The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) says there will be no change for qualification times for the 2026 race.
It was responding to a fake press release that is being shared on social media platforms which claims that there will be a high percentage of novice runners in the 2026 race. The CMA said this fake notice, which even carries the association’s letterhead, claims that due to the high percentage of novice runners, a change to qualification times is being considered.
“While this press release looks genuine, even with our official letterhead added, I can confirm that this is fake news,” says CMA General Manager Alain Dalais.
“To begin with, the percentage of novice runners provided in this fake statement, 73%, is massively inflated – the actual percentage of novices in the field is 25.8% – and the second sentence literally contradicts the first sentence, by then saying that only 68% of those novices are running the event for the first time. This entire statement is false, and the CMA is not considering any changes to the qualification times.”
“I would like to call on those responsible for this fake press release, and those spreading other false rumours, to please refrain from doing so, as your actions cause great confusion and unhappiness amongst the running community. The Comrades Marathon has always stood for sportsmanship, fair competition, camaraderie and a spirit of ubuntu, and fake news such as this adds nothing but confusion, anger and frustration,” said Dalais.
He urged runners to carefully read all Comrades Marathon news on social media and to consult the official Comrades Marathon website and social media channels.
Entries for the 2026 Comrades Marathon – the 99th edition of the race and 50th Up Run from Durban to Pietermartizburg – were snapped up in record time on Monday.
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