Comrades Marathon 2025
Comrades Marathon 2025
You can overcome any obstacles with Marathon Tours & Travel trusted by Comrades Marathon as the only Official International Tour Operator our team are with you every step of the way.
Exact details for the 2025 event have not been officially confirmed yet, but we expect it to be a DOWN RUN on Sunday 8 June 2025, which will be the 98th running of the Comrades Marathon. The DOWN RUN will start in Pietermaritzburg and finish in Durban, with the race distance being approximately 89km. First run in 1921, this marathon is a personal challenge of mind and body, for which you have 12 hours to finish. The course is famous for endless hills in impressive scenery, as well as camaraderie, unique traditions and its history. It’s an event you will not forget and truly is life changing.
Here at Marathon Tours & Travel you are our number one priority. We recognise that the Comrades Marathon is the pinnacle for every runner and the Ultimate Human Race. Our Product Manager, Marie Howarth, has completed both the Up and Down runs and together with an excellent support team of Comrades runners, coaches and masseurs we offer a wealth of advice and experience to ensure your entire trip is successful and stress-free. Our expert team will be there to make sure you arrive at the start line in good time, comfortably, ready to run and we’ll be there at the finish to transfer you the short distance to your hotel. Join us and a community of like-minded runners and your biggest supporters on this epic journey, sharing the Comrades journey together.
After Comrades we suggest you add some extra days to your trip and enjoy a holiday in Africa; it’s such a beautiful continent to explore.
If you reside in the UK please contact our UK office to book.
If you reside in North America please contact our USA office to book.
Meals Included
Daily breakfast & dinners as per itinerary
Guide
Guidance & support from our team with group activities; stretch sessions, shake-out runs.
Transfers
Return Durban airport & race day transfers
Trip Extension
Various extension trips are available or extend with the Big Five Marathon
Accommodation
Excellent accommodation on Durban beachfront. COMBO package also includes race night in Pietermaritzburg.
Entry
Guaranteed International Comrades Marathon entry available
Celebration Party
Celebration lunch and after party with 'The Comrades King', Mr Bruce Fordyce
Excursions
Comrades Route Tour (guided by double green number Comrade), Half day sightseeing tour of Durban with expo visit
A Helping Hand
Access to recovery boots and/or massages pre and post race
Worldwide Events
Trusted by the race organisers as their only Official International Tour Operator
Medal Bling
The smallest but coolest medal ever!
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Thursday 5th June, 2025
2025 details are not yet confirmed. Please join the waitlist for 2025.
Durban is the place to stay leading up to the Comrades Marathon! Home of the Expo and where you can experience the pre-race excitement as throngs of runners fill the city each year and bring the gees (vibe). Add to this quality accommodation with exhilarating sea views and an itinerary with activities, guidance and support you will not regret your decision to book with us, the official Comrades Marathon Tour Operator. Our team will be available every day to offer a wealth of advice and experience to ensure your trip is successful and stress-free. For this VIP package we also include a night in Pietermaritzburg after the race, this means no long transfers, we get you where you need to be before and after the race.
Arrival & Shake Out Run
On arrival at Durban King Shaka Airport (DUR) you will be met and transferred to your hotel, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban, which is approximately a 45-minute drive. Usually, hotel rooms are ready to check in after 2:00pm. If you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage with the hotel and explore your surroundings. Our hotel has a beautiful swimming pool and areas to relax and enjoy the sea views.
Later today we invite you to join your Marathon Tours & Travel team in the hotel lobby before leaving for an optional shake-out run. It will acquaint you with the local area and shake-out any travel tiredness. The run will be easy and at a pace comfortable for all fitness levels. A perfect opportunity to ask questions and get to know fellow runners. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax.
Massages will also be available this afternoon and evening (at an additional cost).
Overnight at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban.
