A total of 21,633 runners are expected to take part in this year’s Up Run on Sunday, 14 June, covering 85.777km from Durban to Pietermaritzburg
As thousands of athletes prepare for the 2026 Comrades Marathon, organisers and medical teams have issued important health and safety advice for runners and spectators ahead of the iconic ultra-marathon.
A total of 21,633 runners are expected to take part in this year’s Up Run on Sunday, 14 June, covering 85.777km from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. Participants will face an elevation gain of approximately 1.8km and must complete the race within the 12-hour cut-off time.
Comrades Marathon Association race doctor Dr Jeremy Boulter, who has coordinated medical services for the event for the past 48 years, said this year’s race is expected to place similar physical demands on runners as previous Up Runs.
He noted that the current weather forecast suggests dry, cool to mild conditions, but warned that temperatures could drop significantly later in the day. Boulter encouraged runners to maintain their fluid intake throughout the race regardless of weather conditions.
