Preparations for the 2026 Comrades Marathon have entered the final stretch, with more than 21,000 runners expected to take part in the iconic ultra-marathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.
This year's event marks the 50th up-run, with athletes set to tackle a challenging route of 85.055 kilometres from Durban City Hall to the finish line in Pietermaritzburg.
Ahead of race day, runners will begin collecting their race numbers at the Comrades Expo, which opens at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Thursday.
Organisers have introduced several changes to enhance the race experience, including a shorter route than the traditional 89.98-kilometre up-run and new safety measures along the course.
The theme for this year's race is "Ska Fela Moya", a seTswana phrase intended to inspire participants as they take on one of the world's most demanding ultra-marathons.
Comrades Marathon Association Chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo said the theme reflects the determination required to complete the race, particularly as runners face numerous hills and an elevation gain of approximately 1.8 kilometres between the start and finish.
Medical teams will be stationed throughout the route to assist runners who may experience health complications during the race.
Race doctor Jeremy Boulter said weather forecasts indicate favourable conditions, with cool to mild temperatures and dry weather expected on race day.
He urged runners who experience symptoms such as dizziness, confusion or disorientation to stop immediately and seek medical assistance.
The race will begin in three staggered batches between 5:00am and 5:30am outside Durban City Hall.
Race Director Sue Forge said the phased start is designed to improve runner safety and allow participants to navigate key sections of the course during daylight hours.
Forge explained that the staggered start will help runners make the most of the well-lit opening section of the route and reach the demanding Polly Shortts climb before sunset.
A new traffic-light warning system will also be introduced at cut-off points along the route. Green will indicate that runners are on pace to finish within the 12-hour limit, orange will signal the need to increase pace, while red will indicate that the cut-off time has been missed.
Defending champions Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn are expected to headline the elite field as they return to defend their titles against some of the country's and world's top ultra-distance athletes.
Thousands of spectators are expected to line the route on Sunday as runners take on one of South Africa's most celebrated sporting events.