Friday 6th June
Durban Half Day City Tour, Expo, Stretch Session, Shake-out Run, Welcome Reception
After breakfast, depart the hotel at 9.00am for a half-day sightseeing tour of Durban and the beachfront area. Tentative stops include the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the Football World in 2010, the tranquil Durban Botanic Gardens and the bustling Victoria Street Market, known for its fragrant spices and souvenirs. You can expect to hear of the local history, culture, people and experience panoramic city views, stop for some photo opportunities as we drive by the harbour, beachfront and the many historical buildings of the city of Durban.
The tour is designed to allow for a full experience of Durban, in comfort, without much walking! The tour will finish at the Comrades Marathon Expo so you can pick up your race kits. Lunch can be purchased at the Expo, after which we invite you to shop and enjoy the vibe before making your way back to your hotel (approx. a 20-minute walk).
Massages will also be available this afternoon (at an additional cost).
This evening at 5.30pm please join us for a Welcome Reception that will take place at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel or a venue close by. Our expert team will guide you through the weekend’s itinerary, answer any questions you may have whilst you meet your fellow runners and enjoy a selection of food and drinks.
Overnight at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Saturday 7th June
Private Comrades Course Tour, Pre-race Dinner
This morning we recommend you get up and join the North Beach Park Run. It’s a free organised community run which starts approximately 1 km from our hotel and navigates a scenic, flat 5km loop along the beachfront. The atmosphere is amazing. If you don’t want to run just walk across the road to the beachfront and join in or watch the throngs of runners as they sing, dance, run past.
After breakfast, please join us at 9.30am for our private Comrades Course Tour. The coach tour will include stops at Comrades House Museum in Pietermaritzburg, the Wall of Honour and Arthurs Seat and gives runners valuable race insight and allows you the opportunity to preview the route whilst sitting in the comfort of our luxury coach.
If you prefer, you can spend the day in Durban instead and at your leisure.
Later today, we will host a Marathon Tours & Travel stretch session either on the beach or in the hotel surrounds to ease those travel weary muscles whilst at the same time soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the sea views.
Massages will be available today to pre book (at additional cost).
Tonight, we will gather for the pre-race dinner at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel or a venue close by.
Overnight at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Sunday 8th June
Race Day!
The day you have been training for is finally here! Grab & Go Breakfast will be available. Tonight you will spend the night in a hotel close to the race finish, so we will take your overnight bag there. Starting from 4am our private transport will shuttle runners to the starting area in Durban. This a 10 minute journey with guidance from our team to ensure you arrive in your starting corral in good time and without travel stress.
The Comrades Marathon finishes in Pietermaritzburg. After finishing the race, meet Marathon Tours & Travel team at the designated location (TBD), we will look after you. Our hotel is approx. 5 miles (8km) distance from the finish at Scottsville Racecourse, so it won’t be long before you reach the comfort of your room. Staff will be available upon arrival at the hotel, with your bag to check you in. We understand how tired you will feel after a long time on your feet, meals can be purchased at one of the restaurants next door or take the opportunity to order meals for delivery! Relax, you deserve it.
We understand that family and friends who are not running want to share the excitement. We can suggest a service (at additional cost) that takes people to spectate on the route. Alternatively non-runners can choose to either stay in Durban today and tonight at their leisure or travel with Marathon Tours & Travel team directly (8:00 am) to Pietermaritzburg, meet their runner at the finish and stay overnight.
Overnight at StayEasy Hotel in Pietermaritzburg.
(Breakfast is included)
Monday 9th June
Lunch & Celebrations
After breakfast, we will travel back to Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban (journey time 1 hour) and to the same bedroom you left yesterday.
Today we will meet to celebrate at a restaurant along the beachfront from 12:00pm until 6:00pm. Bruce Fordyce, 9 times winner and Comrades Legend will host the party. You can expect music, live entertainment (Bruce has some fabulous stories and is a funny host), a spectacular buffet lunch, sunshine, sea views and a chance to share your Comrades experience. Your meal includes your choice of a glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Any further drinks can be purchased. It’s always a lot of fun and if we’re lucky we may just have some Comrades winners past or current to pop by (not guaranteed).
