Comrades Marathon 2024

Please note the information below related to our 2023 packages and is subject to change to change for 2024.

Thanda Lodge Private Game Reserve Extension 3 Night Package (13th – 16th June, 2023)

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.

Itinerary

Tuesday 13 June, 2023

Transfer from the Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani Hotel in Durban to Thanda Safari Lodge, a five-star safari lodge at the heart of the Elephant Coast in Umkhanyakude District Municipality, South Africa. The group transfer will be an approximately 3.5 hour drive along the Indian Ocean. After arriving to your suite or experiential non electrified / solar powered luxury tent, you will depart for your first game drive (approx. 4:00 PM) in four-wheel Land Rovers. An early morning or late afternoon safari is the best time to look for the Big Five. With 14,000 hectares to explore and led by experts of the African bush, you’ll see an incredible range of animals, including cheetahs, hyaenas, giraffes, warthogs and abundant bird and plant life. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 June, 2023

Today is an early morning wake-up (6:00 AM) with coffee available before departing for your morning game drive. This is a great time to view many animals visiting the water holes and/or predators hunting for its day food. We will return around 9:00 AM for breakfast and spend the balance of the day relaxing, going on bush walks, and/or enjoying optional activities that you can book on site. We will head out for our last game drive at 4:00 PM and return for dinner. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Friday 16 June, 2023

After breakfast, we will depart Thanda Safari Lodge for the return transfer to the airport. We recommend flying from local Richards Bay Airport (2 hour drive) or King Shaka International Airport (3 hour drive) in Durban so that you can connect with your international flight home. (Breakfast included)

Prices From £1140 per person. Single supplement £315

Victoria Falls Extension 3 Nights Package (13th – 16th June, 2023)

Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800s as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – “The Smoke that Thunders.” In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world.

Itinerary

Tuesday 13 June, 2023 – Transfer from the Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani Hotel in Durban to King Shaka International Airport for your flight to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Palm River Hotel, a unique 5-star hotel offering unparalleled luxury and ideally situated along the banks of the iconic Zambezi River, only 4 kilometers from Africa’s Natural World Wonder, Victoria Falls – so close, in fact, that on a clear, quiet day you can hear the thunder and see the spray of the mighty waterfall from your room. In the afternoon enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and sweet treats served at the hotel daily from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM or one of the delicious Palm River Hotel restaurants for dinner. (Breakfast included)

Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 June, 2023

These days are set aside for you to experience the many activities that are available around Victoria Falls. A complimentary shuttle bus which runs on a regular basis throughout the day will transport guests between The Palm River Hotel and Victoria Falls Town, stopping at the key landmarks for guests’ convenience: the Victoria Falls Rainforest, Ilala Lodge Hotel and the various craft markets. We also encourage you to unwind and relax at the 34-meter infinity pool or enjoy the hotel’s luxurious spa offerings. The Tours and Activities Desk located in the hotel is happy to help you find adventures from game viewing to helicopter flights, and river cruises to historical tours of the vibrant town, there is much to see and do in Victoria Falls. (Breakfast included)

Friday 16 June, 2023

After breakfast, we will depart the Palm River Hotel for the return transfer to the airport. We recommend flying from Victoria Falls Airport to Johannesburg (JHB) so that you can connect with your international flight home. (Breakfast included)

Please Note: Airfare to/from Victoria Falls is not included in the package price.

All itineraries are subject to change.

Extensions are guided by Marathon Tours & Travel staff subject to a minimum number of sales. If sales do not reach a minimum number the trips will be unguided.

Prices from £930 per person. Single supplement £365

Please note the information below related to our 2023 packages and is subject to change to change for 2024.

Our Comrades Marathon Package

Marathon Tours & Travel are trusted as the only official international tour operator. Comrades Marathon packages are available for everyone to book. Supporter or 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 run and finished 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 family and friends, our travel packages offers all participants from around the world (runners, supporters, partners, friends, family) the opportunity to share the experience together.

