Flash Sponsorship has negotiated the renewal of leading laundry brand OMO’s sponsorship of the Comrades Marathon for a further three years, extending OMO’s role as the Official Laundry Detergent Supplier to the Race until 2028.
The Comrades Marathon represents the pinnacle of Ultramarathon running in SA, and indeed across Africa and around the world for all aspiring marathon runners. Omo sets the benchmark for fabric care keeping your laundry clean & fresh, removing stains from the most arduous exercise, including the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon. These two iconic, household South African brands have found common ground, and it’s in this association where the magic happens for consumers.
Gill Fraser, Sales Director at Flash Sponsorship, highlighted the significance of the renewal: “Securing Omo’s continued commitment for another three years is a testament to the enduring value of the Comrades Marathon brand. Omo has always celebrated the determination of South Africans, and there is no better place to showcase that ‘Stay unbeatable’ attitude than to the thousands of Comrades Marathon Runners. Omo will also celebrate the Green Number Club as part of their sponsorship paying homage to these legends of the Race whose members have completed the ultramarathon 10 times or more, won the race three times, or earned five gold medals, with hospitality, giveaways and other elements only available to these runners who have proved that they also have more than what it takes to conquer the Ultimate Human Race.”
CMA General Manager Alain Dalais welcomes the news of OMO’s renewal: “We are thrilled to have OMO sign up for another three years and continue this journey together, as their #StayUnbeatable campaign aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Comrades Marathon as well as our 2026 race campaign, Ska Fela Moya, which is Setswana for Don’t Give Up. In particular, OMO’s focus on our Green Number Club members is welcomed, as one of our core focus areas is to honour the dedication and perseverance of our most loyal athletes. We look forward to the Green Number runners enjoying this special treatment.”
“OMO is a brand that celebrates the grit and resilience it takes to #StayUnbeatable in pursuit of a goal, and nobody embodies this spirit more than the Green Number Club runners,” says Elizabeth Mokwena, Unilever South Africa’s Executive Marketing Director: HomeCare. “By renewing our commitment to the Comrades Marathon for three more years, we are not just sponsoring a race, we are honouring the legends who return year after year to push the limits of human endurance”
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.
