DURBAN — Eswatini is set to feature prominently on the global stage, as one of 129 countries and territories represented at the landmark 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon.
Official entry statistics released by the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) reveal an unprecedented surge in interest for the historic ‘Down Run’ from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, scheduled for Sunday, June 13, 2027. A total of 56 283 entry submissions and ballot applications were received for the centenary showpiece, which set the scene for the largest-ever field in the history of ‘The Ultimate Human Race’.
To accommodate the overwhelming demand, race organisers expanded the starting field to a record cap of 28 070 athletes, up from 22 000 in 2026. The international footprint of the race has expanded significantly, jumping from 81 nations in 2026 to 129 countries for 2027, with international entrants anchored by top participation from South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, the United Kingdom and Botswana.
For Eswatini’s dedicated distance-running community, the centenary event carries immense prestige alongside new entry hurdles. Eswatini traditionally dispatches a strong contingent of over 50 athletes across the border annually. However, the final list of Eswatini runners heading to Pietermaritzburg is expected to drop from the usual numbers due to the implementation of a new general ballot system, which capped general applications and left thousands of hopefuls subject to a competitive draw.
Over two-thirds of the field (67.9 per cent) consist of runners, who have earned between one and nine medals, while novices (first-timers) make up 14 per cent with 3 923 entrants. Additionally, 3 735 runners, accounting for 13.3% of the entry list, will be chasing back-to-back medals following their 2026 finishes.
In a major milestone for the event, women account for 29.6 per cent of the centenary field (8 308 runners). This marks a notable rise from 22.1 per cent in 2026. Athletes aged 40–49 constitute the largest age bracket with 11 119 entrants. The oldest athlete, on the other hand, is aged 88.
While successful ballot applicants have secured provisional places, the journey to the 05am start gun at Pietermaritzburg City Hall on June 13, 2027 is far from over. Eswatini runners must still log an officially recognised qualifying marathon (42.2 km) under five hours before the qualification deadline on May 3, 2027.
Unsuccessful Eswatini applicants, who missed out in the initial draw, will get one final lifeline when the official Comrades Marathon Substitution Process opens, allowing unselected runners to acquire entry slots from registered athletes unable to compete.
