Comrades Marathon

2025 Extensions

Extensions for post-Comrades Marathon 2024 include a three-night safari experience at Thanda Game Reserve, a four-night extension to  explore Cape Town, or,  if you are feeling up to the challenge,  join our Big Five Marathon package, June 11-20, 2025.  Following are destination descriptions with the itineraries below. 

THANDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE | June 10-13, 2025 | 3 Nights

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 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. For 2025, the Lodge is not available, but we can offer the Thanda Luxury Tented Camp. Comprised of fifteen non-electrified colonial style safari tents, providing an authentic rustic bush experience (leaving a smaller carbon footprint). Each tent has an open-plan bedroom with en-suite canvas bathroom with an indoor and/or outdoor shower, as well as a wooden viewing deck. For 2025, the Lodge is not available, but we can offer the Thanda Luxury Tented Camp. Comprised of fifteen non-electrified colonial style safari tents, providing an authentic rustic bush experience (leaving a smaller carbon footprint). Each tent has an open-plan bedroom with en-suite canvas bathroom with an indoor and/or outdoor shower, as well as a wooden viewing deck.

BIG FIVE MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON | June 11 – 17,  2025 | 6 nights 

See our Big Five Marathon page for more details 

Note: An extra night in Durban and a flight to Johannesburg will need to be added as this trip starts and finishes in Johannesburg. 

Situated in the Limpopo province, the Entabeni Game Reserve provides the perfect setting for this event. Within this 22,000 ha, malaria-free, private game reserve, choose accommodations in comfortable tented camps to luxurious lodges. Immerse yourself in the world of the “Big Five” game, all of which can be found living around the mighty Entabeni-monolith.  The rangers on game drives and bush walks will educate and entertain you as you view and learn about the many creatures that live here including giraffes, hippopotamus, crocodiles, wildebeest, rhinos, and many splendid species of antelope, not to mention an abundance of birdlife. Between game drives, bush walks, and the marathon itself, you’ll have plenty of chances to see the wildlife. 

BIG FIVE MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON | June 10 – 17,  2025 | 7 nights 

See our Big Five Marathon page for more details 

Note: A flight to Johannesburg will need to be added as this trip starts and finishes in Johannesburg. 

This 8-day package gives you the chance to experience & see much more of South Africa!  Start with a two-night stay at Zebra Nature Reserve (non-predatory wildlife) an 90 minute drive from Johannesburg, visit the township of Soweto and then settle into Entabeni Game Reserve (5-Nights) in time for some game drives and bush walks before race day!

NOTE: Big Five Marathon extension is operated by Albatros and accompanied by Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT) staff based on a minimum number of sales. Albatros staff will look after you and MTT staff will be available via telephone if sales do not reach a minimum number.  

Families with children are welcome but some restrictions apply, depending on child age. Please contact us for availability and more details. 

CAPE TOWN & SURROUNDS | June 10 – 14, 2025 | 4 nights 

Cape Town is one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations, famed for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. There is so much to see and do in this beautiful city on the Southern coast of South Africa. Visit iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain and Robben Island, shop in world class malls and dine in superior restaurants. If you love the sea, you will enjoy the beaches, coastline, and wildlife.  Wine lovers can journey to the wine tasting regions of Constantia, Stellebosch or Franschhoek. Nature lovers will enjoy Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, watching the penguins at Boulders Beach or exploring the many hiking trails. For the more adventurous shark cage diving and paragliding can be arranged. We recommend 4 nights minimum to be sure you have time to experience the many sights and activities offered. 

NOTE: The Cape Town extension is unguided. The hotel staff will assist you with sightseeing recommendations and transport during your stay. MTT staff will be available via telephone if sales do not reach a minimum number.  

Families with children are welcome but some restrictions apply, depending on child age. Please contact us for availability and more details. 

Itineraries are subject to change. 

