'Substitutions are open to all' - Comrades record sellout leaves runners pleading for increase in 22 000 entry cap

After selling out in less than a day, runners are calling on the Comrades Marathon Association to make more entries available for the 2026 Comrades Marathon. Following a week reserved for Green Number holders to enter the race last week, general entries opened yesterday and sold out in less than twelve hours. The entry cap of 22 000 for the Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg was reached within a day, making it the fastest Comrades entry sellout in history. But those who were left disappointed are pleading with organisers to increase the field.

"I hope Comrades allows for 3000 more entries," said one runner, while others compared The Ultimate Human Race to some big city marathons around the world that host 50 000 participants.

Entries for the 99th edition of The Ultimate Human Race sold out in less than a day. Photo Credit: CMA Media.

"If Berlin can host 58 000 runners then why not Comrades? I now understand why the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon entries are decided by a ballot," said another in a heated discussion on the United Athletes Forum.

Thanking runners for entering the 99th edition of the world's oldest and most loved ultra marathon, organisers promised to release a detailed account of the entry statistics, while carefully sidestepping the avalanche of requests to make more entries available for the race which takes place on 14 June, 2026.

"After opening general entries this morning, following the initial 2,600 plus entries secured by Green Number Club and CMA members, the remaining spots were completely scooped up in under 10 hours! This overwhelming response is a testament to the unbelievable passion and support you have for The Ultimate Human Race," said the CMA through a statement published on their social media pages after entries closed just before 8pm last night (3 November).

The start of a sold out Comrades Marathon. Photo Credit: CMA Media.

Yet those kind CMA words will be scant consolation for runners who will now potentially miss out n next year’s 90km pilgrimage. Speaking on the occasion of the 2026 race launch, CMA General Manager Alain Dalais emphasised that this would be the only entry period, which means as things stand, those who were not able to secure an entry yesterday, have a nervous wait until March 2026 when they can secure entry via substitution from athletes that entered but then choose to withdraw.

"The entry cap that has been approved is 22 000. This will be the only entry window for the 2026 run. Runners will have to complete a 42,2km qualifier in under 5 hours. The qualifying period is from the 9th of June 2025 to the 4th of May 2026. We will have our substitution process taking place during the months of March and April 2026. Substitutions are open to all but it is important to note that there will be no money or voucher exchanges between athletes. We are looking forward to the 2026 race."