Comrades Marathon 2026 Date and Direction
Date: Sunday, 14 June 2026.
The direction for the 2026 race is yet to be confirmed. The pattern alternates: the 2025 race was an Up Run, so 2026 may be a Down Run. Check the Comrades Marathon Association website for the official announcement.
The race is held in June because the weather is cool and dry. Durban's winter daylight is short: on the June solstice (21 June 2026) sunrise is 06:50 and sunset is 17:03, giving 10 hours and 13 minutes of daylight. The race starts in darkness.
Start Time and Cut-Off Times
- Official start time: 05:30 SAST (UTC+2). Durban does not observe daylight saving time.
- Total cut-off: 12 hours. The race ends at 17:30 SAST.
- Intermediate cut-offs: applied at specific points along the route. Runners who do not reach a cut-off point by the given time are stopped and transported off the course.
The 12-hour window means the race finishes well before sunset.
How the Race Affects Durban's Roads and Transport
Key closures and disruptions on Sunday, 14 June 2026:
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Durban city centre | Closed from 03:00 until approximately 10:00 |
| N3 highway (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) | Partial lane closures from 04:00 to 16:00 |
| Pietermaritzburg city centre | Closed from 07:00 until 18:00 |
| Local roads along the route | Rolling closures as runners pass, reopening by 17:30 |
- Durban Metrorail and bus services operate on a Sunday schedule.
- King Shaka International Airport operates normally.
- The Port of Durban runs 24-hour cargo operations but land-side access near the start may be restricted.
Getting around Durban without a car works, as long as you plan around the one useful bus. Sunday schedules are thinner than weekdays.
Is the 2026 Comrades an Up Run or a Down Run?
The direction changes the spectator experience and the road closures.
- Up Run (Durban to Pietermaritzburg): the finish is in the city inland. Early morning closures in Durban are heavier.
- Down Run (Pietermaritzburg to Durban): the finish is on the coast. Afternoon closures in Durban are heavier.
Spectator Timing: Best Viewing Spots
| Spot | Best time to arrive |
|---|---|
| Durban City Hall (start, Up Run) | 04:30-05:00 |
| Durban City Hall (finish, Down Run) | 14:00-17:30 |
| Pinetown / Hillcrest (mid-route) | 07:00-09:00 |
| Pietermaritzburg City Hall (finish, Up Run) | 13:00-17:30 |
| Pietermaritzburg City Hall (start, Down Run) | 04:30-05:00 |
The race is held during the South African winter. Temperatures at the start are typically 10-14°C. The sun rises around 06:50. Bring warm layers for the early hours.
The race falls near Youth Day (16 June 2026), a South African public holiday. For the full list, see South Africa public holidays 2026.