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 and game lodge experience with Thanda Safari, which has repeatedly been named the World’s Leading Luxury Game Reserve Lodge. 

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.

Travel Insurance

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

2024 Rates (all prices are per person in US dollars) – 2025 Rates Coming Soon

While we expect this event to take place on the date shown the exact not be announced until November 6, 2025. Do not book any flights until confirmed details are known and we have advised you of the package choices. 

Race Date: June 8, 2025 (TBC)

Race Start Time: 05:30AM

Race Finish Time: 05:30PM

The Course: 2025 will be a DOWN RUN that will start in Pietermaritzburg, outside the City Hall at 5:30AM to the sounds of Chariots of Fire, the famous cock crow and the National Anthem. It is a long day at the office for many but the experience is second to none. Finish as a hero before cut off at 5.30PM in Pietermaritzburg.

Temperature: Conditions are usually perfect for fast times with expected temperatures ranging from 50 to 65 degrees. Humidity is low. The start is mild, throughout the day gets warmer and late finishes can see much cooler temperatures as the sun comes out. Consider training in warm to hot temperature where possible.

Time Limits & Cut Offs: The race will have batch wave starts and be timed “mat-to-mat”. There is a strict 12-hour cut off time with en-route cut off points to be announced in 2025. 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 2025 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.

Qualifying Table:  A qualifying race must be completed between September 1, 2024 and May 2, 2025 and the details submitted to the organizers. Please see table below.

Minimum Age: 20 years old

Entry Fee: Guaranteed race entry can be added to our MTT packages at an additional cost, so there is no need to secure entry on your own during the Comrades entry period.

Number Pickup: You must collect your (2) Comrades Marathon Bonitas 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.