Durban International Marathon: The launchpad of champions returns for landmark sixth edition News

Firmly established as the “Launchpad of Champions,” this race has become the definitive gateway for athletes transitioning from domestic success to global stardom. The 2026 edition, which once again integrates the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Marathon Championships, promises to uphold its reputation for blistering pace and world-class depth.

The 2026 elite field is one of the most formidable in the event’s history. In the men’s category, Ethiopia’s Melesa Solomon Kibret leads the entry list with a personal best of 02:10:26, set in Abu Dhabi just last year. He is closely pursued by the experienced Zimbabwean Ngonidzashe Ncube (02:11:46) and Uganda’s rising star Wilfred Kiplangat (02:13:42). Leading the local charge for the ASA title is Reghen Magwai, who enters with a personal best of 02:13:58.

The women’s race is equally stacked, headlined by the return of a familiar face. Annie Bothma, the 2023 champion, seeks to reclaim her crown in the colours of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA). With a personal best of 02:33:53, she faces a stern international test from Ethiopia’s Alemitu Ajema Lema (02:31:36) and Zewudinesh Hurisa Degefa (02:33:09).

The prestige of this elite line-up is built on a legacy of clinical performance. In 2023, it was Tebello Ramakongoana who took the spoils before going on to finish a remarkable seventh at the Paris Olympic Games.

The 2024 edition saw the bar raised even higher as Elroy Gelant shattered the course record with a 2:09:33 performance, while Cian Oldknow stormed to a women’s course record of 2:29:47. Both Gelant and Oldknow parlayed their Durban success into Olympic appearances, proving that this fast and flat coastal course is where international careers are truly launched.

“The excitement is palpable as we witness the calibre of contenders heading to our shores this year.

Preparations are well on track to ensure a world-class experience for all participants. With such a deep elite field and a course that has historically yielded record-breaking results, our expectation is to see really fast times once again. This event continues to be a vital driver for sports tourism, drawing athletes from every province to experience the best of Durban.”

Steve Mkasi, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee

Beyond the elite battle, the race remains a critical fixture for the broader running community, serving as a primary Comrades Marathon qualifier. With a R80,000 winner’s prize on the line and a total prize purse that rewards the top five finishers in the open category, the stakes have never been higher.