R925k winners purse, 22 000 runners, entry fee unchanged. Comrades 2026 is here. Ska fela moya!

The Comrades Marathon Association announced a substantial increase in the prize money for the upcoming edition of the event, scheduled for June 14, 2026. The announcement was made public during the official launch of the iconic ultramarathon on Wednesday, October 8, at Comrades Marathon House in Pietermaritzburg. The 99th running of the world's ultra marathon will feature a total prize pool of R8.2 million, representing a 10% increase from this year's prize money. 

This increase means that the winner of next year's race will receive R925,000, which is significantly more than the R875,000 Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn received for winning this year. The news has been met with enthusiasm from the running community, as many elite athletes rely on the sport for their livelihood. Dijana has welcomed the move, believing that runners will benefit significantly. The three-time Comrades champion who had been invited as a guest speaker, shared his thoughts with the media after the launch.

"The increase in prize money for next year's race is a source of great excitement for me. As an athlete, I appreciate the positive impact this will have on our community," explains Dijana, who worked as the security officer before winning the race in 2022 which set him on the path to being a full time professional athlete.

"The Comrades Marathon has been instrumental in transforming my life, enabling me to buy a house, a car, and establish a successful business that will provide for me during my retirement. The enhanced prize money will also motivate runners to strive for excellence, with the goal of securing a top 10 position. I am eager to improve my performance and potentially secure my first Up Run gold medal."

22 000 runners will line up for the 99th edition of the famed Comrades Marathon on 14 June, 2026. Photo Credit: CMA Media.

Maxed Elite Athletes Manager Martin Ngwenya also welcomed the increase, calling it a masterstroke that will transform athletes' lives. "I'm thrilled to see the Comrades increase the prize money. It's a positive move, and I'm sure the athletes will appreciate it. Winners can now change their lives with the prize money. The preparation takes a toll, but at least runners will receive their due rewards," Ngwenya, who is also a Comrades finisher, explains.

"We should certainly applaud Comrades for their tireless efforts to effect meaningful change in people's lives. This development is most advantageous as it will have a profoundly positive impact on the South African running landscape. It is indeed a highly commendable initiative, and we are optimistic that sponsors will lend their support to facilitate continued growth. Overall, as someone who is deeply passionate about the welfare of runners, this news is truly heartening."

Some of the dignitaries at the 2026 Comrades Marathon Launch included (from left) CMA Board Members Alan Gray, Willie Mtolo, Barry Holland and Nontuthuko Mashimane, CMA General Manager Alain Dalais, CMA Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo, CMA Board Member Isaac Ngwenya, three-time Comrades Marathon winner Tete Dijana, newly appointed Comrades Marathon Race Director Sue Forge, Msunduzi Municipality Deputy Mayor Mxolisi Mkhize, and CMA Board Member Brenda Marolen. Photo Credit: CMA Media.

Entries for CMA Members and Green Number holders open on October 27, with the rest of the field of 22 000 able to enter a week later. The entry fees remain unchanged meaning that South Africans will have to spend R1500, R2500 for Rest of Africa participants and R4500 for foreign athletes hailing from outside the African continent.