What Comrades Marathon Association does

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is a South African Non-Profit Organisation founded in 1921 that organizes the Comrades Marathon, the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon, run alternately between Durban and Pietermaritzburg (Up Run ~86km / Down Run ~90km). The CMA is governed by an elected Board representing approximately 8,000 members and is led by Chairperson Mark Leathers, General Manager Alain Dalais, Race Director Sue Forge, and Chief Race Doctor Jeremy Boulter. Its core products center on the annual race, the Race4Charity and Amabeadibeadi charity platforms, the Toyota Win-A-Car competition, the Comrades Marathon mobile app (iOS/Android) for real-time athlete tracking and livestream consumption, the official online merchandise shop, training plans, webinars, and a digital magazine.

The CMA's technology stack integrates the EasyReg online registration platform, the Comrades Marathon App (which on race day 2026 tracked 1,799,676 participant interactions and dispatched 7,580,360 notifications to 514,688 unique visitors from 5,242 cities across 194 countries), a FinishTime results portal, and a multi-platform livestream distribution layer across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. In 2026, the global livestream reached 742,200 viewers in 122 countries, consuming 398,155 hours of content — the first such international broadcast in the race's 104-year history.

The business model combines participant entry fees (~22,676 entrants annually), corporate sponsorships (Cell C, Toyota, Mr Price Sport, Thirsti), merchandise sales, Win-A-Car raffle ticket revenue, and charitable pass-through fundraising (R76M+ cumulative since 1996 across six official charities). Distribution combines direct domestic self-service via EasyReg with exclusive international access through Marathon Tours & Travel (offices in UK, USA, Australia, and China). Customer segments span elite competitive runners (attracted by an R8.2M prize purse), amateur and recreational runners seeking the iconic endurance challenge, international runners packaged through tour operators, charity fundraisers, and running clubs competing for team prizes.

Name

Comrades Marathon Association

Legal name

Comrades Marathon Association

Website

https://comrades.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1921

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Comrades Marathon Association is a South African non-profit founded in 1921 that organizes the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, serving ~20,000 annual amateur and elite runners through race operations, charity fundraising, sponsorship, merchandise, and a global livestream ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Endurance Sports Events (Ultramarathon Race Organization)

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Mass Participation Race Organizers (Runs, Triathlons, Cycling) (MPAKADAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Trail Running & Ultra-Endurance Events (Trail Races, Ultras) (MPAKAIAD)

Keywords

• Ultramarathon race events
• Endurance running events
• Road race management
• Athletic event organization
• Charity fundraising platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Pietermaritzburg

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Race Entry Fees: Runners pay to enter the Comrades Marathon via EasyReg. The 2026 race had 22,676 entrants, of whom 21,683 qualified and 20,349 ultimately started. Entry fees are the primary direct revenue stream from participants.
2. Sponsorship (Title & Category): Corporate sponsors including Cell C (title sponsor for Hot Spot and pace incentives), Toyota (Win-A-Car), Mr Price Sport, and Thirsti provide sponsorship revenue. Cell C contributed to increased prize purse for top 10 positions. Sponsors receive branding visibility across the event, website, race materials, and social media.
3. Race4Charity Fundraising: Runners raise funds for six official charities through the Race4Charity platform. The CMA collects and distributes funds. In 2026, Race4Charity raised ZAR 4,556,807. Over R76 million has been raised since 1996. While funds pass through to charities, the platform drives participant engagement and operational income.
4. Win-A-Car Raffle Tickets: Toyota Win-A-Car competition sells raffle tickets for a chance to win a Toyota Corolla Cross. Ticket purchases are separate from race entry. The 2026 raffle had entries closing at 14:00 on race day.
5. Merchandise Sales: The CMA operates an online shop (shop.comrades.com) selling official Comrades Marathon merchandise including apparel and memorabilia. Also sells charity merchandise through the Amabeadibeadi Charity Shop.
6. International Tour Operator Packages: Marathon Tours & Travel, the exclusive International Tour Operator, sells complete Comrades packages (accommodation, airport transfers, race transfers, expert support, meals, sightseeing) to international runners. The tour operator handles logistics for non-South African participants who cannot enter directly.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

The Comrades Marathon Association organizes the annual Comrades Marathon, the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon covering approximately 85-90km between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in South Africa. The association sells race entry registrations, manages the Race4Charity fundraising platform supporting six official charities, operates the Toyota Win-A-Car raffle competition, runs an official merchandise online shop, and provides supporting services such as training plans, the Comrades Marathon mobile app, and webinars for runners.

