The 100th Comrades Marathon is a Down Run on Sunday 13 June 2027, starting at Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05:00. Waterford Manor is about an hour’s drive from that start line, so we’re honest about who we suit. For Comrades Marathon accommodation in the Midlands, we’re a good fit for supporters, families, the drive down and the drive home. We’re the wrong base if you want to walk to the start.
A note from Dan: We’re about an hour from the start in Pietermaritzburg, so I’d rather tell you straight who we suit: supporters, families, a quiet break on the N3 on the way down and a good night’s sleep on the way home.
What do you need to know about the 2027 race?
The Comrades Marathon Association’s launch announcement sets out the details.
Detail | 2027 Comrades Marathon |
|---|---|
Date | Sunday 13 June 2027 |
Edition | The 100th, the centenary race |
Direction | Down Run, Pietermaritzburg to Durban |
Start | Pietermaritzburg City Hall, 05:00 |
Finish | Kings Park precinct, Durban |
Distance | About 91 km, to be confirmed after course measurement |
Time limit | 12 hours |
Entry cap | 28,000, the largest field in the race’s history |
Is Waterford Manor a sensible base for Comrades?
It depends who you are. We’re about 75 km from Pietermaritzburg, roughly an hour’s drive, so a runner staying with us would have to leave in the small hours to make a 05:00 start. Most runners sleep close to the start the night before. If that’s you, book in Pietermaritzburg itself.
Where we fit is everything around race day.
Your plan | Waterford Manor suits you if | Book closer to the start if |
|---|---|---|
Driving down from Gauteng or the Free State | You want to break the N3 drive in Mooi River on the Thursday or Friday, then move closer to the start | You’d rather do the whole trip in one go |
Supporting a runner | You’d rather have a quiet cottage than a busy hotel and you’re happy to leave early | You want to be a few minutes from the start line |
A taper week | You want quiet roads and a calm week of short, easy runs before race weekend | You want to be near the expo and registration |
Running on race morning | Not recommended: a 05:00 start means sleeping near the start line | Always |
Driving home after the finish | You want to split the 600 km back to Gauteng with sore legs | You’re flying home from Durban |
Can you break the drive home with us?
Yes, and it’s one of the better reasons to stay. You finish in Durban, then the N3 carries you home past Howick, Pietermaritzburg and Mooi River. A night in Rosetta, about 160 km from Durban and 10 km from Mooi River, takes a quarter of the drive off and gives your quads a break from the clutch.
Which room suits a Comrades group?
- A run club or friends together: Rose Cottage is 102 m² with a lounge, a dining area and a wood-fired stove. The whole group can eat together and swap race stories without squeezing onto a bed.
- A family following a runner: Sunflower Cottage is 76 m² with a full kitchen, a dining area, a fireplace and a foldable cot on request, so you can feed everyone before a long day on the route.
- Two or three friends: Jasmine has two bedrooms and about 48 m², so everyone gets some sleep.
- A pasta supper for two: Lavender Cottage (36 m²) or Azalea Cottage (30 m²), both with full kitchens.
- A single night on the road: Hibiscus Cottage, 22 m².
June is mid-winter in the Midlands, so expect cold nights. Every unit has electric heating and electric blankets, and some have fireplaces or a wood-fired stove.
Why book early?
The 2027 field is capped at 28,000 runners, and supporters add thousands more. Book as soon as your plans are confirmed.
30% OFF for direct bookings via our website. Check your dates and book on our website, or phone us on +27 73 630 7423.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2027 Comrades Marathon?
Sunday 13 June 2027. It's the 100th edition and a Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
Where does the 2027 race start and finish?
It starts at Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05:00 and finishes in the Kings Park precinct in Durban.
How far is Waterford Manor from the start?
About 75 km, roughly an hour by car. Most runners sleep closer to the start the night before.
Can supporters stay with you?
Yes. Supporters, families and run clubs are welcome. Tell us your dates and numbers and we'll suggest a cottage.
Are you on the way home to Gauteng after the race?
Yes. We're about 10 km from the N3 at Mooi River, on the route back to Johannesburg.