You can expect food, great sea views, lots of laughs and celebrations with your running peers and companions.
Massages will also be available this evening (at an additional cost).
Overnight at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban.
(Breakfast and lunch/party is included)
Tuesday 10th June
Departure Day
Today is departure day. Unless you have booked extra nights or an extension trip with us please check out of your room before 11:00am.
Your airport transfer (approx. a 45-minute drive) to Durban King Shaka Airport is included. Departure times will be shared on-site and will coincide with your given flight arrangements. Safe travels and we hope you enjoyed your Comrades Experience!
(Breakfast included)
Itinerary subject to change.
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Thursday 6th June, 2024
Durban is the place to stay leading up to the Comrades Marathon! Home of the Expo and where you can experience the pre-race excitement as throngs of runners fill the city each year and bring the gees (vibe). Add to this quality accommodation with exhilarating sea views and an itinerary with activities, guidance and support you will not regret your decision to book with us, the official Comrades Marathon Tour Operator. Our team will be available every day to offer a wealth of advice and experience to ensure your trip is successful and stress-free. For this package your entire stay will be in Durban.
Arrival & Shake Out Run
On arrival at Durban King Shaka Airport (DUR) you will be met and transferred to your hotel, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban, which is approximately a 45-minute drive. Usually, hotel rooms are ready to check in after 2:00pm. If you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage with the hotel and explore your surroundings. Our hotel has a beautiful swimming pool and areas to relax and enjoy the sea views.
Later today we invite you to join your Marathon Tours & Travel team in the hotel lobby before leaving for an optional shake-out run. It will acquaint you with the local area and shake-out any travel tiredness. The run will be easy and at a pace comfortable for all fitness levels. A perfect opportunity to ask questions and get to know fellow runners. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax.
Massages will also be available this afternoon and evening (at an additional cost).
Overnight at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban.
Friday 7th June, 2024
Durban Half Day City Tour, Expo, Stretch Session, Shake-out Run, Welcome Reception
After breakfast, depart the hotel at 9.00am for a half-day sightseeing tour of Durban and the beachfront area. Tentative stops include the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the Football World in 2010, the tranquil Durban Botanic Gardens and the bustling Victoria Street Market, known for its fragrant spices and souvenirs. You can expect to hear of the local history, culture, people and experience panoramic city views, stop for some photo opportunities as we drive by the harbour, beachfront and the many historical buildings of the city of Durban.
The tour is designed to allow for a full experience of Durban, in comfort, without much walking! The tour will finish at the Comrades Marathon Expo so you can pick up your race kits. Lunch can be purchased at the Expo, after which we invite you to shop and enjoy the vibe before making your way back to your hotel (approx. a 20-minute walk).
Massages will also be available this afternoon (at an additional cost).
This evening at 5.30pm please join us for a Welcome Reception that will take place at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel or a venue close by. Our expert team will guide you through the weekend’s itinerary, answer any questions you may have whilst you meet your fellow runners and enjoy a selection of food and drinks.
Overnight at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban.
(Breakfast and dinners included)
Saturday 8th June, 2024
Private Comrades Course Tour, Pre-race Dinner
This morning we recommend you get up and join the North Beach Park Run. It’s a free organised community run which starts approximately 1 km from our hotel and navigates a scenic, flat 5km loop along the beachfront. The atmosphere is amazing. If you don’t want to run just walk across the road to the beachfront and join in or watch the throngs of runners as they sing, dance, run past.
After breakfast, please join us at 9.30am for our private Comrades Course Tour. The coach tour will include stops at Comrades House Museum in Pietermaritzburg, the Wall of Honour and Arthurs Seat and gives runners valuable race insight and allows you the opportunity to preview the route whilst sitting in the comfort of our luxury coach.
If you prefer, you can spend the day in Durban instead and at your leisure.
