Comrades Marathon

Tips and MTT first-hand experience!

Comrades Ultra Marathon is known in South Africa and amongst the running community simply as Comrades and is the world’s largest and oldest ultra marathon. Unsure if you could handle it? Read a first-hand experience of what it’s like to run the Comrades Ultra Marathon from our MTT Head of Product Marie Howarth.

See below for some more tips and info;

23 lessons from a first time finisher to help you conquer the UP RUN – watch a video from returning Comrade, YouTuber ManVMiles (UP RUN 2024)

What it’s like running your first UP RUN – watch a video from returning Comrade, YouTuber ManVMiles (UP RUN 2024)

Comrades Marathon 2026 Promo Video

Comrades Marathon 2025 Promo Video

What it’s like to run your first Comrades – watch a video watch from a 2023 Comrade, YouTuber ManVMiles (DOWN RUN 2023)

COMRADES MARATHON WITH MARATHON TOURS & TRAVEL (MTT) FAQ

Can children join our tours?

Children will love the sun, sea and South African experience. Small children might find the tours and race day itself a little restricting and tiring and we would want the runners to arrive at the start line as relaxed as possible. However there is plenty to see and do for children. Please contact us for availability of rooms and more details. – Please note some extensions are only available to children aged 6 years and above.

What category of rooms do we offer?

In Durban you can choose standard or superior rooms.

Why is the accommodation in Durban and not one of the outlying suburbs?

In addition to quality accommodation with exhilarating sea views, Durban is the place to stay leading up to the Comrades Marathon! Home of the Expo and where you can experience the pre-race excitement as throngs of runners fill the city each year and bring the gees (vibe).

Why don’t you offer accommodation in Pietermaritzburg, the night before the Down Run?

From experience we have found it is easier and more economical to stay in Durban and not move hotels mid trip. No matter where you stay it’s an early start. Our intention, which worked incredibly well 2 years ago will mean that all runners avoid the stress of traffic and road closures. Our clients can sleep onboard if they wish and stay with the coach, in the warm, with toilet facilities until they need to join the race!

Are the airport transfers organised to suit specific arrival and destination times of our flights?

Yes, once we have your flight details, we will be able to schedule airport transfers according to those times. If there are many guests on the same flights this may mean sharing a transfer with others, though the times will be made to suit your travel plans.

What is the earliest room check in time at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

2:00 PM

What is the latest check out time at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

11:00 AM

Will breakfast be available on race day?

Yes, a grab & go style breakfast will be available on race day. Times will be confirmed on the final instructions.

What will the massages cost?

2026 rates are not available yet but for 2024 the costs were;

ZAR 600 for 60 minutes massage

ZAR 400 for 30 minutes compression boots

Bookable and payable directly (cash) – details and appointments will be sent with final instructions.

What can I expect from the sightseeing tour?

After breakfast, depart the hotel at 9.00am for a half-day sightseeing tour of Durban and the beachfront area. Tentative stops include the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the Football World in 2010, the tranquil Durban Botanic Gardens and the bustling Victoria Street Market, known for its fragrant spices and souvenirs. You can expect to hear of the local history, culture, people and experience panoramic city views, stop for some photo opportunities as we drive by the harbour, beachfront and the many historical buildings of the city of Durban.

The tour is designed to allow for a full experience of Durban, in comfort, without much walking! The tour will finish at the Comrades Marathon Expo in Durban so you can pick up your race kits. Lunch can be purchased at the Expo, after which we invite you to shop and enjoy the vibe before making your way back to your hotel (approx. a 20-minute walk).

How do I get to the Expo to collect my race number?

For guests that book the optional sightseeing tour, we will drop you off at the Expo in Durban. You can easily walk approx. 20 minutes from the Expo to hotel. Should you wish to visit the Expo at another time you are free to do so, its way to get to on foot or by Uber taxi, which us very economical. All guests not on the day tour should make their own way to the Expo during opening hours (TBC).

Is the Optional Comrades Route Tour only for runners? 

