DURBAN — Transport authorities have issued an urgent traffic advisory for thousands of motorists travelling between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Comrades Marathon 2026 road closures, N3 traffic hotspots and hazardous winter driving conditions will affect the route from early Sunday morning.
The Comrades Marathon remains one of South Africa’s most iconic ultra-marathons.
What we know so far
- Comrades Marathon road closures will affect the official Durban-to-Pietermaritzburg route.
- N3 traffic hotspots are expected between Heidelberg and Villiers, Warden and Harrismith, Estcourt and Nottingham Road, and Paradise Valley.
- The race route will be closed to all non-accredited vehicles.
- Heavy congestion is expected around Scottsville Racecourse.
- Authorities have warned about fog, black ice and driver fatigue.
- Spectators are encouraged to use shuttle services and arrive early.
- The final Comrades 2026 cut-off time is 17:30.
How many runners are taking part?
More than 22,000 runners are expected to take part in the 99th edition of the Comrades Marathon.
Thousands of support crews, family members and spectators will also travel to KwaZulu-Natal, making Sunday one of the busiest travel days on the Durban–Pietermaritzburg route this year.
N3 traffic hotspots expected to cause major delays
Motorists travelling between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal will encounter delays at several major construction zones along the N3 corridor.
Authorities have identified the following areas as likely traffic hotspots:
- Heidelberg to Villiers – lane restrictions due to ongoing upgrades.
- Warden to Harrismith – roadworks continue; slower traffic movement expected.
- Estcourt to Nottingham Road – construction activity combined with race-related travel.
- Paradise Valley and Westville Viaduct – intermittent congestion approaching Durban.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane urged motorists to obey traffic laws and avoid blocking emergency lanes.
“Do not park illegally along the N3 or obstruct emergency lanes,” Zwane said.
Comrades Marathon 2026 route at a glance
The 2026 Comrades Marathon follows the traditional Up Run route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, covering an official distance of 85.777km.
Major landmarks include:
- Durban City Hall (Start)
- Pinetown
- Winston Park
- Drummond (Halfway)
- Cato Ridge
- Umlaas Road
- Mkondeni
- Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse (Finish)
This year’s route is approximately 133 metres shorter than the 2024 Up Run and is among the shortest Up Run courses in the race’s recorded history.
Comrades Marathon road closures: which roads will be affected?
The official race route will be closed to all non-accredited vehicles, bicycles and private transport throughout the event.
Several access roads connected to the route will also be restricted because they serve as dedicated emergency vehicle corridors.
The 85.777km route will remain closed from the early hours of Sunday morning until the race’s official 12-hour cut-off period.
While the N3 highway will remain open to through traffic, authorities expect exceptionally high traffic volumes throughout Sunday.
Tow-away zones and vehicle impound warnings
Authorities have designated route-adjacent areas as strict enforcement zones. Motorists are prohibited from parking on freeway shoulders, emergency access roads or restricted sections of the route.
Officials warn that illegally parked vehicles obstructing race operations or emergency services may be immediately removed.
Law enforcement has designated route borders as Tow-Away Zones, with illegally parked vehicles subject to impoundment and recovery costs of approximately R950, plus any applicable traffic fines.
Scottsville Racecourse traffic expected to cause major delays
Traffic officials have identified the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse precinct as one of the busiest areas on race day.
Thousands of runners, supporters, race officials and family members will gather around the finish venue throughout the day.
Motorists travelling into Pietermaritzburg should arrive several hours before planned activities and use designated parking facilities where available.
Comrades Marathon Expo: pre-race hub for thousands
Before race day, the Comrades Marathon Expo serves as the official registration and race pack collection point. The Expo remains the premier pre-race gathering for participants and fans alike.
2026 Expo details:
- Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre
- Dates: Thursday, June 11 to Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Hours: Closes at 16:00 on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s race
What happens at the Expo?
- Race registration: Runners verify details and collect official timing chips and race numbers.
- Official merchandise: Major retail space hosted by partners like Mr Price Sport for race tees and commemorative gear.
- Expert advice: Seminars and interaction hubs featuring coaches, nutritionists and gear specialists.
Winter driving hazards add to Comrades Marathon traffic concerns
Authorities have also warned motorists about dangerous winter driving conditions across parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Areas known for poor visibility include:
- Van Reenen Pass
- Fields Hill
- Botha’s Hill
- Hilton
Dense fog frequently develops during early morning and evening hours.
Reduce speed, increase following distances and use fog lights — not high beams.
Black ice remains a genuine threat before sunrise, particularly on bridges and shaded mountain passes.
Driver fatigue is another major concern; stop every two hours or 200 kilometres.
Comrades 2026 cut-off times: key race deadlines
Spectators monitor the official Comrades 2026 cut-off times. The race operates under a traffic-light cut-off system.
Key cut-off points include:
- Pinetown Underpass – 08:35
- Winston Park – 10:20
- Drummond Halfway – 12:10
- Cato Ridge – 14:05
- Umlaas Road – 15:25
- Mkondeni – 16:55
- Final finish at Scottsville Racecourse – 17:30
The final minutes before the 12-hour gun remain one of the most dramatic moments of race day.
Emergency contacts
· Medical emergencies along the route: 082 911 (Netcare 911)
· General emergencies (SAPS / ambulance / fire): 10111 or 112 (from a mobile phone)
· RTMC traffic complaints / road hazards: 0861 400 800
Runners and spectators are also heavily encouraged to use the app, which features a geo-location panic button to pinpoint an incident along the 85.777km route.
What motorists must do now
Authorities say the combination of Comrades Marathon road closures, N3 roadworks and winter weather could make this one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
Motorists are advised to:
- Check live traffic updates before departure
- Allow additional travel time
- Avoid unnecessary stops near the race route
- Use designated spectator parking areas
- Carpool where possible
- Take a break every two hours or 200 kilometres
- Monitor local radio stations for traffic updates
Related coverage
- South Africa’s race of hope — how mass-participation running events continue to transform elite athletics and everyday communities across the country.
- Next in series: 2026 Comrades record marathon — mega bonuses and R8.2 million prize purse up for grabs.
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