No more room for Eswatini 2027 Comrades hopefuls

MBABANE – Eswatini local long-distance runners face heartbreak as Comrades Marathon organisers confirmed all 2027 places have been fully allocated through a ballot system.

In an official statement released by the organisers of the iconic ‘Ultimate Human Race’, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), confirmed the completion of the selection process and the official closing of entries for what promises to be a momentous 100th edition.

“The ballot and redraw process for the 2027 Comrades Marathon has now been completed, and all available places for our historic Centenary Event have been allocated,” the CMA stated. Expressing gratitude to all applicants, the organisers acknowledged the widespread disappointment among those left out: “To every runner who applied;thank you. We know how much the opportunity to be part of Comrades Marathon means, and we share the disappointment of those who were not selected.”

For Eswatini athletics enthusiasts, the announcement marks a sombre shift in Eswatini’s long-standing relationship with the South African showpiece. Traditionally, Eswatini boasts a proud and robust presence on the start line in KwaZulu-Natal, consistently sending no fewer than 50 local runners each year to conquer the gruelling 90-kilometre course. However, with the introduction of the stringent ballot system to handle the overwhelming global demand for the centenary race, local athletics analysts warn that Eswatini’s representation is expected to fall drastically.

Under the previous first-come, first-served registration format, determined local athletes could secure their spot through sheer promptness. The new randomised lottery system, however, pits emaSwati against tens of thousands of international and South African applicants on an equal footing, diluting the country’s footprint in the historic event.

For many of the kingdom’s veteran road runners and eager debutants who missed out in the initial draw, hope now hinges on the upcoming window for entry reallocations.

“All applicants are encouraged to check their e-mail for confirmation of their final ballot outcome,” the CMA advised, adding a note of encouragement for those awaiting a second chance. “If you were not selected, please stay close to our official communication channels. Information about the 2027 withdrawal and substitution process will be shared in due course.”