Later today, we will host a Marathon Tours & Travel stretch session either on the beach or in the hotel surrounds to ease those travel weary muscles whilst at the same time soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the sea views.
Massages will be available today to pre book (at additional cost).
Tonight, we will gather for the pre-race dinner at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel or a venue close by.
Overnight at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Sunday 9th June, 2024
Race Day!
The day you have been training for is finally here! Grab & Go Breakfast will be available. Starting from 4am our private transport will shuttle runners to the starting area in Durban. This a 10 minute journey with guidance from our team to ensure you arrive in your starting corral in good time and without travel stress.
The Comrades Marathon finishes in Pietermaritzburg. After finishing the race, meet Marathon Tours & Travel team at the designated location (TBD), we will look after you until you leave. Your transfer back to Durban will take approximately 2 hours, take this time to rest and hydrate. Durban is approx. 48 miles (77km) distance from the finish at Scottsville Racecourse, so if you prefer a shorter transfer post race then please book our COMBO package instead. We understand how tired you will feel after a long time on your feet, meals can be purchased at one of the restaurants or take the opportunity to order meals for delivery! Relax, you deserve it.
We understand that family and friends that are not running want to also share the excitement. We can suggest a service (at additional cost) that takes people to spectate on the route.
Overnight at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban.
(Breakfast is included)
Monday 10th June, 2024
Lunch & Celebrations
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and morning at your leisure.
Today we will meet to celebrate at a restaurant along the beachfront from 12:00pm until 6:00pm. Bruce Fordyce, 9 times winner and Comrades Legend will host the party. You can expect music, live entertainment (Bruce has some fabulous stories and is a funny host), a spectacular buffet lunch, sunshine, sea views and a chance to share your Comrades experience. Your meal includes your choice of a glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Any further drinks can be purchased. It’s always a lot of fun and if we’re lucky we may just have some Comrades winners past or current to pop by (not guaranteed).
You can expect food, great sea views, lots of laughs and celebrations with your running peers and companions.
Massages will also be available this evening (at an additional cost).
Overnight at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban.
(Breakfast and lunch/party is included)
Tuesday 11th June, 2024
Departure Day
Today is departure day. Unless you have booked extra nights or an extension trip with us please check out of your room before 11:00am.
Your airport transfer (approx. a 45-minute drive) to Durban King Shaka Airport is included. Departure times will be shared on-site and will coincide with your given flight arrangements. Safe travels and we hope you enjoyed your Comrades Experience!
(Breakfast included)
Itinerary subject to change.
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Extensions
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2025 details are not yet confirmed. Please pre-register for 2025
Extensions within Africa post-Comrades Marathon 2025 are offered; such as a private game reserve or the mother city of Cape Town; or why not get your running kit back out and book for the Big Five Marathon!
THANDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE | 10 – 13 June 2025
Thanda Safari is a world of wilderness and wildlife game reserve, matched with a deep commitment to Zulu culture and environmental conservation. Thanda means ‘Love’ in the language of the Zulu people, and Thanda Safari lives this ethos in the management of its 14,000-hectare reserve, its three unique properties, and its community partnerships. Experience the ultimate safari and game lodge experience with Thanda Safari, which has repeatedly been named the World’s Leading Luxury Game Reserve Lodge or sleep under the African skies in a luxury tent.
Thanda Private Game Reserve 3 Nights Extension Package includes:
- 3 nights’ accommodation at Thanda Private Game Reserve
- Transfer from Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban to Thanda Private Game Reserve
- All meals and selected local beverages (soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers)
- Mini bar and Wi-Fi in public areas
- 2 game drives per day with professional guide and tracker
- Transfer from Thanda Private Game Reserve to Durban Airport
- Tips for guides, drivers and general staff
- Conservation Levy
NOTE: Extensions are guided by Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT) staff based on a minimum number of sales. Thanda Private Game Reserve will look after you and MTT staff will be available via telephone if sales do not reach a minimum number.
