PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa – The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced a landmark partnership with iTOO Special Risks, appointing the specialist insurer as the Official Specialty Insurance Partner for the 99th edition of the race. The deal was strategically brokered by Flash Sponsorship, the exclusive Commercial Agents for the Comrades Marathon.
As the Comrades Marathon continues to evolve in a complex global landscape, this partnership introduces a robust safety net for both organisers and runners who converge on the roads of KwaZulu-Natal. For the 2026 race, iTOO is providing comprehensive Event Cancellation and Contingency Insurance, specifically designed to protect the runners’ entry fees. Should the event be cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, including extreme weather, runners will be eligible for a refund of their entry fee, ensuring peace if mind whilst focussing on their physical preparation.
In addition to Event Cancellation cover, iTOO is reinforcing the race’s resilience with Event Liability Insurance to safeguard the organisers and the integrity of the event. Recognising the modern digital risks associated with large-scale sporting events, the partnership also includes Cyber Insurance to protect the race’s technological infrastructure and participant data.
Richard van der Schyff, Managing Director of Flash Sponsorship, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: “The Comrades Marathon is an event of national importance and it has the ability to impact national consciousness. We are incredibly proud to have brokered this partnership on behalf of our client the Comrades Marathon Association with iTOO, whose world-class specialty expertise ensures that this iconic event remains protected and resilient. This collaboration bodes well for the future of the race, providing the essential protection to safeguard the ambitious dreams of thousands of runners.”
“We are delighted to welcome iTOO as our Specialty Insurance Partner,” says CMA General Manager Alain Dalais. “Their proactive stance on securing event cancellation cover sets a new standard for accountability in South African sporting events. This partnership not only protects our runners financially, but also enriches the race experience through the Run99 project and expert coaching insights.”
“At iTOO, we believe that the loss of a race entry should never be a dream denied. By providing specialist insurance solutions, we allow athletes to focus entirely on their training and the race itself, with peace of mind,” says Mamoeti Nosi, Product Head: Events, iTOO Special Risks. “Furthermore, our Run99 initiative and coaching seminars further reflect our commitment to the heart of the running community.”
Beyond insurance, iTOO is committed to creating positive social impact. Therefore, in celebration of the 99th edition, iTOO is spearheading the Run99 Initiative. This shoe collection project encourages all runners as well as the broader community to donate their pre-loved running shoes, which will be collected and then distributed to underprivileged athletes, fostering the next generation of runners and ensuring that the spirit of camaraderie extends far beyond the race route.
The 2026 Comrades Marathon will benefit from this multi-layered protection, allowing the CMA to focus on delivering a world-class experience while iTOO manages the complexities of modern event risks.
