UMZUKULU KAMHLANGANYELWA
Excitement is building across KwaZulu-Natal as thousands of runners, supporters and visitors have already descended on Durban and Pietermaritzburg ahead of the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon, which gets underway on Sunday morning.
The world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon will see more than 21,600 runners take on the gruelling 86-kilometre Up Run from Durban City Hall to Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg. Participants from more than 75 countries are expected on the starting line, highlighting the global appeal of the iconic race.
Hotels, guest houses, restaurants and entertainment venues across Durban and Pietermaritzburg have been buzzing with activity throughout the week as athletes arrive to register, collect race packs, complete final preparations and acclimatise before race day. Hospitality industry leaders say many runners arrive several days before the race and often remain in the province afterwards, providing a significant boost to local tourism and business activity.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Reverend Musa Zondi has described the Comrades Marathon as one of the province’s most important economic drivers. According to the department, the event generates substantial spending on accommodation, transport, fuel, retail, restaurants and tourism experiences across the province.
The economic impact of the race extends far beyond race day. Tourism authorities estimate that the 2026 Comrades Marathon could inject as much as R700 million into the provincial economy through direct and indirect spending by runners, supporters and visitors.
The eThekwini Municipality has also highlighted the importance of the event to Durban’s economy, noting that approximately 65,000 spectators are expected to visit the city and surrounding areas during the marathon weekend. The municipality says visitor spending will benefit accommodation establishments, restaurants, transport operators, retailers and tourism businesses, while approximately 1,300 temporary employment opportunities are expected to be created.
Pietermaritzburg, which hosts the finish of this year’s Up Run, is also expected to enjoy strong economic benefits. The city traditionally records high occupancy levels in hotels and guest houses during Comrades weekend, with thousands of family members, supporters and officials travelling to witness runners cross the finish line. Hospitality leaders have described the marathon as one of the most valuable annual events for businesses in both Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Race organisers have urged spectators to line the route and support participants as they tackle some of the race’s most famous challenges, including Cowies Hill, Fields Hill, Botha’s Hill, Inchanga and Polly Shortts. Thousands of supporters are expected to gather along the route, creating the unique atmosphere for which the Comrades Marathon is renowned worldwide.
As runners make their final preparations ahead of tomorrow’s start, anticipation is at an all-time high for another memorable chapter in the history of the Ultimate Human Race. Beyond the medals and personal achievements, the event once again demonstrates the power of sport to unite communities while delivering significant economic benefits to Durban, Pietermaritzburg and the broader KwaZulu-Natal economy.
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