Marathon Tours & Travel 2023 Comrades Marathon Package Includes:

• Stay at 4* Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel for 5 nights
• Daily breakfasts
• Return Durban airport transfers
• Short easy shake-out run (Thursday / Friday)
• Half day sightseeing tour of Durban with expo visit (Friday)
• Stretch sessions (Friday / Monday)
• Welcome reception with dinner & drinks (Friday)
• Private Comrades course tour (Saturday)
• Pre-race dinner (Saturday)
• Race day transfers
• Celebration sundowners & dinner (Monday)
• Guidance and support from Marathon Tours & Travel team in South Africa
• ABTA protected

Prices from £675 per person

Please note: Families with children can be accommodated, please book a twin room and add children during the booking process or contact our team.

Also Available:

• Guaranteed 2023 Comrades Marathon Entry at £110 (Rest of Africa) *
• Guaranteed 2023 Comrades Marathon Entry at £245 (International) *
• Massages (Price TBA)
• 3 nights extension to a luxury private game reserve (from £1140 per person)
• 3 nights extension to Victoria Falls (from £930 per person)

* Guaranteed Comrades Marathon Entry 

We are the only official international tour operator and can offer guaranteed international race entry into the Comrades Marathon. This applies to runners living outside of South Africa. You can buy the entry from Marathon Tours & Travel if you also buy the above accommodation package from us.

South Africa as a destination is incredible. During your trip you can expect beautiful coastlines, warm weather, safari venues, top class restaurants and hotels all of which are fabulous value for money. A country of many contrasts, cultures, landscapes and people; you are guaranteed to create memories which will last you a lifetime.

Book with Marathon Tours & Travel today and get great value accommodation, transfers, expert support, celebrations, meals, sightseeing, guaranteed race entry and more.

If you wish to book for 2023 or 2024 please contact us 

Please note the information below related to 2023 and is subject to change to change for 2024.

About The Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon is an iconic race in the world of long-distance endurance running. This ultramarathon is approximately 89 kilometres and run annually in South Africa. Comrades 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 56 miles with several large hills amongst the seemingly endless hilly vista, amongst stunning scenery… It provides an incredible challenge for any runner.

2023 saw 16072 Comrades Marathon runners on the start line and 14896 finishers, an astounding 92,68% finish rate which is recorded as the highest ever finishing rate in the race’s 102 year history. Any novice who completed 2023 will receive a back to back medal in addition to their Comrades Marathon medal when finishing 2024 before the cut off time. Whilst we expect 2024 will be an Up Run, starting in Durban and finishing in Pietermaritzburg this is yet to be confirmed by Comrades Marathon Association. Regardless you can be sure of Marathon Tours & Travel support.

Race Date: 11th June, 2023 (9th June, 2024 TBC)

Race Start Time: 5:30am             Race Finish Time: 5:30pm

The Course:

2023 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. Its 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 the Kingsmead Stadium, Durban.

Temperature:

Conditions are usually perfect for fast times with expected temperatures ranging from 50 to 65 degrees. Humidity is low.

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. The CMA reserves the right to alter these positions and times. Runners will be required to board a bailer bus and be transported to the finish venue should they not have reached the cut-off points within the specified time. For more specific information please refer directly to the Comrades website: HERE

Qualification Requirement:

All qualifying races must be ASA technically compliant and meet the Comrades Marathon qualifying criteria. You must submit your qualifying race details no later than May 2, 2023. This can be done either by email, contacting the CMA office, updating your details online or by instructing your club administrator to do so for you. Qualifying details will NOT be accepted at Race Registration. Failure to meet the qualifying criteria will result in your entry being rejected. No seeding upgrades will be accepted after May 2, 2023 and particularly at Race Registration. You will not be able to participate and your details will be removed from our database, which means that you will NOT receive a goodie bag or runner’s t-shirt.

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 five nights package. Entry only is not available.

Qualifying Table:

A qualifying race must be completed between September 25, 2022 and May 2, 2023 and the details submitted / updated to the organizers.

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.

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