Please refer to the last day of itinerary for flight recommendations.
Families with children are welcome but some restrictions apply, depending on child age. Please contact us for availability and more details.
Itinerary
Tuesday 10 June 2025
After breakfast, at 10:00am we will depart from the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban to Thanda Private Game Reserve. The group transfer will be an approximately 3-and-a-half hour drive along the Indian Ocean. After arriving to your suite or experiential non electrified/solar powered luxury tent, you will depart for your first game drive in four-wheel Land Rovers. An early morning or late afternoon safari is the best time to look for the Big Five. With 14,000 hectares to explore and led by experts of the African bush, you’ll see an incredible range of animals, including cheetahs, hyaenas, giraffes, warthogs and abundant bird and plant life. (Lunch and Dinner included)
Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 June 2025
Today is an early morning wake-up (05:30am) with coffee available before departing for your morning game drive. This is a great time to view many animals visiting the water holes and/or predators hunting for its day food. We will return around 09:00am for breakfast and spend the middle of the day relaxing and/or enjoying optional activities such as bush walks that you can book on site. We will head out for our last game drive at 15:00pm and return for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Friday 13 June 2025
We recommend flying from local Richards Bay Airport (90 minutes drive) or King Shaka International Airport (3-hour drive) in Durban so that you can connect with your international flight home. After breakfast, we will depart Thanda Safari Lodge for the group transfer to Durban King Shaka International Airport. We expect to arrive between 14:00pm and 15:00pm. Please keep this in mind when booking your flights. If the group transfer does not suit your plans or should you need a transfer to Richards Bay Airport, we can arrange a private transfer. Please contact us for the additional cost if an individual transfer is required. (Breakfast included)
NEW FOR 2025
CAPE TOWN & SURROUNDS | Dates / Rates TBC
NOTE: Extensions are guided by Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT) staff based on a minimum number of sales. A local guide will look after you at key times and MTT staff will be available via telephone if sales do not reach a minimum number.
Please refer to last day of itinerary for flight recommendations.
Families with children are welcome. Please contact us for availability and more details.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Packages & Rates
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2025 details are not yet confirmed. Please join the waitlist for 2025.
Guaranteed Comrades Marathon Entry 2025
We are the only official international tour operator and can offer guaranteed international race entry into the Comrades Marathon. This applies to runners living outside of South Africa. You can buy the entry from Marathon Tours & Travel if you also buy a Comrades package from us. All race rules must be adhered to which includes a race qualification time.
Our 2025 Comrades Marathon Packages
Marathon Tours & Travel are trusted as the only official international tour operator. Comrades Marathon packages are available for everyone to book. Supporter or runner; we will look after you. Foreign athlete race entry can be purchased if required. Whether you are running or supporting, we have an expert team on the ground to ensure your trip runs smoothly. Our Product Manager is a Comrades Marathon medal holder, having run and finished both the Up and Down runs. Previous clients over the years have returned with fabulous feedback too.
As many months are invested in training for the event with time spent away from family and friends, our travel packages offer all participants from around the world (runners, supporters, partners, friends, family) the opportunity to share the experience together.
Durban is the place to stay leading up to the Comrades Marathon! Home of the Expo and where you can experience the pre-race excitement as throngs of runners fill the city each year and bring the gees (vibe). Add to this quality accommodation with exhilarating sea views and an itinerary with activities, guidance and support you will not regret your decision to book with us, the official Comrades Marathon Tour Operator. Our team will be available every day to offer a wealth of advice and experience to ensure your trip is successful and stress-free. For a superior race day experience we recommend our ‘Combo’ package which includes race night in Pietermaritzburg, this means no long transfer after the race, instead we get you where you need to be before and after the race with quick transfers.
