If you’ve set your sights on conquering the 2026 Comrades Marathon, you’re not alone. It’s the ultimate test of endurance, grit, and heart—an iconic race that demands respect and precise preparation.
But here’s the truth most runners ignore: Comrades training doesn’t start in January. If you wait until next year, you’re already behind.
To run your strongest race—whether you’re aiming to finish, qualify with ease, or crush a silver—you need to start now, and you need a smart, structured plan.
Why You Need to Start Training for Comrades Now
The 2026 edition of Comrades is likely to be another Up Run, from Durban to Pietermaritzburg —Strength for the hills is a vital component. Comrades punishes poor preparation.
Great Comrades performances are never built in 12 weeks. They’re built over 12 months with:
- A qualifying marathon planned and trained for
- A solid aerobic base phase
- Strategic blocks for hill strength, endurance, tempo work, and race specificity
- Enough time to gradually build mileage and resilience without injury
What Your Comrades Buildup Needs
To prepare properly for Comrades, your training must be built around:
Structure
Your plan must have periodisation—different training phases, tailored to your fitness level and the race demands. Each week should build on the last, with deliberate recovery blocks to avoid overtraining.
Consistency (4–6 Days/Week)
You don’t need to train every day, but you do need to show up regularly. Most runners will train between 4 and 6 days a week, depending on their background, injury history, and goals.
Cross-Training
Injury prevention isn’t optional. Cycling, swimming, or even pool running can add volume without load. It’s about longevity and staying healthy while building fitness.
Strength Training (3x per week)
A strong runner is a durable runner. Comrades is brutal on your legs. Strength training (legs, core, glutes) will keep your form intact when others are crumbling.
Train for Your Marathon Qualifier Now
Your qualifying marathon is the first big milestone. Don’t wing it. Whether you’re aiming for a sub-5, sub-4 or better, your Comrades journey begins with a well-planned marathon build-up.
Use the next 4–6 months to get marathon-fit. The benefits?
- Establish your threshold zones
- Improve aerobic conditioning
- Build confidence
- Test fuelling strategies
- Secure a comfortable seeding batch
Why A-Team Coaching Is the Best Choice for Comrades Athletes
At A-Team Coaching, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter training. Every athlete is unique, and your Comrades programme should reflect that.
Here’s what makes us different:
- Comrades Coaches David and Ann Ashworth – A former winner of the Up Run, elite athlete, Ann is an expert coach who has lived the journey. She knows what it takes—mentally and physically.
- High-performance, data-driven coaching – We use GPS, heart rate, threshold testing, and wearable tech to guide your training and track progress in real time.
- Race-specific planning – We don’t just train you for race day. We plan your full season, including qualifiers, B-races, strength sessions, recovery, and taper.
- One-on-one support – Real coaches. Real conversations. Real accountability.
Whether you’re chasing a Back-to-Back medal or your Green Number, our team understands the demands of this race—and how to get you across the finish line, strong.
Let’s Get to Work. Your Comrades 2026 Journey Starts Today.
Don’t leave it too late. Don’t guess. Don’t follow your friend’s programme just because it worked for them.
Work with a team that’s helped hundreds of runners reach their Comrades goals.
- Start training for your marathon qualifier now.
- Build your strength and structure early.
- Train with experts who’ve done it themselves.
Visit a-teamcoaching.com to sign up and speak to one of our Comrades coaches today.