Comrades Marathon Tour | Five-Night Package: June 5 – 10

Features:

• Five nights’ accommodation at 4* beachfront hotel in Durban  

• All hotel taxes 

• Breakfast daily at the hotel 

• Roundtrip airport transfers 

• Transfer to the Race Start and from the Race Finish to the hotel  

• Shake-out run and stretch session 

• Welcome Dinner (Friday)  

• Half-day sightseeing tour of Durban with expo visit (Friday) 

• Private Comrades Course Tour (Saturday) 

• Pre-race dinner (Saturday) 

• Lunch and After party hosted by ‘The Comrades King” Mr. Bruce Fordyce (Monday) 

• Marathon Tours & Travel staff on-site 

EXTENSIONS
Extensions are guided by Marathon Tours & Travel staff based on a minimum number of sales. If sales do not reach a minimum number, the extension(s) will be unguided.

Thanda Safari Extension | Three-Night Package: June 10 – 13, 2025

Features:

• Three (3) nights’ accommodations at the Thanda Safari Lodge
• Transportation from the Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani Hotel in Durban to Thanda Safari Lodge by coach.
• Three (3) meals per day and selected local beverages (soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers) except on departure day.
• Two (2) game drives per day with a professional guide and tracker.
• Mini bar and Wi-Fi in public areas.
• Bush walks with specialist walking guides (Lodge guests only).
• Tips for guides, drivers and general staff.
• Conservation Levy.

Airfare: In order to coordinate airport transfers, please consult with Marathon Tours & Travel prior to booking your international airline tickets.

IMPORTANT: For the Comrades Package and Thanda Safari Extension you need to arrive and depart from King Shaka International Airport in Durban. Airport Code: DUR.

Important Travel Notes (per U.S. regulations): Airline ticket names need to match your passport exactly.  All passports need to have a blank page for visa space as well as a validity date of six months from the date your trip departs.

Non-Runners?

We recognize there are some elements of race day, the transfer to the start for example that you don’t need so we don’t make you pay for that! During the booking process a discount will be applied.

Travelling with children?

Children will love the sun, sea and South African experience. Families with children are welcome, however small children might find the tours and race day itself a little restricting and tiring. Thanda Tented Camp extension does not accept children 6 years and younger. Please contact us for availability and more details or go ahead and follow the booking process.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents

Rates (all prices are per person in US dollars)

About The Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon 2025 is an iconic race in the world of long-distance endurance running. This ultramarathon is run annually in South Africa and 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 approx. 56 miles/89kms, with several large hills amongst the seemingly endless vistas and stunning scenery, it provides an incredible challenge for any runner.

Comrades Marathon 2025 details

Race Date: June 8, 2025

Race Start: 05:30am in Pietermaritzburg            Race Finish: 17:30pm in Durban         Distance: ULTRA approx. 89kms

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 dry and warm, with expected temperatures ranging from 50 to 65 degrees. The start is mild and sometimes chilly in Pietermaritzburg, throughout the day it gets warmer as the sun comes out.

Tip! Train in warm/hot temperatures where possible.

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 2025 qualifying criteria.

Failure to meet the qualifying criteria will result in your entry being rejected. The cut-off date for supplying the below information in order to make your entry complete is May 5, 2025.

Update your qualifying details either by using your online entry profile, email, or contacting the CMA office by May 5, 2025.

Generally speaking, you need to complete the medical questionnaire (available by logging into your entry profile once entered) and you would need to complete a standard marathon in a time of sub 4 hours 50 minutes (4:49:59) and between June 10, 2024 and May 5, 2025, but other ultra distanced races can be used as qualifiers. The qualifying table and 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.

How do I receive confirmation of entry?

Runners who purchase entry from MTT will receive a registration link. This will be sent, with instructions when Comrades Marathon are ready. During the registration process you will create an account and it’s to this account that you will need to submit your proof of qualifying time and race before the deadline. After you have registered on the Comrades system you will receive a confirmation of registration and subsequent email updates. Your name will also then show on the 2025 entry list.

Number Pickup:

You must collect your (2) Comrades Marathon race numbers, FREE runners t-shirt and goodie bag from the venue you have indicated on your entry form.

It is important to note the following when collecting your race number package:

• 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:

Very challenging! Ultra-marathon with strict time limit and endless hills.

For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website.