Ultra Running Hub Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa · Sunday, June 14, 2026
Fixed Distance 50 mi
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 471 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.
Results history
| Year | Race | Finishers | Men's winner | Women's winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 86km | 18,282 | George Kusche · 05:15:56 | Gerda Steyn · 05:44:53 |
| 2025 | 90km | 18,212 | Tete Morena Dijana · 05:25:28 | Gerda Steyn · 05:51:19 |
| 2024 | 87km | 17,304 | Piet Wiersma · 05:25:00 | Gerda Steyn · 05:49:46 |
| 2023 | 87km | 14,898 | Tete Morena Dijana · 05:13:58 | Gerda Steyn · 05:44:54 |
| 2022 | 90km | 11,713 | Tete Morena Dijana · 05:30:35 | Aleksandra Morozova · 06:17:48 |
| 2019 | 87km | 16,448 | Edward Omphemetse Mothibi · 05:31:33 | Gerda Steyn · 05:58:53 |
| 2018 | 90km | 16,484 | Bongmusa Mthembu Cosmos · 05:26:34 | Ann Ashworth · 06:10:03 |
| 2017 | 87km | 13,851 | Bongmusa Mthembu Cosmos · 05:35:31 | Jacquelyn Camille Herron · 06:27:32 |
| 2016 | 89km | 14,603 | David Ramaele Gatebe · 05:18:17 | Charne Bosman Rademeyer · 06:25:53 |
| 2015 | 87km | 13,008 | Gift Kabelo Kelehe · 05:38:33 | Caroline Wostmann · 06:12:17 |
The field has held steady: 18,212 in 2025, 18,282 in 2026. 21% of the 2026 field were women.
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
This is a rolling course. Expect fast, runnable sections where rhythm is key.
With road terrain, choose a shoe with moderate cushioning for optimal performance.
Gear for this race
Chosen for 87 km of road with 1,700 m of ascent.
- Trail Running Shoes 20 m of climb per kilometre — grip and rock protection before cushioning.
- Race Nutrition 87 km of self-supported fuelling between aid stations.
- Hydration Vests Pole attachment and chest-strap stability on steep ground.
- Trekking Poles 1,700 m of ascent to walk up.
- Headlamps A 12 h limit puts you out there after dark.
About
The world's largest and oldest ultra marathon, alternating between up and down runs between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Highlights
- 20,000+ runners
- Alternating direction each year
- Rich history since 1921