Event Information
Details below are for 2025.
2026 details will change and be updated in due course. Please pre-register now to be the first to receive 2026 package details.
Guaranteed Comrades Marathon 2025 Entry
We are the only official international tour operator and can offer guaranteed international race entry into the Comrades Marathon 2025. This applies to runners living outside of South Africa. You can buy the entry from Marathon Tours NZ if you also buy a Comrades Marathon 2025 package from us. All race rules must be adhered to, which includes a race qualification time.
Our Comrades Marathon 2025 Package
Comrades Marathon packages are available for everyone to book; whether you’re a supporter or a 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 completed 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 friends and family, 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 2025! 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 (vibes). Add to this quality accommodation with exhilarating sea views and an itinerary with activities, guidance and support, and 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.
Marathon Tours NZ 2025 Comrades Marathon Package includes:
- Stay at 4* beachfront hotel in Durban from 5 – 10 June
- Daily breakfasts
- Return Durban airport transfers
- Shake-out runs
- Stretch sessions
- Half day sightseeing tour of Durban with Expo visit (Friday)
- Welcome dinner (Friday)
- Private Comrades course tour (Saturday)
- Pre-race dinner (Saturday)
- Transfer from hotel to race start
- Transfer from race finish to hotel
- Lunch and After Party hosted by ‘The Comrades King’ Mr Bruce Fordyce (Monday)
- Guidance and support from our expert Marathon Tours & Travel team in South Africa
- 2-week free trial of Coopah bespoke training plans. Details on how to claim will be sent in your booking confirmation email
** Please note for bookings made from 21 March 2025 – some elements of the package might not be available, and will be subject to confirmation after booking.
Durban airport transfers are only available on package arrival and departure dates, or in conjunction with hotel extra nights booked with Marathon Tours NZ.
Not included:
- Comrades Marathon Entry (can be added at an extra cost for foreign athletes)
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions above
Course Outline:
Comrades Marathon Course Overview:
The Comrades Marathon is the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon, held anually in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Covering approximately 87-90km, it alternates each year between two distances.
Up-Run: Durban to Pietermaritzburg (Approx 87km)
Down-Run: Pietermaritzburg (Approx 89km)
This legendary race is known as “The Ultimate Human Race”, attracting thousands of runenrs from around the globe.
Course Details:
Distance: 87-90km (varies slightly by year)
Start and Finish: Alternates annually between Durban and Pietermaritzburg
Direction:
Up-Run: Starts at sea level in Durban and climbs over 1,800m to Pietermaritzburg
Down-Run: Starts at 921m elevation in Pietermaritzburg and descends to Durban
Cut-Off Time: 12 Hours
Major Hills: Known as the “Big Five” – Cowies Hill, Fields Hill, Botha’s Hill, Inchanga, and Polly Shortts
Route Highlights:
Valley of a Thousand Hills: The course winds through this scenic region, offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain
Umlaas Road: The highest point on the route at approx 870m above sea level
Big Five Hills: Each hill presents unique challenges
Cowies Hill: Early climb that sets the tone
Fields Hill: Long, steep descent (or ascent on Up run)
Botha’s Hill: A tough climb with enthusiastic crowd support
Inchanga: A notorious climb that tests endurance
Polly Shortts: The final sting in the tail on the Up run
Support Stations: Around 40 official refreshment points offering water, energy drinks, fruit, snacks, and medical support
Elevation Profile:
Up Run:
- Elevation Gain of 1,913m
- Elevation Loss of 1,238m
Down Run:
- Elevation Gain of 1,238m
- Elevation Loss of 1,913m
Both directions are equally challenging – Up Run tests your climbing strength, while Down Run punishes your legs with steep decsents
Why it’s Special:
The Comrades Marathon is more than a race – it’s a celebration of endurance, camaraderie, and South African heritage. Completing it is considered of the greatest achievements in distance running.
