BRITS POS – BRITS - In a pivotal move to enhance participant protection and event resilience, iTOO Special Risks has partnered with the Comrades Marathon Association to provide Contingency and Cancellation Insurance for the 2026 edition of the world-renowned ultramarathon.
This partnership offers peace of mind to thousands of runners who will take part in the iconic race next year.
The cover ensures that, should the event be cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather, participants will be eligible for refunds on their entry fees.
The announcement comes in the wake of several other high-profile events having been cancelled in recent months, in many instances leaving participants frustrated and out of pocket due to the absence of a refund mechanism. The Comrades Marathon, in contrast, is taking a proactive stance by securing specialist insurance that protects both the event organisers and the runners.
“The loss of a race entry should not be a dream denied. Contingency and Cancellation Insurance is a powerful risk management tool that ensures the financial and emotional investment of participants is safeguarded,” says Mamoeti Nosi, Product Head: Events at iTOO Special Risks.
Commonly referred to as Event Cancellation Insurance, Contingency and Cancellation Insurance is a specialised product designed to protect organisers, sponsors and stakeholders from financial losses if an event is cancelled, postponed or curtailed due to circumstances beyond their control. For outdoor sporting events in particular, adverse weather remains one of the most common and disruptive risks.
The policy secured by Comrades includes cover for cancellation due to adverse weather conditions, as well as the option for additional extensions tailored to the organiser’s needs. These may include cover for postponement, curtailment or other unforeseen perils that could impact the event’s delivery.
In practical terms, this means that if the 2026 Comrades Marathon cannot proceed as planned, runners will not be left in the lurch. Their entry fees will be protected, and the event organisers will be able to recover key costs such as marketing, merchandise, and security.
“This is about more than just insurance. It is about building trust with participants and demonstrating that Comrades is thinking ahead. It’s a signal to the running community that their commitment is valued and protected,” says Nosi.
The decision to implement cancellation cover follows growing awareness in the events industry of the need for robust risk planning, as organisers are increasingly becoming aware of the potential reputational and financial risks of proceeding without adequate insurance.
By contrast, Comrades is setting a new standard for accountability and foresight. The partnership with iTOO reflects a broader shift in the industry that prioritises participant experience and operational resilience.
“We have seen the consequences of not having this kind of cover in place. Now we are seeing what it looks like when organisers take the lead. This is a new chapter for event risk management in South Africa,” says Nosi.
The Comrades Marathon Association will communicate the details of the cancellation cover directly to participants as part of its 2026 ticketing rollout. iTOO will continue to support the initiative from a technical and brand perspective, ensuring clarity and confidence in the cover provided.
