The Comrades Marathon up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg takes place on June 14.
Image: Supplied.
THE Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has warned that unauthorised drone operators and ambush marketers will face strict action during the 2026 race weekend, as organisers move to tighten controls along the route and at key event venues.
The association said no drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may be flown at or near the event without prior written approval from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), event organisers and disaster management authorities.
The restriction applies to all private, recreational and commercial drone operators.
The CMA said no-fly zones will be enforced from June 11 to June 14 at the Durban Exhibition Centre, Comrades Marathon House in Pietermaritzburg, Durban City Hall, the official race route and the finish venue at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Race Course.
Unauthorised drone operators risk being removed from the venue, having their drones confiscated and being reported to the relevant authorities for enforcement action.
At the same time, race organisers have issued a warning against ambush marketing, saying no person or company may advertise, market or display corporate branding at the Comrades Marathon Expo, start precinct, along the race route or at the finish venue without prior written approval from the CMA.
The association said any attempt to gain publicity or broadcast exposure for a brand, product or organisation without authorisation would be regarded as ambush marketing.
Athletics clubs affiliated with Athletics South Africa will be permitted to set up a maximum of three support stations for runners along the route. Unless written permission has been granted, club tents may not exceed 3m by 3m in size.
The CMA said clubs or individuals who fail to comply with the regulations could be instructed to remove branding from the route.
It further warned that legal action could be taken against any person or entity found engaging in ambush marketing activities, whether on the ground, from the air or adjacent to the route.
The association urged runners, volunteers, spectators, media, sponsors, service providers and residents in affected areas to comply with the regulations throughout the race weekend.
Meanwhile, the CMA has announced vehicle tracking and telematics company Netstar as the official real-time traffic monitoring and insights partner for the 2026 Comrades Marathon.
Under the partnership, Netstar will provide live traffic monitoring along the 85.777km route and share real-time traffic updates and route information through the marathon's official social media platforms on race day.
The company will deploy traffic-monitoring technology and personnel along the route to identify congestion hotspots and relay information to race organisers and the Venue Operations Centre.
According to Netstar, operatives will monitor the route from 3am until 7.30pm on race day, while a company helicopter will provide aerial coverage between 7am and 4.30pm to support operational planning and traffic management.
The CMA said the initiative is intended to assist race organisers, volunteers, spectators and supporters navigating roads expected to experience heavy congestion during the event.
The June 14 race will be the 99th edition of the race and the 50th edition of the Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.