Comrades Marathon 2026 — Project Status Update

Production Status Overview

High-level progress across all broadcast work streams

Updated 19 April 2026

Days to Race Day

Work Streams Active

Work Stream Status

On Track

Launch live. 14-hour narrative in development across every broadcast and social touchpoint.

Launch announcement video posted17 Apr ✓
14-hour broadcast running order in developmentIn Progress
Social & broadcast content inserts — scripting underway, production to followApr – May
Broadcast graphic style guide — design in progressW/C 20 Apr

On Track

Crew confirmed, gear secured, route heat-mapped and filmed end-to-end.

OB crew booked and confirmed — camera operators, directors, producer, technical crew
All production gear secured per specs & guidelines document (see Technical Map tab in this dashboard)
Heat-mapping route recce completed twice — second recce included full route filming

On Track

Strong alignment with FinishTime. Three briefs in build to sharpen on-screen data and enhance the broadcast.

Meeting with FinishTime complete — positive alignment
T+W team & partners developing detailed brief for on-screen graphics data pull — to be shared with FinishTimeIn Progress
T+W team & partners preparing brief for optimal timing-mat placement on route — to enhance broadcastIn Progress
Brief in build for additional historical data from FinishTime — to enhance on-screen graphicsW/C 20 Apr

In Progress

Style guide in final stages. On-screen graphics build follows approval.

Broadcast graphic style guide — approval pending on completionIn Progress
On-screen graphics templates — to be developed following style guide approvalApr – May

On Track

Flash alignment secured, sponsor presentation ready, and SABC integration conversations underway.

T+W alignment meeting with Flash — expectations set
Presentation prepared for Sponsor Recce
T+W presented live stream approach to sponsors20 Apr ✓
Sponsor deliverables and rate card received from Flash — tailored approach in build for additional advertising revenueIn Progress
SABC engagement underway — sponsor integration into SABC broadcast in discussionActive

On Track

Strategy finalised, launch content live, official Comrades TikTok managed by T+W in partnership with CMA.

Social media strategy developed and finalised
First launch videos posted live17 Apr ✓
Official Comrades TikTok managed by T+W in partnership with CMA — logins secured
Strategy to be presented in person to Xoliswa and key stakeholdersMon 5 May
Pre-race content inserts aligned with Story & Creative work streamApr – May

Key Asks of Comrades Marathon Association

Outstanding items requiring CMA action so we can lock them in. Please review and revert at your earliest convenience.

Ask	Responsible Person	Deadline
Directive on process to follow for Drone Licensing (T+W commenced process but on hold until clarification received) — 1. Brigadier approval 2. Event organiser signatory 3. Start / finish landowner approval. Sue confirmed she is meeting with Brigadier on 23 April and will raise this	Sue (CMA)	Feedback as soon as possible
Directive on lead pack sequencing and placement of cameras, bikes, timing vehicle and press van (Toyota requires timing vehicle directly behind runners) — 2nd clock placement then required on front camera motorbike?	Sue (CMA)	Feedback as soon as possible
Dedicated security at the start for OB unit, equipment and fibre lines — exact placement of security and specific requirements to be forwarded to Sue	Michelle (T+W)	Feedback as soon as possible
Additions to CAD drawings: jib placement; 6×6 studio with broadcast viewing platform; drone landing zone; broadcast compound with generator; final fixed camera positions	Sue (CMA)	Feedback as soon as possible
Permission to place a camera operator in the Netstar helicopter — Sue will confirm as soon as final contract signing complete	Sue (CMA)	Feedback as soon as possible
Access to City Hall rooftop for start filming — Sue confirmed this is on the radar for discussion with City Hall and will revert with feedback post meeting w/c 27 April	Alain (CMA)	Feedback as soon as possible

20 Apr Sponsor live-stream approach presentation
20 – 21 Apr Sponsor Recce & route Recce
22 Apr Social media strategy presentation & stakeholder engagements in Pietermaritzburg — bus drivers, coordinators, motorbike support, fibre operators for start/finish
8 May Full livestream status presentation to Alain, Sue and key stakeholders at CMA House — including T+W proposal on live runner tracking (GPS) & live broadcasting from runners’ phones