PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa – Flash Sponsorship is proud to have secured Woodford Car Hire, South Africa’s largest independent car rental company, as sponsor for the 2026 Comrades Marathon.
“We are thrilled to have facilitated this sponsorship” says Gill Fraser, Sales Director at Flash Sponsorship “Woodford Car Hire’s fleet capability and KZN roots make them the perfect fit for the Comrades Marathon. On race weekend, Woodford will be providing essential rescue buses, providing a safety net for runners on the route who are having an off day, while also facilitating transport for the event’s extensive staff, technical teams, and dedicated volunteers.”
Comrades Marathon General Manager, Alain Dalais, says, “The CMA is proud to welcome Woodford Car Hire as a sponsor in 2026, in particular due to the incredible synergy between the two brands. The Woodford journey has always been about helping people get where they need to go on their journey, and that makes this partnership a natural fit, because behind every runner is a journey – to the start line, along the route, and beyond the finish. We welcome Woodford to the Comrades Marathon team, and look forward to sharing many kilometres together on this new journey.”
For Woodford Car Hire, the partnership is a reflection of personal passion and corporate values. “As an avid trail runner, I have a deep appreciation for what it takes to prepare for the Comrades Marathon,” says Essa Suleman, CEO of The Woodford Group. “And that’s what makes this partnership so meaningful for us at Woodford, it’s about supporting the journey behind every participant. We’re proud to play a role in an event that represents resilience, discipline, and the very best of South African spirit.”
Bronwyn Bailey, Head of Marketing at The Woodford Group, echoes this sentiment: “The Comrades Marathon is more than just a race, it’s a moment that brings people together from across the country and beyond. As Woodford, we’re incredibly proud to be part of that, supporting participants through a partnership that is rooted in shared values and a strong connection to KwaZulu-Natal.”
In a move to directly provide benefit to the Runners, Woodford is also offering all registered Comrades Marathon runners a 10% discount on car rentals when booking through the official Comrades Marathon website. Runners can access their exclusive 10% discount immediately by visiting the Comrades Marathon website.
The 2026 Comrades Marathon will be the 99th edition and the 50th Up Run, starting at the Durban City Hall and finishing at the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
