As 21 633 runners make their final preparations ahead of the 2026 Comrades Marathon, veteran race doctor Dr Jeremy Boulter and Netcare 911 share advice for participants and supporters ahead of the Ultimate Human Race.
On Sunday, 14 June, qualifying participants in this year’s ‘Up Run’ will set off at cock’s crow from Durban on the gruelling 85.777 kilometre ultramarathon, finishing in Pietermaritzburg with a 12-hour cut off time. From start to finish, the route takes runners through an elevation gain of some 1.8km.
For the past 48 years, the Comrades Marathon Association’s race doctor, Dr Boulter, has coordinated the large-scale medical, emergency, first aid and physiotherapy response to assist runners.
“Medically speaking, we expect this year to place similar physical demands on runners as previous Up Runs. Even seasoned Comrades runners tend to find the race starting in Durban more challenging, and much depends on the weather conditions on the day,” he says.
“At this stage, the forecast looks favourable with dry, cool to mild conditions expected, although we prepare for any eventuality. Runners must keep their fluids up whatever the weather, and bear in mind that temperatures often drop steeply after 4pm,” Dr Boulter says.
Mande Toubkin, Netcare’s general manager of emergency and trauma, transplant and corporate social investment, says that every year considerable behind-the-scenes teamwork and preparation ensure that runners have access to healthcare assistance.
| Comrades Netcare 911: Paramedics, nurses and doctors from across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng are deployed at medical stations along the route and form part of the team at the Comrades Marathon Finish Medical Tent. |
| Netcare 911 Comrades convoy: For this year’s Comrades Marathon, Netcare 911 is deploying 90 paramedics, 16 advanced life support ambulances, 10 advanced life support rapid response vehicles and Netcare's ICU-configured emergency medical helicopter as the official emergency services provider to the Ultimate Human Race. |
“For a quarter of a century, Netcare and Netcare 911 have provided emergency medical support for Comrades Marathon runners under the guidance of Dr Boulter,” Toubkin says.
“Paramedics, nurses and doctors from Netcare hospitals across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng are deployed at medical stations along the route and at the Comrades Marathon Finish Medical Tent, alongside emergency medicine registrars from the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of KwaZulu-Natal medical faculties, private practitioners, physiotherapists and volunteers,” she explains.
This year, dedicated resources from Netcare 911 and the Netcare group include:
- 90 paramedics
- 73 nurses from Netcare hospitals
- 10 doctors
- 16 advanced life support ambulances
- 10 advanced life support rapid response vehicles
- Netcare's ICU-configured emergency medical helicopter, with specialised staff on standby
- 4 motorbike medics
- 2 quadbike medics
- 8 Joint Operating Centre (JOC) staff
- 4 logistics staff
- 18 paramedical students of Netcare Education’s KwaZulu-Natal Faculty of Emergency and Critical Care
Digital technology is keeping runners and supporters better informed about participants’ medical needs and whereabouts.
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“When Netcare 911 picks up any runners requiring assistance, the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) is informed, and the runner’s selected contact receives a message to let them know where the person is receiving care. Similarly, at the Comrades Marathon Finish Medical Tent, when a runner is triaged and seen by a doctor, messages are sent automatically to advise families where to wait for their loved ones,” Dr Boulter explains.
Comrades doctor’s top tips for runners
- Only attempt the race if you have trained
- Don’t run if you are ill, still taking medication, or have had influenza in the past two weeks
- Keep replacing fluids and electrolytes throughout the full distance
- Fuel your body; eat lightly and regularly
- Don’t take painkillers or anti-inflammatories during the race
“The Comrades Marathon is a test of endurance that carries certain medical risks, both for runners and potentially for the throngs of supporters lining the streets along the route. Ahead of the race, we are urging runners to listen to their bodies and approach us for medical support, whether for minor scrapes or any concerning symptoms,” says Netcare 911 operations director Shalen Ramduth.
Medical red flags for runners
Stop immediately and approach Netcare 911 or the race marshals for help if you experience:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Disorientation
- Chest pain
- Sudden chills
“Listen to your body and never ignore warning signs such as these,” Ramduth advises.
Tips for Comrades supporters
- Keep well clear of runners
- Bring water and stay hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks
- Pack snacks
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, hats and protective clothing
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Keep emergency lanes clear
- Feeling dizzy, nauseous or confused? Seek shade and medical help immediately.
- Antihistamines and diuretics should be avoided when spending time in the sun
- Never leave anyone – including a pet – in a parked car, even for short periods
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| Comrades runners: For a quarter of a century, Netcare and Netcare 911 have provided emergency medical support for Comrades Marathon runners under the guidance of race doctor Dr Jeremy Boulter. |
Be prepared for any medical emergency by downloading the Netcare app, which includes Netcare 911 emergency call and geolocation functions that enable medical help to find you in the shortest possible time.
Ends.
Notes to editors
Experience seamless healthcare access with the Netcare app. Enjoy convenient healthcare anytime, anywhere, with expert medical care at your fingertips. Book appointments, consult with GPs virtually and manage pre-admissions all in one place. From emergency response services with geolocation to seamless admission, discover a new level of care. Download the Netcare app today.
Alternatively, contact Netcare appointmedTM on 0860 555 565, Mondays to Fridays, 08:00 to 17:00, or via the Netcare app to make an appointment with a therapist, doctor or specialist practising at a Netcare hospital, Netcare Medicross or Netcare Akeso facility near you.
For media enquiries, please contact MNA at the contact details listed below:
Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare and Comrades Marathon Association
For media enquiries Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster,
contact: Clementine Forsthofer or Natasha Burger
Telephone: 011 469 3016
Email: [email protected]