No, all MTT clients booked on a package that includes the tour are welcome. Its exclusive to MTT. It starts at 9.30am from our hotel and will preview the route whilst sitting in the comfort of our luxury coach. En-route we will include stops at Comrades House Museum in Pietermaritzburg, the Wall of Honour and Arthurs Seat. It gives runners who have not seen the route before some valuable race insight, but this is personal choice and by no means obligatory. The tour is expected to finish early afternoon and will be guided by an experienced Comrades finisher and experienced coach.

What is included in the pre-race dinner?

Our pre-race dinner will take place at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel or a venue close by. Our expert team will be available to re-cap on the next day’s schedule and answer any questions you may have whilst you eat a nutritious carbo-loading dinner.

What can I expect on race day as a runner? 2026 details will be updated soon

Breakfast will be available early – expect a Grab & Go Breakfast with all the key elements you would expect for fuelling before an ultra marathon. However, if you have any essential foods please either bring them with you or notify us before the trip and we will do our best to arrange this with the hotel.

Starting from between 2 and 3am our private coach(es) will take runners to the starting area in Pietermaritzburg.  This a 1 to 1.5 hour journey with guidance from our team to ensure you arrive in your starting corral in good time and without travel stress. Our intention, which worked incredibly well 2 years ago will mean that all runners avoid the stress of traffic and road closures. You can sleep on the coach and stay with the coach, in the warm, with toilet facilities until you need to join the race!

The Comrades Marathon finishes in Durban. After finishing the race, meet Marathon Tours & Travel team at the designated location in the finish area (TBD). We will look after you in the sheltered International Hospitality tent until you wish to leave. Our shuttles are only a short distance to your hotel and the comfort of your room.

For the non-runners we can suggest a service (at additional cost) that takes people to spectate on the route, the cost is ZAR 3300 (rands) but as a MTT client we will give you a code to get a discount. Alternatively, non-runners can choose to either stay in Durban on Sunday at their own leisure or meet runners at the finish with Marathon Tours & Travel team.

To feel and see the MTT Down Run race experience with MTT we strongly recommend watching this video from Kieran Alger who ran the 2023 Down Run with Marathon Tours & Travel.

Are supporters looked after and included in the activities? 2026 details will be updated soon

We welcome supporters on our trips, they are included in all the activities, except the run itself and race day transfer. Family/friends make the experience so much more personal for you as the runner and they get to enjoy the sunshine and of course the experience of seeing you accomplish your dream will forever be a memory to cherish. We can suggest a service (at additional cost) that takes people to spectate on the route, the cost is expected to be ZAR 3300 (rands) but as a Marathon Tours client we will give you a code to get a discount. More details will be provided after you have booked your Comrades package with Marathon Tours & Travel. Alternatively, non-runners can choose to either stay in Durban on Sunday at their own leisure or meet runners at the finish with Marathon Tours & Travel team.

Is there a service for runners to leave their personal drinks and kit essentials on the Comrades course? 2026 details will be updated soon

Comrades refreshment tables are very well stacked with refreshments and foods. However, if you prefer your own goodies and also want to make use of a flushing toilet at 3 points en-route we can suggest a service (at additional cost) that provides this for runners. The cost is expected to be ZAR 950 (rands) but as a Marathon Tours client we will give you a code to get a discount. More details will be provided after you have booked your Comrades package with Marathon Tours & Travel.

Can supporters wait at the finish and see runners finish? 2026 details will be updated soon

Yes, the finish is expected to be in Durban (TBC). It is open and access is free for spectators. The finish area is being reviewed by the Comrades Marathon organisation committee so we are not sure at this stage where our meeting point will be but based on previous years we expect to have a meeting point in the international runners’ tent.

What can I expect after I have finished? 

All international runners will be given 2 wristbands and an international tog bag sticker with their race number. The wristband must be worn on race day because it allows access to the International area at the finish.  The international tog-bag retrieval point is also separate from the local runner’s tog-bag collection point, in 2023 & 2024 it was in the international tent. The 2^nd wristband can be given to a supporter. The International tent at the finish is usually the best spot to see runners and provides seating and refreshments.

What can I expect of the optional after party?

You can expect food, great sea views, lots of laughs and celebrations with your running peers and companions.