Marathon Tours & Travel 2025 COMBO Comrades Marathon Package Includes:
- Stay at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel Durban from 6 – 11 June
- Stay at StayEasy Hotel Pietermaritzburg 9 June *
- Daily breakfasts
- Return Durban airport transfers
- Shake-out run & Stretch session
- Half day sightseeing tour of Durban with Expo visit
- Welcome reception with dinner & drinks
- Private Comrades course tour
- Pre-race dinner
- Transfer from hotel to race start (1.2 miles (2km) distance)
- Transfer from race finish to hotel (5 miles (8km) distance)
- Transfer from Pietermaritzburg to Durban
- After Party hosted by ‘The Comrades King’ Mr Bruce Fordyce
- Guidance and support from our expert Marathon Tours & Travel team in South Africa
*StayEasy Pietermaritzburg only has standard rooms, therefore if you select the superior room option you will receive a superior room in Durban but a standard room in Pietermaritzburg.
Marathon Tours & Travel 2025 DURBAN Comrades Marathon Package Includes:
- Stay at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel Durban from 5 – 10 June
- Daily breakfasts
- Return Durban airport transfers
- Shake-out run & Stretch session
- Half day sightseeing tour of Durban with Expo visit
- Welcome reception with dinner & drinks
- Private Comrades course tour
- Pre-race dinner
- Transfer from hotel to race start
- Transfer from race finish to hotel
- After Party hosted by ‘The Comrades King’ Mr Bruce Fordyce
- Guidance and support from our expert Marathon Tours & Travel team in South Africa
Travelling with children or 3 adults wanting to share?
We do not recommend the Combo tour for small children. Families with children aged 8 years and above can be accommodated on our Durban only package, please contact us for availability and more details.
2025 Rates are TBC please (all prices are per person in AUD)
Durban & Pietermaritzburg Comrades PackageDouble Occupancy Single Occupancy Standard Room
TBC
TBC
Superior Room
TBC
TBC
Race Entry
TBC
Durban Comrades PackageDouble Occupancy Single Occupancy Standard Room
TBC
TBC
Superior Room
TBC
TBC
Race Entry
TBC
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Hotels
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Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani
Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is an iconic 4* hotel with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean on Durbans 7km promenade and beachfront. Guests can enjoy a first class experience with a wide range of facilities available such as 5 restaurants, bars & lounges, a spa and beauty salon, 3 swimming pools, 2 gyms and complimentary Wi-Fi. Each guest room is air-conditioned with comfortable furnishings, a tea/coffee station, mini fridge, safe, TV and a queen or king sized bed (sold as single or double occupancy). Twin rooms have 2 double beds (sold as double occupancy or family of 2 adults & 2 children).
Address
63 Snell Parade North Beach Durban 4001StayEasy PietermaritzburgSituated in Pietermaritzburg and neighbouring the Liberty Midlands Mall, the StayEasy Pietermaritzburg hotel is comfortable and better than its 3 star classification.
The hotel’s bedrooms are comfortable and well-appointed with all the essentials such as a modern en-suite bathroom with shower, as well as air-conditioning, complimentary uncapped WiFi, a work desk, television with selection of DStv channels, and other home comforts. Rooms have 1 double sized bed (sold as single or double occupancy). Twin rooms have 2 single beds.Address
50 Sanctuary Road Pietermaritzburg
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Event Information
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About The Comrades Marathon
The Comrades Marathon is an iconic race in the world of long-distance endurance running. This ultramarathon is approximately 89 kilometres and run annually in South Africa. Comrades is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon race and alternates between the two cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg each year. At a distance of 56 miles with several large hills amongst the seemingly endless hilly vista, amongst stunning scenery… It provides an incredible challenge for any runner.
2025 Comrades Marathon Details
Whilst we expect this event to take place on the date shown the exact date is yet to be announced and confirmed. Do not book any flights until confirmed details are known and we have advised you of the package choices.
Race Date: 8th June, 2025
Race Start: 5:30am in Durban Race Finish: 5:30pm in Pietermaritzburg Distance: 87km (TBC)
The Course:
2025 is expected to be a DOWN RUN that will start in Pietermaritzburg, outside the City Hall at 05:30am to the sounds of Chariots of Fire, Shosholoza, the famous cock crow and the National Anthem. It’s a long day at the office for many and a beast of a race but the experience is second to none. There are lots of challenging hills and enthusiastic support from spectators along the roads. Finish as a hero before cut off at 17:30pm in Durban.
