The honest version, in plain language
Comrades 100 is a passion project. It is a best-effort initiative organised by people who love running and love the Comrades Marathon. We are not a corporation. We are not the Comrades Marathon Association. We are not a travel agency.
There are no guarantees that this initiative will happen. If we cannot secure enough sponsorship to pull this off properly, it will not happen. We will not take money from sponsors until we are confident we can deliver. And we will not make promises to clubs that we can't keep.
If you apply, you are applying with full knowledge that this may not materialise. Any costs you incur — travel research, qualifying races, training — are entirely your own responsibility and risk.
1. What Comrades 100 is
Comrades 100 is an independent initiative aiming to partner with 100 running clubs from 100 countries to celebrate the 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon in June 2027. The initiative provides a shared experience for partner clubs and their selected runners, including accommodation, local transport, and event coordination during race week in South Africa.
Comrades 100 is independent of and not affiliated with the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA). We do not control entries, race logistics, or any aspect of the Comrades Marathon itself.
2. This is a best-effort initiative
We are working to make this happen. But we are being honest: the success of Comrades 100 depends on securing sufficient sponsorship and partnerships. If the funding does not come together, the initiative — or parts of it — may be scaled back or cancelled.
We commit to communicating openly with all applicants about the status of the project. If we cannot deliver what we've described, we will tell you as early as possible.
3. No money until we can deliver
Our promise to sponsors
We will not accept sponsorship payments until we have reached a funding threshold that gives us confidence the initiative can be delivered as described. No sponsor will pay into something that doesn't have a viable path to execution.
Sponsorship commitments may be signed in advance, but payment will only be called once the viability threshold is met.
4. What applying means
Submitting a club application means you are expressing interest in being considered as a Comrades 100 partner club. It does not guarantee selection. It does not guarantee a Comrades Marathon entry. It does not guarantee accommodation, transport, or any other service.
By applying, you acknowledge:
No guarantees. Your application may not be accepted. Even if accepted, the initiative may not proceed. We will communicate with you either way, but acceptance into the programme is not a binding contract.
Runner entries are not our responsibility. The selected runner must secure their own Comrades Marathon entry through the official CMA entry process. We cannot guarantee entry to the race. The 100th edition is expected to sell out extremely fast. We will provide guidance and support, but entry is the runner's responsibility.
Flights and travel are not included. The runner is responsible for their own international flights and travel insurance. Comrades 100 aims to provide accommodation and local transport during race week, subject to sponsorship.
Qualifying is the runner's responsibility. The runner must meet the Comrades Marathon qualifying standard (currently a sub-4:50 marathon). This is a CMA requirement, not ours.
Costs you incur are your own risk. Any expenses related to training, qualifying races, travel research, visa applications, or any other preparation are undertaken at your own risk and cost. Comrades 100 is not liable for any costs incurred by clubs or runners, whether or not the initiative proceeds.
5. What we aim to provide (subject to funding)
For accepted partner clubs whose runners secure a Comrades entry, and subject to the initiative proceeding with adequate funding, we aim to provide:
Accommodation during race week (glamping at the Race Village or equivalent), local transport between accommodation and race-related venues, a welcome dinner and celebration events, post-race experience options (Cape Town trip or Safari, details TBC), and access to the Comrades 100 Club Platform.
All of the above is subject to sponsorship being secured. If funding does not materialise for specific elements, those elements will be adjusted or removed. We will communicate any changes as early as possible.
6. One club per country
We aim to partner with one club per country. If multiple clubs from the same country apply, we will select one based on factors including: community strength, geographic representation, club activity, runner readiness, and alignment with the spirit of the initiative. Our selection decisions are final.
7. Liability
Comrades 100 accepts no liability for:
Any injury, loss, or damage suffered by any club, runner, or associated person in connection with the Comrades Marathon or any Comrades 100 activity. Any costs incurred in preparation for, travel to, or participation in any Comrades 100 activity. Any failure to secure a Comrades Marathon entry. Any cancellation, postponement, or modification of the initiative or any part of it. Any acts, omissions, or decisions of the Comrades Marathon Association. Any travel disruptions, visa issues, health issues, or force majeure events.
Participation in any Comrades 100 activity is entirely at the participant's own risk. All runners will be required to sign a separate waiver before race week.
8. Data and privacy
Information submitted through the application form will be used solely for the purposes of evaluating applications, communicating with clubs, and operating the Comrades 100 initiative. We will not sell your data. We may share club names and countries publicly (e.g., on the website map and social media) once a club is accepted. Contact details will remain private.
We use Cloudflare for hosting. Data is stored securely. You can request deletion of your data at any time by emailing hello@comrades100.com.
9. Changes to these terms
We may update these terms as the initiative develops. Material changes will be communicated to applicants via email. The latest version will always be available on this page.
10. Contact
Questions about these terms? Get in touch
In summary
We love this idea. We believe in it. We are working hard to make it happen. But we are being straight with you: this is not guaranteed. Apply because you believe in it too, and because your club deserves to be part of something special. But apply knowing that we are building this together, in real time, with no safety net.
That's the honest truth. And we think that's the only way to do something like this.
Last updated: February 2026