Comrades Marathon

Comrades Marathon Countdown

66

Days

04

Hrs

12

Min

20

Sec

Next Race

June 14, 2026

67

days to go

The Comrades Marathon is the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon, running between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. The route alternates direction annually — the "up run" goes inland to Pietermaritzburg and the "down run" heads to the coast at Durban. It is a national institution in South Africa.

ITRA 3 Endurance Points

Est.

1921

Distance

89.6km / 55.7mi

Course

Point-to-point

Surface

Road

Elev. Gain

1700m

Elev. Loss

850m

Field Size

~15,000

When

June

Time Limit

12h

THE COURSE

Gain

+1700m

Loss

-850m

MI 0

KM 0

Pietermaritzburg Start (Up Run)

On up-run years, the race starts at Durban City Hall and finishes in Pietermaritzburg. On down-run years, the direction reverses. The start of any Comrades is a deeply emotional experience for 15,000+ runners.

ELEV: 2067ft

MI 8

KM 13

Cowies Hill

The first significant hill challenges runners early. The residential neighborhood provides incredible crowd support, with music, food, and water handed out by locals.

ELEV: 1900ft

MI 22

KM 35

The Big Five Hills

Fields Hill, Botha's Hill, Inchanga, Cato Ridge, and Polly Shortts — the five brutal climbs that define the Comrades up run. Each one progressively tests the legs.

ELEV: 2300ft

MI 42

KM 68

Drummond

By Drummond, the cut-off times begin to bite. Runners still fighting for a sub-12-hour finish must maintain discipline. The community support in this stretch is legendary.

ELEV: 2500ft

MI 55.7

KM 89.6

Pietermaritzburg Finish (Up Run)

The finish at Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg (up run). Runners who complete Comrades 10 times earn a permanent green number and "Green Number" status — the highest honor.

ELEV: 2067ft