Rexona Teams Up with the Comrades Marathon to Help Novice Runners Stay Cool

Image: courtesy of Rexona

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is proud to announce Rexona as the Official Deodorant Supplier for The Ultimate Human Race for the next three years (2026–2028). This partnership will place a special focus on supporting novice runners as they tackle their first Comrades Marathon – this year, the gruelling race will take place on Sunday, 14 June 2026, covering 85.777km on the ‘Up Run’ from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

Rexona is the new brand name for the trusted range of Shield deodorants and anti-perspirants in South Africa. Originally created in Australia in 1908, Rexona has become a market-leading brand in countries as diverse as Japan, Korea, Canada, the USA and South Africa, often under various names suited to the local market. However, what is consistent across all these countries is the same 72-hour sweat and odour protection that uses Body Heat Activated Technology to provide all-day confidence when moving through a hot day – whether commuting, working, handling the braai, or running the Comrades Marathon.

Understanding the physical and mental toll of running in the KwaZulu-Natal heat and humidity, Rexona is committed to keeping athletes fresh and confident. “Rexona is built for those who move, and there is no greater test of movement than the Comrades Marathon,” says Sanele Gwala, Rexona Head of Brand. “Our mission for the next three years is to ensure that every runner – especially the novices – feels protected and cool. Whether it’s through our refreshment zones, or seminars and webinars offering expert advice, we want to ensure their first finish is a fresh one.”

Dedicated Focus on Novices

To kick off the 2026 Comrades Marathon race weekend, Rexona will host an exclusive Novice Welcome Talk on Friday, 12 June, at Comrades House in Pietermaritzburg. This session is designed to provide first-time participants with expert advice on pacing, hydration, and the grit required to reach the finish line.

On race day, runners can look out for dedicated Rexona ‘cool zone’ activations every 20km, which will help all runners maintain their composure. At the finish venue in Pietermaritzburg, Rexona has designed a premium Novice Recovery Zone that will feature essential post-race amenities, including ice baths, to aid muscle recovery and provide immediate relief.

The partnership between Rexona and the race extends beyond just supporting the runners on the day. Keep an eye out for the Rexona Mascot, who will be running to raise awareness and funds for the official Comrades Marathon Amabeadibeadi Charity, CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa), which advocates for the health and wellbeing of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, and their families.

Freshness That Goes the Distance

Speaking on the new agreement between one of the world’s leading deodorant brands and the world’s biggest ultramarathon, CMA General Manager Alain Dalais says, “We are delighted to have a global leader like Rexona join the Comrades family, and provide our participating runners with freshness that goes the distance. Their focus on the novice experience aligns perfectly with our goal of nurturing the next generation of Comrades Marathon runners. From the support stations along the route to the ice baths at the finish, Rexona is bringing a new level of care to our novice athletes.”