Temperature:
Conditions are usually perfect for fast times with expected temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C. Humidity is low. The start is mild, throughout the day gets warmer and late finishes can see much cooler temperatures as the sun goes down in Pietermaritzburg.
Back to Back
2024 saw 18,884 Comrades Marathon runners on the start line and 17,313 finishers, an astounding 91.68% finish rate. Any novice who completed 2024 will receive a back-to-back medal in addition to their Comrades Marathon medal when finishing 2025 before the cut-off time.
Time Limits & Cut Offs:
The race will have batch wave starts and be timed “mat-to-mat”. The cut-off times for these points will be confirmed in the final race instructions. For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website
Qualification Requirement:
All entrants are required to meet the Comrades Marathon qualifying criteria. Failure to meet the qualifying criteria will result in your entry being rejected. Generally speaking you need to have completed a standard marathon in a time of sub 4 hours 50 minutes and between the preceding September and May. For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website.
Minimum Age: 20 years old
Entry Fee:
Guaranteed entry is available as an additional cost when booked with our package. Entry only is not available.
Number Pickup:
You must collect your (2) Comrades Marathon race numbers, FREE runner’s t-shirt and Goodie Bag from the venue you have indicated on your entry form. Should you have placed an order for a ChampionChip with your entry form, the chip will be in your race number pack and can ONLY be collected from the registration venue you have indicated. The ChampionChip ordered with the entry form will NOT be issued before registration dates. Should you wish to use your chip for qualifying races before the Comrades Marathon, please contact ChampionChip directly. These items will not be posted to you.
It is important to note the following when collecting your race number package:
- All runners MUST produce their ChampionChip when collecting their race number
- All runners MUST provide proof of identity to collect their race number pack e.g. ID book, Passport or Driver’s License – along with your race entry confirmation.
- NO race numbers will be issued on race day
Difficulty:
Challenging! Ultra-marathon with strict time limit.
For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website.
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Registration & Booking
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How to Book
Please use the enquiry form to get in touch and register your interest in the 2025 packages until our booking portal is live.
If you reside in United Kingdom please contact our UK office to book.
If you reside in North America please contact our USA office to book.
Payments
When you confirm your booking, we will take payment.
T&C’s apply. The cost of the event entry is non-refundable.
Travel Advice
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for South Africa’s current entry restrictions and requirements.
Security Policy
Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Guaranteed Comrades Marathon Entry for International or Rest of Africa Runners
We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the 2024 Comrades Marathon. You can buy the entry at an additional cost if you also buy the accommodation package with us.
Security Policy
Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Guaranteed Comrades Marathon Entry for International or Rest of Africa Runners
We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the 2024 Comrades Marathon. You can buy the entry at an additional cost if you also buy the accommodation package with us.
Starting Times and Bib Numbers
Marathon Tours & Travel are the only official international tour operator and permitted to sell official entries for the 2024 Comrades Marathon. We have no influence over the allocation of starting times and bib numbers, these are allocated based on strict qualifying criteria.
Closer to the event we will ask for your expected pace and other details to complete the registration process for the 2024 Comrades Marathon. The organisers will allocate you a starting time and bib based on the information you provide. Please refer to qualification rule.
All race rules must be followed.
Time Limits & Cut Offs:
The race will have batch wave starts and be timed “mat-to-mat”. The cut-off times for these points will be confirmed in the final race instructions. For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website
Qualification Requirement:
All entrants are required to meet the Comrades Marathon qualifying criteria. Failure to meet the qualifying criteria will result in your entry being rejected. Generally speaking you need to have completed a standard marathon in a time of sub 4 hours 50 minutes and between the preceding September and May. For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website.
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