between supply and demand remained stark.
“Unfortunately, with 4 832 applicants competing for 2 444 entries, some runners were inevitably left disappointed,” she said.
The substitution process unfolded in phases, with the application window closing on 2 April before the ballot draw was conducted. Successful applicants were notified via email, with entry fees automatically debited in scheduled cycles.
Entries linked to failed payments were returned to the pool and redrawn, with the process repeated multiple times to ensure all available slots were filled. Organisers also contacted runners directly where necessary.
“Our entries office went the extra mile throughout these processes,” Forge said.
“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.”
Forge acknowledged the disappointment among those who missed out and encouraged them to look ahead to next year’s milestone event.
“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,” she said.
“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 the field now finalised, attention turns to compliance requirements ahead of race day on 14 June.
Runners must submit qualifying details, complete the compulsory medical questionnaire and update their profiles by 4 May or risk disqualification.
“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,” Forge said.
“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.”
