Entries for the 2024 version of the Comrades marathon officially open on 21 November (at 10:00) and close on 11 December (at 16:30) or when 23,000 entries have been received.
Next year’s race will be an uphill battle from Durban to Pietermaritzburg and according to organizers, participants can prepare to tackle approximately 87 km.
“The 2024 Comrades will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting versions of this world-famous ultramarathon. We are again going to host an uphill race for the first time in a few years,” said Mqondisi Ngcobo, chairman of the Comrades Association (CMA).
The qualification criteria remain unchanged: Prospective participants have until 2 May 2024 the chance to run a marathon (42.2 km) in less than 4:50:00 or complete an ultramarathon in a faster time than 6:45:00.
According to Ann Ashworth – race manager – the prize money for the top ten participants will also increase by 10%.
The winners in the men’s and women’s categories will pocket R550 000 each next year; the amount will of course be doubled if they beat the existing record for the up race.
- Important information:
Date of official race: June 9, 2024
Enrollment period: 21 November 2023 to 11 December 2023
Entry fee: R1 200 (South African citizens), R2 000 (rest of Africa) and R4 500 (international participants)
Eligibility Period: 1 September 2023 to 2 May 2024
