Comrades Marathon

Tips and MTT first-hand experience!

Comrades Ultra Marathon is known in South Africa and amongst the running community simply as Comrades and is the world’s largest and oldest ultra marathon. Unsure if you could handle it? Read a first-hand experience of what it’s like to run the Comrades Ultra Marathon from our Product Manager Marie Howarth.

See below for some more tips and info;

23 lessons from a first time finisher to help you conquer the UP RUN – watch a video from returning Comrade, YouTuber ManVMiles (UP RUN 2024)

What it’s like running your first UP RUN – watch a video from returning Comrade, YouTuber ManVMiles (UP RUN 2024)

Comrades Marathon 2024 Video

What it’s like to run your first Comrades – watch a video watch from a 2023 Comrade, YouTuber ManVMiles (DOWN RUN 2023)

Winter Training Guide

COMRADES MARATHON 2024 WITH MARATHON TOURS & TRAVEL (MTT) FAQ

Please pre-register for 2025, 2025 FAQs will be updated later

What is the main difference between the 2 packages?

Marathon Tours & Travel 2024 COMBO Package

For this package we also include a night in Pietermaritzburg after the race, so we bring you back to Durban on Monday morning. This means no long transfers to either the start or from the finish. We get you where you need to be before and after the race quickly.

Marathon Tours & Travel 2024 DURBAN Package

For this package your entire stay will be in Durban.

Both our Comrades packages include accommodation, airport transfers, race transfers, expert support, meals, sightseeing and a not-to-be-missed party hosted by the ‘The Comrades King’ and 9 times Comrades winner, Mr Bruce Fordyce. For the international athlete we offer guaranteed race entry.

Why should I buy the race entry from MTT and not directly?

Entries can only be purchased directly within 21 Nov and 11 Dec 2023 – they may close earlier than 11 Dec if the entry limit is reached. The entry limit is 23,000.

MTT are the exclusive official international tour operator and we can supply Comrades Race entry as an extra cost to the package. We do not charge any more than the fee charged by Comrades Marathon so you might as well let us secure your entry for you.

Our package choices, prices and inclusions can be found here.

Our detailed itineraries can be found here.

Can children join our tours?

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.

What category of rooms do we offer?

In Durban you can choose standard or superior rooms. If you book our COMBO package please be aware that our hotel in Pietermaritzburg only has standard rooms, therefore if you select the superior room option you will receive a superior room in Durban but standard room in Pietermaritzburg.

Why is the accommodation in Durban and not one of the outlying suburbs?

In addition to quality accommodation with exhilarating sea views, Durban is the place to stay leading up to the Comrades Marathon 2024! 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). 

Are the airport transfers organised to suit specific arrival and destination times of our flights?

Yes, once we have your flight details we will be able to schedule airport transfers according to those times. If there are many guests on the same flights this may mean sharing a transfer with others, though the times will be made to suit your travel plans.

What is the earliest room check in time at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

14:00pm

What is the latest check out time at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani?

11:00am

Will breakfast be available on race day?

Yes, a grab & go style breakfast will be available on race day. Times will be confirmed on the final instructions.

What will the massages cost?

2024 rates are not yet available but for 2023 the costs were;
ZAR 500 for 60 minutes massage
ZAR 300 for 30 minutes compression boots
Bookable and payable directly (cash) – details and appointments will be sent with final instructions.

What can I expect from the sightseeing tour?

After breakfast, depart the hotel at 09.00am for a half-day sightseeing tour of Durban and the beachfront area. Stops include the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the Football World Cup 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 and 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). 

What is included in the welcome reception?

At 17:30pm on Friday our welcome reception 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 and answer any questions you may have whilst you meet your fellow runners and enjoy a selection of food and drinks.

How do I get to the Expo to collect my race number?

The sightseeing tour will drop you off at the Expo in Durban. You can easily walk approx. 20 minutes from the Expo to hotel. 

Is the Comrades Route Tour only for runners?

No, all MTT clients booked on a package that includes the tour are welcome, which is exclusive to Marathon Tours & Travel. It starts at 09.30am from our hotel and will allow you to preview the route whilst sitting in the comfort of our luxury coach. En-route we will include stops at Comrades House Museum in Pietermaritzburg, the Wall of Honour and Arthurs Seat. It gives runners who have not seen the route before some valuable race insight, but this is personal choice and by no means obligatory. The tour is expected to finish early afternoon. 

What is included in the pre-race dinner?

