Comrades offers R8.9 million for historic 100th race

Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt

• The 2027 Comrades will accept 28,000 runners, the biggest entry limit in the race’s history.

• More than R8.9-million is up for grabs, with the men’s and women’s winners each receiving R1-million.

The 100th Comrades Marathon will have the biggest field in the race’s history and record prize money.

Organisers announced in Durban on Wednesday that 28,000 runners will be allowed to enter the 2027 race.

Organisers say that would make it the biggest mass field ever for an ultra-distance road race.

Runners who have completed nine Comrades races will get the first chance to enter alongside green-number runners, who have finished at least 10.

Their entry window runs from 25 to 31 August.

Comrades Marathon Association members can enter from 2 to 5 September.

Both periods will work on a first-come, first-served basis.

The first 1,000 runners who donate at least R10,000 to the Amabeadibeadi charity drive will also get guaranteed entries.

Other runners will enter through a ballot between 9 and 22 September and will make up 52% of the field.

Entry fees stay unchanged.

South African runners will pay R1,200, runners from other African countries R2,000 and runners from other continents R4,500.

Runners who need financial help can apply for a 50% discount through the Comrades relief fund.

The total prize purse will be more than R8.9-million, up 9% from this year.

The men’s and women’s winners will each receive R1-million before bonuses.

For the first time, prizes will also go to the youngest finisher, oldest finisher and first novice.

The 2027 down run will start in Pietermaritzburg and finish at Kings Park Sporting Precinct in Durban for the first time.

The official race distance will be announced later.

Pictured above: The Comrades Marathon.

Image source: File