As featured in:
Welcome to South Africa
South Africa is often referred to as a world in one country and it certainly deserves such a title. There are few, if any, places on earth which offer such a diversity of landscapes, cultures, wildlife and activities. There are several marathons and other running events held in South Africa, each of which is pretty extraordinary in its own right. Of those, Africa Marathons have chosen three of the biggest and best events on the calendar for you to enjoy.
Legendary Comrades Marathon
First, the legendary Comrades Ultra-Marathon, the world’s oldest and largest ultra-marathon, with some 20000 runners tackling approximately 90kms in some of South Africa’s most breathtaking scenery. It’s run in KwaZulu-Natal, known as the ‘garden province’, on a route between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in June.
IAAF Gold Standard Cape Town Marathon
Our second, the Cape Town Marathon in September. There are few, if any, better settings for running than Cape Town, truly one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world.
Africa's biggest running event the Two Oceans Marathon
The Two Oceans Marathon dubbed Africa's biggest running event and the world's most beautiful marathon is run annually in Cape Town South Africa on Easter weekend.
The Two Oceans Marathon boasts both a 56km Ultra Marathon as well as the famous half marathon attracting record numbers. There are also a number of fringe races, like a kiddies dash, fun run and a trail run on the Friday preceding the main races.
You can find out much more about them by following the links below. But before you do, we want you to consider making the most of your visit by examining the many other attractions this wonderful country has to offer. Pre- or post-marathon, the options are almost endless. And through our parent company Tailormade Africa, we can offer you exceptional, individually designed itineraries. Here are just a few examples.
Bucket List Items
View the Big Five (Kruger Region)
Relax in Camps Bay (Cape Town)
Hike the Drakensberg (KwaZulu-Natal)
Explore the Anglo-Boer Battlefields (KwaZulu-Natal)
Experience a Safari (KwaZulu-Natal)
Go Whale Watching (Hermanus)
Visit the Winelands (Franschhoek, Stellenbosch & Paarl)
Shop the Waterfront (Cape Town)
Visit Robben Island (Cape Town)
Hike Table Mountain (Cape Town)
Explore Boulders Beach (Cape Town)
Stories from South Africa
"It`s been a year since I ran the Comrades Marathon. I love racing, so I do seem to find myself on lots of start lines all over the world. However, Comrades still sits at the forefront of my mind as one of my fondest racing memories.
I like to think of myself as bold, independent and up for an adventure, but there is something so comforting about knowing someone else has planned every detail surrounding your race for you, and all you need to do is roll out of bed and run. Point-to-point races in a foreign country far from home could be a logistical nightmare, but there was nothing that wasn`t thought about and taken care of by Africa Marathons. If you`re keen to do one of the best races in the world, do get in contact with Rob and Clyde to make the experience even better. I`ll have signed up again before I`ve finished writing this!" - Jess Johnson
If that doesn`t sell it, we don`t know what will!
Safari, Spectacular Sunsets and Big Blue Skies.
Rhino Lodge is a favourite of ours here at Africa Marathons. Just 3 hours from Durban, nestled in the heart of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park there`s no better place to unwind post Comrades Marathon.
They were the first luxury safari lodge to be established within this world-renowned Big 5 game reserve which is also home to thriving populations of African wild dogs, lion, elephant and multitudes of other species. Capturing the suspension between earth and sky, this glass-wrapped lodge rests on a ridge overlooking Africa’s oldest game reserve. Down below a waterhole, frequented by a diversity of wildlife, pulling your eye away from the extraordinary views, as you slow down and connect with the earth.
Sound like somewhere you`d like to find yourself once the running is complete?
The Queen of Ultras @carlamolinaro on Two Oceans Marathon & why YOU should join her on the start line...
"Two Oceans is one of my favourite races that I have ever done. It has a mix of a fast flat first half and tough hills with incredible views along for the second. Going up Chapmans Peak at sunrise is very special and I love the variety you get from this course. I am already excited about standing on that start line again and racing next year."
Mark your calendars! The 97th Comrades Marathon is set to kick off on June 9th, 2024.
Put on those running shoes, practice your uphill strut, and get ready for an epic adventure from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. The clock will start ticking at 05:30 in Durban, and you’ll have a solid 12 hours to conquer the course and earn those bragging rights.
See you at the starting line!
Five Countries, Six Marathons
The founders and directors of Africa Marathons have over 35 years of combined experience in the Africa travel industry. We promote and offer packages to running events in 5 African countries at present.
Get In Touch
Whether you are an experienced or novice runner, looking for a new challenge or simply thinking about visiting the continent for the first time, we would love to speak to you!
Our first aim is to get to know you, your running experience and aspirations, so we may best advise on which events would challenge you whilst giving you a high chance of success. So please get in touch. We look forward to speaking to you.
E: [email protected]
T: +44 7791 360170 (Rob)
T: +44 7809 726266 (Clyde)