07 October,2026 08:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal Ashar
Satish Gujaran (second from left) in bib no. 29384, running the 2026 edition, with the Indian flag flying high Pics/By Special Arrangement
Mumbai marathoner Satish Gujaran has emailed the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA), the Honourable Consul General of South Africa in India, His/Her Excellency, the High Commissioner of South Africa to India and the Consulate General, Indian Consulate Durban, South Africa on October 2, requesting those in charge to add more running slots for the Comrades Ultra marathon to be run in South Africa on June 13, 2027. An ultramarathon is any race which is above the traditional 42-km distance.
[popcorn number="May 24, 1921" desc="Day when the first Comrades Marathon took place" class="Default"]
Gujaran receiving the prestigious green number
The Comrades Marathon is an ultramarathon of approximately 88 kilometres, which is run annually in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is the world's largest, most prestigious and oldest ultramarathon race. The Comrades Marathon was first held on May 24, 1921.
Gujaran's email begins by reminding the addressees that the 100th Comrades ultramarathon will be held in 2027. It explained, "For this centenary, entries have been capped at 28,000, and there are no reserved allocations for international runners. As a result, many runners from India and around the world will miss out on this race."
Gujaran pushes for more running slots in the ultimate ultra
Currently, 586 Indians have got running places. India has been fielding a large number of runners in the race, especially in the past few years. In 2023, the country had the largest-ever international participation for the Ultimate Human Race, with 403 runners, including 40 women, for the June 11 run at that time. The numbers have grown since then.
Gujaran, who is a Powai resident, said via communication, "In 2027, the Comrades Marathon will celebrate its 100th edition. Every runner who has ever dreamed of the Ultimate Human Race dreams of being on that start line." Coming to India specifically, Gujaran said in his communication, "Indian participation began in 2009, and what began as a handful of runners has grown into a movement. Today, for an Indian ultra runner, finishing Comrades is the pinnacle of a running life."
Who better than Gujaran to know about Comrades, as he has run Comrades for 15 consecutive years since 2010. He said, "I hold green number 29384, and I was honoured with the GEMS Spirit of Comrades Award in 2023." A green number in the Comrades ultramarathon is a prestigious permanent race number awarded to a runner who has completed 10 Comrades ultras. That bib number is unique and cannot be awarded to anybody else.
He added, "Since the centenary was announced, the Indian running community has prepared with great dedication. Our goal was to bring 1000+ registrations from India, one of the largest contingents in Comrades history. The Rand has strengthened considerably. At the registration fee of '4500 (approx. '26,000), the cost is substantial for Indian runners, though that has not dimmed spirit or enthusiasm."
Gujaran said, "It was a great setback when the announcement came that registrations would be limited to 28,000, with many international runners hoping for at least some preferential or reserved allocation for those travelling from abroad." The window of hope is open. The Comrades Marathon Team has reverted to Gujaran, stating, "A request for support has been created." Indian runners are hoping that, with âGreen Gujaran's' push, June 13 proves to be a lucky day for them.
International runners book flights, hotels, transport, food and tours, and they travel across the country, often with their families. Their stay is not just relegated to race day. A strong international presence at the centenary would bring significant tourism and revenue to South Africa and share its hospitality with the world.
