Durban: The government has extended its well wishes and support to thousands of local and international athletes set to participate in the historic Comrades Marathon this Sunday. The 14th of June, 2026, marks a significant day as the marathon, now in its 99th edition, challenges runners with an 'Up Run,' covering an approximate 85-kilometre route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. According to South African Government News Agency, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) expressed its encouragement to all involved, emphasizing the spirit of perseverance with their message, "Ska Fela Moya - never give up." The GCIS highlighted that the Comrades Marathon stands as a testament to human endurance and resilience, and they encouraged all South Africans to support the athletes by forming the famous 'human walls' along the route, showcasing the Ubuntu spirit. The Department of Transport has issued a call for caution to motorists, runners, and spectators traveling along the major routes between Durba n and Pietermaritzburg. Due to ongoing infrastructural upgrades and seasonal winter hazards, significant traffic congestion and challenging driving conditions are anticipated. The department urged motorists to plan ahead, adjust their driving behavior, and remain vigilant. With active road upgrades and construction projects around Pietermaritzburg and the N3 corridor, restricted lanes and sudden bottlenecks have been reported. Temporary speed limits and signage must be strictly adhered to, especially in construction zones including areas between Heidelberg and Villiers, Warden and Harrismith, and others. The eThekwini Municipality has also announced road closures in preparation for the race. Roads such as Dr Pixley KaSeme Street, Joseph Nduli Road, and sections of the M13 and R103 will be closed on Sunday to ensure the smooth operation of the event. On Wednesday, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) confirmed that over 21,000 runners will participate in thi s year's Comrades Marathon. Comprehensive safety and security measures have been established, including the declaration of the route as a no-fly zone and the deployment of law enforcement, private security, and marshals to ensure a safe and incident-free event.