At 17:30pm on Saturday our pre-race dinner will take place at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel or a venue close by. Our expert team will be available to re-cap on the next day’s schedule and answer any questions you may have whilst you eat a nutritious, carb-loading dinner. 

What can I expect on race day as a runner?

Breakfast will be available early – expect a Grab & Go Breakfast with all the key elements you would expect for fuelling before an ultra marathon. However, if you have any essential foods please either bring them with you, or notify us before the trip and we will do our best to arrange this with the hotel.

For those booked on our COMBO package you will need to pack a small overnight bag (max cabin bag size) and leave it with our staff prior to leaving for the race. MTT will take your bag to the hotel in Pietermaritzburg. The rest of your luggage will stay in your Durban hotel room.

Starting from 4am our private transport will shuttle runners to the starting area in Durban. This is 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 the Marathon Tours & Travel team at the designated location in the finish area (TBC). We will look after you until you wish to leave.

For those booked on our COMBO package 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 with your bag to check you in at the hotel. 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.

For those booked on our DURBAN package we will direct you to the buses that return to Durban. Due to increased traffic this can take anything from 1 to 3 hours. The later you finish, the busier the roads.

For the non-runners we can suggest a service (at additional cost) that takes people to spectate on the route, the cost is ZAR 3100 (rands) but as a Marathon Tours client we will provide a code for a discount. Alternatively, non-runners can choose to either stay in Durban on Sunday at their own leisure, or travel with the Marathon Tours & Travel team directly (08:00am) to Pietermaritzburg and meet you at the finish (applies to COMBO).

Are supporters looked after and included in the activities?

We welcome supporters on our trips, they are included in all the activities, except the run itself. Family/friends make the experience so much more personal for you as the runner and they get to enjoy the sunshine, as well as seeing you accomplish your dream. We can suggest a service (at an additional cost) that takes people to spectate on the route, the cost is ZAR 3100 (rands) but as a Marathon Tours client we will provide a code for a discount. More details will be provided after you have booked your Comrades Marathon 2024 package with Marathon Tours & Travel. Alternatively, non-runners can choose to either stay in Durban on Sunday at their own leisure, or travel with the Marathon Tours & Travel team directly (08:00am) to Pietermaritzburg and meet you at the finish (applies to COMBO).

Is there a service for runners to leave their personal drinks and kit essentials on the Comrades course?

Comrades refreshment tables are very well stacked with refreshments and foods. However if you prefer your own goodies and also want to make use of a flushing toilet at 3 points en-route, we can suggest a service (at additional cost) that provides this for runners. The cost is ZAR 900 (rands) but as a Marathon Tours client we will provide a code for a discount. More details will be provided after you have booked your Comrades Marathon 2024 package with Marathon Tours & Travel.

Can supporters wait at the finish and see runners finish?

Yes, the finish is at Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg. It’s open and access is free for spectators. The finish area is being reviewed by the Comrades Marathon organisation committee, meaning details of the exact location are yet to be confirmed. However, based on previous years we expect to have a meeting point in or close to the international runners’ tent. 

What can I expect after I have finished?

All international runners will be given 2 wristbands and an international tog bag sticker with their race number. The wristband must be worn on race day because it allows access to the international area at the finish.  The international tog-bag retrieval point is also separate from the local runner’s tog-bag collection point, in 2023 it was in the International tent. The 2^nd wristband can be given to a supporter. The International tent at the finish is usually the best spot to see runners and provides seating and refreshments.

What can I expect of the after party?

You can expect food, great sea views, lots of laughs and celebrations with your running peers and companions.

It takes place on Monday afternoon at a restaurant a short distance away from our hotel. 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 great host), a spectacular buffet lunch, sunshine, sea views and a chance to share your Comrades Marathon 2024 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).

What extensions do you offer after Comrades?

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. A great value Big Five safari, a luxury train journey or the splendours of Victoria Falls are available. Extra nights in Durban are available on request.

Flights?

Flights to/from Africa are not included but clients can be advised as follows.

Comrades Package Only: Clients should plan to fly in and out of Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR).

Comrades Package with the Post-Race Extension to Thanda​: Clients should plan to fly in and out of Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR).

Comrades Package with the Post-Race Extension to Pretoria & Victoria Falls​: Clients should plan to fly into Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR) and out of Victoria Falls Airport (VFA).

Comrades Package with the Post-Race Extension to Pretoria & Victoria Falls via Rovos Rail​: Clients should plan to fly into Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR) and out of Victoria Falls Airport (VFA).

When can I book for 2025?

2025 is open for pre-registration. More details can be found here.

All information is subject to change and will be updated and advised with our clients final itinerary and instructions.