By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - KwaZulu-Natal is gearing up to welcome thousands of athletes and visitors as the 2026 Comrades Marathon returns this Sunday. Organisers expect around 24,000 runners, including 2,500 international participants from more than 80 countries, highlighting the event's global appeal. The race is being positioned as a major economic and tourism driver for the province, with businesses across the region, including those in the Midlands Meander tourism route, expected to benefit from increased visitor spending on accommodation, dining, retail and local attractions. Provincial leaders say the marathon will play a key role in supporting jobs and showcasing KwaZulu-Natal as a leading events destination. The event also forms part of the province's winter tourism campaign aimed at attracting both domestic and international travellers. Manager of the Midlands Meander Association, Tegan Peacock explains the economic spin-off to the region... 

<p>By Newsbreak Producer Hoosen Ebrahim - KwaZulu-Natal is gearing up to welcome thousands of athletes and visitors as the 2026 Comrades Marathon returns this Sunday. Organisers expect around 24,000 runners, including 2,500 international participants from more than 80 countries, highlighting the event's global appeal. The race is being positioned as a major economic and tourism driver for the province, with businesses across the region, including those in the Midlands Meander tourism route, expected to benefit from increased visitor spending on accommodation, dining, retail and local attractions. Provincial leaders say the marathon will play a key role in supporting jobs and showcasing KwaZulu-Natal as a leading events destination. The event also forms part of the province's winter tourism campaign aimed at attracting both domestic and international travellers. Manager of the Midlands Meander Association, Tegan Peacock explains the economic spin-off to the region...&nbsp;</p>

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