The wait is on for Eswatini marathoners as the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) conducts its historic 100th edition ballot draw. On Wednesday, 23 September 2026, anxious athletes across Eswatini are refreshing their phone screens, eagerly anticipating the outcome of a random computer algorithm that will determine their fate. This year, a record 42,802 General Ballot applications were received, but only 28,000 places are available.
The overwhelming response to the ballot has left approximately 14,802 runners facing disappointment. The CMA introduced the ballot system after the traditional first-come, first-served online registration system buckled under pressure, creating digital queues of over 40,000 people. With entry spots limited, local athletics coaches are urging athletes to remain calm and focused, emphasizing that the true victory lies in the personal transformation achieved through training.
Zithande Athletics Club Coach Nsizwa Thwala, who has trained like a Comrades marathoner for 14 years and secured six medals, appealed to local runners to keep their eyes on the bigger picture. Thwala noted that training for the Comrades fundamentally changes one's lifestyle for the better, instilling healthy habits that benefit a lifetime. His sentiments offer a glimmer of hope to anxious emaSwati athletes.
For Eswatini runners, the transition from open registration to a high-demand ballot has turned months of early-morning road work into a high-anxiety waiting game. Despite the uncertainty, athletes are reminded that a red notification does not automatically mean the end of the road for the centenary race. A substitution window will open at a later stage, providing a second lifeline for dedicated runners to acquire entries from those unable to start.
The Comrades Marathon, set for June 13, 2027, is a highly anticipated event, with Eswatini athletes making the annual pilgrimage to KwaZulu-Natal to tackle 'The Ultimate Human Race'. The event's popularity has necessitated strict route safety protocols and fixed daylight constraints, limiting the entry field to 28,000.
Local athletics coaches and officials are working to support anxious athletes, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and focus. As the wait continues, athletes are urged to remain positive and keep their eyes on the ultimate goal – completing the Comrades Marathon.
The outcome of the ballot draw will be a determining factor for many Eswatini athletes, but those who miss out are encouraged to explore alternative opportunities. With the substitution window offering a second chance, athletes are advised to stay tuned for further updates and remain committed to their training.
Key points
- A record 42,802 General Ballot applications were received for the Comrades Marathon.
- Only 28,000 places are available for the historic 100th edition.
- A substitution window will open at a later stage for dedicated runners to acquire entries.