It takes place Monday afternoon at a restaurant a short distance away from our hotel. Bruce Fordyce, 9 times winner and Comrades Legend will host the party. You can expect music, live entertainment (Bruce has some fabulous stories and is a funny host), a spectacular buffet lunch, sunshine, sea views and a chance to share your Comrades experience. Your meal includes your choice of a glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Any further drinks can be purchased. It’s always a lot of fun and if we’re lucky we may just have some Comrades winners past or current to pop by (not guaranteed). In 2024 Gerda Steyn (the current Comrades Up Run & Down Run women’s record holder) popped in, chatted to guests for some time, took photos with guests and was an absolute delight chatting about her running experience. This event is not operated by MTT therefore it is subject to change.

What extensions do you offer after Comrades?

After Comrades we suggest you add some extra days to your trip and enjoy a holiday in Africa. It’s such a beautiful Continent to explore. For the independent traveller we have a luxury stay on Cape Town with optional tours and transfers, a great value Big Five Safari experience at the luxury Thanda Private Game Reserve or maybe you want an extra challenge and feel inclined to add another running adventure to your trip by booking the Big Five Marathon or Half Marathon. Extra nights in Durban available on request.

Flights?

Flights are not included but clients can be advised as follows.

Comrades Package Only: Clients should plan to fly in and out of Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR).

Comrades Package with the Post-Race Extension to Thanda Private Game Reserve​: Clients should plan to fly in and out of Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR).

Comrades Package with the Post-Race Extension to Cape Town​: Clients should plan to fly in to Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR), after Comrades fly 10 June from Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to Cape Town (CPT) to join the 4 nights hotel stay. Post extension fly from Cape Town (CPT) to home.

Comrades Package with the Post-Race Extension to the Big Five Marathon and Half Marathon: Clients should plan to fly in to Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR), after Comrades either extend a night in Durban and fly 11 June from Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to Johannesburg O R Tambo Airport (JNB) to join the 6 nights tour or fly 10 June from Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to Johannesburg O R Tambo Airport (JNB) to join the 7 nights tour. Post the extension fly from Johannesburg O R Tambo Airport (JNB) to home.

How do I receive confirmation of entry?

Runners who purchase entry from MTT will receive a registration link. This will be sent, with instructions when Comrades Marathon are ready. During the registration process you will create an account and it’s to this account that you will need to submit your proof of qualifying time and race before the deadline. After you have registered on the Comrades system you will receive a confirmation of registration and subsequent email updates. Your name will also then show on the 2025 entry list.

All information is subject to change and will be updated and advised with our clients final itinerary and instructions. 

How much time do I have to complete the Comrades Marathon?

12 hours. The race will have batch wave starts and be timed “mat-to-mat”. The cut-off times for these points will be confirmed in the final race instructions. For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website

Is there an age restriction?

The minimum age requirement is that the athlete must be 20 years or older on the day of the Comrades Marathon.

Do I have to qualify to complete my registration?

Yes, all entrants are required to meet the Comrades Marathon qualifying criteria. Failure to meet the qualifying criteria will result in your entry being rejected. The cut-off date for supplying the below information in order to make your entry complete is 5 May 2025.

Update your qualifying details either by using your online entry profile, email, or contacting the CMA office by 5 May 2025.

Generally speaking, you need to complete the medical questionnaire (available by logging into your entry profile once entered) and you would need to complete a standard marathon in a time of sub 5 hours (4:59:59) and between 10 June 2024 and 5 May 2025, but other ultra distanced races can be used as qualifiers. See table below and for more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website.

QUALIFYING TABLE (2026 To be Confirmed or visit the website for details)

What do I receive at the finish line?

A heat sheet, energy drink, the smallest and coolest medal and a warm hug and helping hand from MTT team and fellow runners. Medical assistance from a fully equipped race medical tent is available, if required. If you are completing your Back to Back you will also receive a special ‘Back to Back’ medal.

Who receives the Back-to-Back medal?

Any novice who completed Comrades Marathon 2025 will receive a Back to Back medal in addition to their Comrades Marathon medal when finishing 2026 before the cut off time.