Product overview

The Comrades Marathon Association organizes 'The Ultimate Human Race' — the world's oldest and largest ultramarathon. The product portfolio centers on the main Comrades Marathon event (approximately 90km between Durban and Pietermaritzburg), complemented by the Race4Charity and Amabeadibeadi charity fundraising initiatives that have collectively raised over R76 million. Additional offerings include the Toyota Win-A-Car competition, an official mobile app (iOS/Android) for athlete tracking and live streaming, an online merchandise shop, structured training plans, and webinars. International runners are served through the Marathon Tours & Travel partnership. The CMA also produces a digital magazine and operates a charity shop, forming a comprehensive ecosystem supporting runners from registration through race day completion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• 89.81% finish rate in 2026 (18,276 of 20,349 starters)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1996One of six official charities of the Amabeadibeadi Charity Drive since 1996. CHOC provides comprehensive country-wide support for children with cancer and other life-threatening blood disorders, and their families. In 2026, CHOC received R1,849,914 from Race4Charity.
• Community Chest Durban & PietermaritzburgcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1996One of six official charities. Focuses on early childhood development, supporting 6,000 under-resourced children under age five in KwaZulu-Natal. In 2026, received R846,507 from Race4Charity.
• Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1996One of six official charities. Tackles HIV/AIDS through holistic, family-centred interventions including education, prevention, community empowerment, income generation, and HIV/TB/cancer care. Located in the Valley of 1000 Hills, directly on the Comrades route. In 2026, received R457,402.
• Rise Against HungercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1996One of six official charities. Global organization fighting hunger and malnutrition. Focus areas include Early Childhood Development meals, emergency response, community empowerment, and volunteer engagement. In 2026, received R472,590 from Race4Charity.
• SANParks Honorary RangerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1996One of six official charities. Official volunteer organization of South African National Parks with over 2,000 volunteers in 31 regions. Dedicated to conserving South Africa's natural heritage. In 2026, received R680,170 from Race4Charity.
• Childline KZNcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1996One of six official charities. Provides support for children who have been abused in KwaZulu-Natal. In 2026, received R250,224 from Race4Charity (toward a ZAR 1,000,000 goal).
• Marathon Tours & TravelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1979Exclusive Official International Tour Operator for the Comrades Marathon since 1979. Offices in UK, USA, Australia, and China. Provides complete Comrades packages (race entry, accommodation, transfers, expert support, meals, sightseeing) to international runners who cannot enter directly. Runners joining Marathon Tours & Travel become part of a global community of like-minded athletes.
• Cell CcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor contributing substantially to the prize purse through Cell C Top Ups for top 10 positions. Sponsors the Cell C Hot Spot timing point at Camperdown and Cell C Average Pace bonus incentives. Cell C's contribution enabled record-breaking performances and increased prize money.
• Toyota Motors South AfricacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Win-A-Car competition. Prize is a brand new Toyota Corolla Cross. The raffle draw takes place on race day at 16:45, overseen by CMA-contracted auditors. Winner must meet Toyota Motors South Africa vehicle ownership transfer criteria.
• Mr Price SportminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Comrades Marathon, appearing in the footer of the website with logo placement.
• ThirstiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Comrades Marathon, appearing in the footer of the website with logo placement.
• Athletics South Africa (ASA)coreOthersNational athletics governing body. Met with CMA and KZNA on 10 July 2026 to discuss federation affiliation matters. A Special General Meeting is scheduled for 1 August 2026 to determine the way forward on athletics federation affiliation.
• KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA)coreOthersProvincial athletics governing body. Met with CMA and ASA on 10 July 2026 to discuss matters relating to the Comrades Marathon's athletics federation affiliation. Discussions are ongoing.
• Netcare St Augustine's HospitalminorOthersMedical partner for the Comrades Marathon. In 2026, saw 20 patients from the route, admitting 5. Part of the medical services network that includes Netcare Umhlanga and Netcare St Anne's.
• St John AmbulanceminorOthersFirst aid provider at the Comrades Marathon. The St John's First Aid section treated 100 patients at the 2026 race, supplementing the main Medical Tent.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Western States Endurance Run: Organizer of the historic 100-mile Western States ultramarathon in California, founded in 1974. Comparable to the Comrades Marathon as a heritage-anchored ultra-endurance event with lottery/qualification entry, charity partnerships, and a fiercely loyal veteran-runner community (including Green Number equivalents in cup/buckle awards).
• Great North Run: Organizer of the world's largest half-marathon by participation, held annually in Newcastle. Directly comparable to the CMA in mass-participation scale, charity fundraising integration, and event-driven brand identity.
• London Marathon Events: Organizer of the TCS London Marathon, one of the World Marathon Majors and the largest annual fundraising event by participant numbers. Comparable to the CMA as a mass-participation race organizer with significant charity integration, premium sponsorship model, and global brand reach.
• New York Road Runners (NYRR): Organizer of the TCS New York City Marathon and operator of a year-round running ecosystem including training programs, youth initiatives, and community events. Comparable to the CMA as a nonprofit mass-participation race organizer with a multi-product portfolio and global brand.
• Tokyo Marathon Foundation: Organizer of the Tokyo Marathon, a World Marathon Major with mass-participation scale and charity integration. Comparable to the CMA in operating a flagship road race with structured charity platform and significant international participation.
• Berlin Marathon (SCC EVENTS): Organizer of the BMW Berlin Marathon, a World Marathon Major known for mass-participation scale and global elite-field appeal. Comparable to the CMA in operating a single flagship mass-participation road race with significant international runner acquisition.
• Boston Athletic Association (Boston Marathon): Organizer of the Boston Marathon, the world's oldest annual marathon (1897). Like the CMA, it operates a single flagship mass-participation road race with deep heritage, qualification pathways, and a member-based governance structure. Highly comparable as a heritage-anchored, member-governed marathon organizer.
• Two Oceans Marathon: South Africa's other premier ultramarathon, also organized annually in the Western Cape. It is the closest geographic and format peer to the Comrades Marathon, with a similar mass-participation, charity-driven model and aspirational endurance positioning in the South African market.
• UTMB World Series: Operator of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc and a global series of ultramarathons. Directly comparable to the Comrades Marathon as an ultra-endurance event organizer with global runner appeal, premium sponsorship, and a structured international qualification ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• World Marathon Majors: Umbrella organization representing the six largest global marathons (Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, NYC). Relevant to the CMA as the aspirational incumbent consortium structuring global marathon qualification and prize standards; Comrades is currently outside this group but a relevant benchmark for international prestige.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ComradesRace
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCZ_5VkqqKV2MBjBSFVKu_rA
• Facebookfacebook.com/ComradesMarathon
• Instagraminstagram.com/comradesmarathon/?hl=en
• Pinterestza.pinterest.com/comradesrace
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/comrades-marathon-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Comrades Marathon Association