Durban International Marathon Unveils Elite Field For 6th Anniversary Race

The streets of Durban will once again transform into a world-class stage for distance running as the Durban International Marathon celebrates its sixth anniversary.

Organizers unveiled a stellar cast of elite athletes and the 2026 prize purse at a press conference held at the Riverside Hotel in Durban on Thursday, April 9.

The “Launchpad of Champions”

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.

Elite Contenders: The Men’s Field

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 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.

Stacked Competition: The Women’s Race

The women’s race is equally competitive, headlined by a familiar face. Annie Bothma, the 2023 champion, seeks to reclaim her crown in the colors 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).

A Legacy of Excellence

The prestige of this lineup is built on a legacy of clinical performance. In 2023, Tebello Ramakongoana 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.

A Driver for Sports Tourism

“The excitement is palpable as we witness the caliber of contenders heading to our shores this year,” said Steve Mkasi, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee. “Preparations are on track to ensure a world-class experience. This event continues to be a vital driver for sports tourism, drawing athletes from every province.”

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

2026 ELITE FIELD AT A GLANCE

International Elite Men

• Melesa Solomon Kibret (ETH): 02:10:26
• Ngonidzashe Ncube (ZIM): 02:11:46
• Wilfred Kiplangat (UGA): 02:13:42
• Roba Gebre Yadete (ETH): 02:15:50

ASA National Championship (Men)

• Reghen Magwai (AGN): 02:13:58
• Samuel Mathabatha (AMPU): 02:16:04
• Derrick Masango (KZNA): 02:17:20

International Elite Women

• Alemitu Ajema Lema (ETH): 02:31:36
• Zewudinesh Hurisa Degefa (ETH): 02:33:09
• Caren Chelagat (KEN): 02:38:48

ASA National Championship (Women)

Leandre Van Der Merwe (AGN): 03:02:20

Annie Bothma (KZNA): 02:33:53

Melissa Gelling (KZNA): 02:53:00