Comrades Marathon Introduces Ballot-Based Substitution Process for 2026 & Warns Against Entry Scams

Those runners who are still looking to secure an entry, as well as those runners who want to make their entry available for substitution, are therefore urged to take careful note of the new process and dates.

Race Director Sue Forge explains: “The demand for the Comrades Marathon continues to far exceed the number of available entries, and this year’s sell-out once again highlighted just how competitive the process has become. In introducing the ballot system, we carefully considered global best practice, as well as valuable feedback received from our runners. Many shared the very real challenges they face when entries open, including limited access to technology, limited or no access to reliable internet, work commitments, and time zone differences for our international runners.”

“Runners have been front of mind in making this critical change. The ballot system for the Substitution Process has been introduced to ensure a fair opportunity for all runners who were unable to secure an entry when registration opened,” continues Forge. “By moving away from a first-come, first-served model, we are removing the pressure to log in the moment that substitution applications open. We're also giving runners a three-week window to apply for a substitute entry, so there is no advantage to applying early, and no need to rush or panic – all valid applications received during the substitution window will go into the draw.”

The number of available substitution entries will depend on the total number of withdrawals received during the official withdrawal period.

On a related note, Forge addressed a growing misconception regarding 2026 entries and the 2027 Centenary race. “We know many runners are already looking ahead to 2027, which will mark the 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon and will feature special centenary celebrations. Demand is expected to be even higher than usual.”

“We have, however, become aware that some runners who do not intend to participate in 2026 are holding onto their entries under the mistaken belief that this will secure them a place in 2027. To be clear, retaining a 2026 entry does not guarantee entry into the highly anticipated 2027 Centenary edition, and we strongly encourage any runner who does not plan to run in 2026 to withdraw officially and make their entry available to another runner,” concludes Forge.

Importantly, all withdrawals and substitution applications must be processed online via the official Comrades Marathon Entry System on the Comrades website (www.comrades.com) or Comrades Marathon App. Entries may not be sold, transferred, exchanged, or facilitated privately between runners under any circumstances.

 

Runners Seeking a 2026 Substitute Entry
Application Period: 12 March 2026 (10:00 SAST / UTC+2) – 2 April 2026 (16:30 SAST)

How It Works:

• Runners must log into and apply via the official Comrades Marathon Entry System.
• Completed applications will be entered into a ballot draw.
• Application into the ballot does not guarantee a race entry.
• A non-refundable R10 transaction fee applies at application stage.

Entry Fees (unchanged):

• South Africa: R1200
• Rest of Africa: R2500
• International: R4500
• Note: Runners may also donate to charity or purchase a “Win a Car” ticket during application. These amounts will be included in the total debit should the entry be successful in the ballot draw.

Selection & Payment Process:

• After 2 April, provisionally selected applicants will receive email notification.
• Entry fees will be automatically debited within 24 hours of receiving this notification, from the card used during application.
• Charity donations and “Win a Car” tickets will be included in the final debit.
• If the first debit attempt fails, a second attempt will be made.
• If both attempts fail, the entry will be forfeited and reallocated via redraw.
• All applicants will be notified of the final outcome by 10 April 2026.

Successful entrants will have until 4 May 2026 to meet the qualifying criteria. All standard race rules apply.

 

Runners Wishing to Withdraw Their 2026 Entry
Withdrawal Period: 16 March 2026 – 30 March 2026

Process:

• Fully paid entrants must log into their 2026 entry profile and select the “I want to substitute my entry” button.
• The CMA will refund 85% of the original entry fee, provided the entry is successfully substituted.
• Once substituted, the original entry cannot be reinstated.
• If an entry is not successfully substituted, it will automatically remain active.
• All withdrawing runners will be notified by 10 April 2026 of the outcome.

Runners are invited to check out the handy FAQ article on the Comrades Marathon website, which will answer all their questions about the new Substitution Process:
https://comrades.com/blog/posts/faq-on-2026-comrades-marathon-ballot-based-substitution-process

 

Comrades Marathon Association Warns Runners Against Entry Scams

It has been brought to the attention of the CMA that there are scammers attempting to trick aspirant Comrades Marathon entrants into paying exorbitant sums of money for a guaranteed late entry into the 2026 race.

“We’ve seen many runners posting on social media that they are desperate to secure an entry during the Substitution Window. The scammers are targeting these runners by sending them direct messages, or contacting them via different means, claiming they can sell them an entry, or organise one for them,” says Forge.”

“The scammers either offer to sell their own entry to the aspirant entrant or claim that they can ‘make a plan’ for these runners by speaking directly to senior CMA officials, such as the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson of the CMA Board, who they claim to have direct access to, but that they need a large sum of money to do so. This was recently brought to the attention of our CMA Vice-Chairperson, Nontuthuko Mashimane, when she was contacted by a runner who wished to report being approached by one scammer who demanded three thousand Rand to facilitate this entry,” continues Forge.

“This is fraudulent, and any such offer is most definitely a scam. The Substitution Process via the official Comrades Marathon Entry System on the Comrades website or Comrades Marathon App is the only legitimate way to gain entry into the 2026 race, and no money or entry vouchers should be exchanged between runners. We urge runners to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and not to fall victim to these scams,” concludes Forge.