The 2026 Comrades Marathon kicked off at 05:00 local time on Sunday, June 14. A massive field of over 21,000 runners took to the start line of the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon.

Dominant performances by South Africans George Kusche and Gerda Steyn saw two new course records set for the “Up Run.” Kusche crossed the finish line in 5:15:56, while Steyn delivered an incredible 5:44:53.

History, Tradition, and the Course

Established in 1921 by World War I veteran Vic Clapham, the Comrades Marathon commemorates the lives of South African soldiers and is steeped in history and tradition. The motto for this year’s marathon means “never lose hope,” reflecting the grueling journey every runner takes to the finish line.

The Comrades Marathon is an 86-kilometer (53-mile) point-to-point race between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. The race alternates direction each year between a “Down Run” and an “Up Run” with 2026 hosting an Up Run. This year marked the 99th edition of the race and the 50th official Up Run.

Starting at sea level, the Up Run climbs about 1,750 meters (5,700 feet) and features five major hills. The steepest of these, Polly Shortts, waits for runners in the final kilometers.

Men’s Race Highlights

In a race where many early front-runners faded and dropped back, George Kusche paced himself to perfection. He stayed within a large chasing pack for the first half of the race before surging through the field. Kusche took the lead on the final climb, overtaking South Africa’s Mbuti Mollo, who had led for most of the day.

Kusche’s finishing time of 5:15:56 broke the previous record of 5:15:49, set by Russia’s Leonid Shvetshov in 2008. This victory served as redemption for Kusche, who finished 12th in 2025. Highlighting the elite level of competition this year, the top five men all finished under the previous course record.

Women’s Race Highlights

South African-born Gerda Steyn, who currently resides in the United Arab Emirates, extended her historic legacy by winning the race for the fifth time overall, and her fourth consecutive year.

Steyn clocked an outstanding 5:44:53, smashing her own 2024 course record of 5:49:46. Her victory was a masterclass in patience and tactics. She waited until the final climb to break away from the field, pushing hard through the last 20 kilometers to build a dominant eight-minute lead over second place.

2026 Comrades Marathon Results

Men’s Top 10

• 1. George Kusche (South Africa) – 5:15:56
  2. Piet Wiersma (The Netherlands) – 5:19:36
  3. Mbuti Mollo (South Africa) – 5:21:31
  4. Alex Milne (United Kingdom) – 5:22:29
  5. Haruki Okayama (Japan) – 5:24:46
  6. Charlie Lawrence (United States) – 5:27:08
  7. Lloyd Bosman (South Africa) – 5:28:53
  8. Nikolai Volkov (Russia) – 5:28:59
  9. Vasilii Korytkin (Russia) – 5:29:29
  10. Tebogo Pulusa (South Africa) – 5:29:40

Women’s Top 10

• 1. Gerda Steyn (South Africa) – 5:44:53
  2. Nobukhosi Tshuma (Zimbabwe) – 5:53:36
  3. Irvette van Zyl (South Africa) – 6:02:30
  4. Shelmith Muriuki (Kenya) – 6:06:38
  5. Naomi Robinson (United Kingdom) – 6:07:55
  6. Loveness Madziva (Zimbabwe) – 6:09:54
  7. Courtney Olsen (United States) – 6:11:20
  8. Dikeledi Majara (Lesotho) – 6:12:29
  9. Jenet Mbhele (South Africa) – 6:13:08
  10. Carla Molinaro (United Kingdom) – 6:14:04