The Ultimate Guide to the Centenary Comrades Marathon: Entry Secrets and Down Run Mastery
Prepare for the 100th Comrades Marathon in 2027. Discover entry dates, qualification rules, Down Run strategy and essential training tips for the centenary.
By Greg Kench · August 2026 · 15 min read
The journey to the legendary Comrades Marathon is about to reach its most historic milestone yet. First run in 1921, the largest and oldest ultramarathon in the world is preparing for its monumental 100th edition in 2027. This historic event also marks the 50th running of the Down Run to Durban.
Key Takeaways
- The 100th Comrades Marathon will take place on Sunday 13 June 2027 with an increased entry cap of 28000 runners.
- The finish venue moves to the Kings Park Rugby Stadium precinct to safely accommodate the larger field.
- Entry opens in three staggered windows starting 25 August 2026.
- The Down Run features 1700 metres of descent but also 1000 metres of climbing, mostly concentrated in the first half.
- Strength training is a non negotiable pillar of Down Run preparation to protect your joints and delay fatigue.
Part 1: Entering the 100th Comrades Marathon
At the official launch of the centenary campaign, themed The Greatest Story Ever Run, the Comrades Marathon Association announced a series of exciting and critical updates for the 2027 race.
Unchanged Entry Fees
| Entrant Category | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| South African Entrants | R1200 |
| Rest of Africa Entrants | R2000 |
| International Entrants | R4500 |
The Three Stage Entry Process
Entries will open on Tuesday 25 August 2026 and will be processed online via the official Comrades Marathon website or app across three highly structured windows to reward loyalty and manage demand fairly.
Part 2: Down Run Strategy and Crucial Insights
The Danger Zone: Fields Hill
The single most dangerous section of the Down Run is Fields Hill, a steep 3 to 3.5 kilometre descent. It looks and feels like a cliff to your quads. If you run down Fields Hill too fast, the eccentric muscle damage will shatter your legs by the time you reach Pinetown.
Part 3: Strength Training as Your Ultimate Non Negotiable
If there is one secret weapon for the Down Run, it is strength training. Strength specialists emphasise that running is an incredibly repetitive, one dimensional motion. During the Comrades Marathon, you will take in excess of 90000 steps.
- The Routine: Aim for two 45 minute resistance sessions per week.
- When to Cut Back: Stop all strength training completely 10 days before Comrades to ensure your legs are perfectly fresh for race day.
Ready to integrate
Strength work that knows about your running.
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