Comrades Marathon

Race completed

87 km Distance

1,700 m Climbing

6.9 Grit · Hardcore

What the course asks

Climbing rate 20 m / km Rolling. Moderate undulations. Requires consistent effort across varying grades.

Time limit 12 hours 8:17 min/km average. Comfortable. Room to walk the climbs and stop at aid. Among the tightest 50 mi cut-offs we track. Measured against 455 races of the same distance. Cut-off calculator →

Field size ~18,282 Very large. Congested start, busy aid stations.

DUV results for the 2026 edition (86km) — finishers only. Starters are not published, so the field was at least this big and no finish rate can be given.

The Aid Station

Course-specific beta from the community

⛰️ terrain

This is a rolling course. Expect fast, runnable sections where rhythm is key.

By UltraHub Expert

👟 gear

With road terrain, choose a shoe with moderate cushioning for optimal performance.

By UltraHub Expert

Gear for this race

Chosen for 87 km of road with 1,700 m of ascent.

Trail Running Shoes20 m of climb per kilometre — grip and rock protection before cushioning.
Race Nutrition87 km of self-supported fuelling between aid stations.
Hydration VestsPole attachment and chest-strap stability on steep ground.
Trekking Poles1,700 m of ascent to walk up.
HeadlampsA 12 h limit puts you out there after dark.

Salomon