Comrades Marathon

The first Comrades Marathon took place on 24th May 1921, Empire Day, starting outside the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg with 34 runners. It was established in memory of the fallen soldiers from South Africa in World War I and has continued since then every year with, the exception of the war years 1941-1945, with the direction alternating each year between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, the so called up and down runs.

The course varies from uphill (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) to downhill (Pietermaritzburg to Durban) depending on the year, with the downhills being run on even numbered years and uphill on the odd numbered years.

The 2024 event will be an uphill run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. 

Less than an hour’s drive from the hotel you can access local Game Parks, visit the quaint Kwazulu-Natal Midlands and experience the local Zulu Culture at traditional Zulu cultural villages. Talk to us about the options for your stay in South Africa.
To make your trip to the Comrades Marathon run smoothly we can arrange all your travel and accommodation needs - hotel accommodation with a range of options, transfer to/from the race expo, pre-race dinner and race day briefing, race day transport, airport transfers and our representative on the ground to assist you for the duration of your stay. 

2024 4d/3nt Comrades Marathon Itinerary

Friday 7 June

Arrive King Shaka International airport. 
Transfer on arrival (where booked). w
Arrive at your hotel for your 3nt stay on a Bed and Breakfast basis. 

Saturday 8 June

09:00     Expo and race pack pickup - return shuttle service provided to the Comrades Expo in Durban.
17:00     Pre-race Dinner and race briefing (TBC)

Sunday 9 June

Comrades Marathon!
Shuttle transfer to the race start (time TBC)
Meet at the finish line to collect your bag
Transfer back to your hotel

Monday 10 June

Check out of hotel
Airport transfer (where booked)
Additional nights available on request. Contact us for a range of travel options in South Africa.

Comrades Marathon Accommodation

4* Accommodation at Coastlands, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban

For travellers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Durban, Coastlands Umhlanga is the perfect choice. Situated only 18 km from the city centre, guests are well located to enjoy the town's attractions and activities. This modern hotel is in the vicinity of popular city attractions such as Umhlanga Beach and Gateway Shopping Centre.

Coastlands Umhlanga offers many facilities to enrich your stay in Durban. While lodging at this wonderful property, guests can enjoy restaurant, Wi-Fi in public areas, safety deposit boxes, laundry service/dry cleaning, concierge. In addition, all guestrooms feature a variety of comforts such as hair dryer, in room safe, internet access – Wi-Fi (charges apply), shower, television LCD/plasma screen to please even the most discerning guest. The hotel offers an excellent variety of recreational facilities, including garden, fitness centre, outdoor pool. Discover an engaging blend of professional service and a wide array of features at Coastlands Umhlanga.

Budget Accommodation at Road Lodge, Umhlanga, Durban

Adjacent to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping's sprawling indoor mall with upscale stores, cinemas mini-golf and a waterpark, this budget hotel is 4 km from the beach and 18 km from King Shaka International Airport. Laid-back guestrooms have en suite bathrooms with showers. All rooms feature conservative decor, TVs, radios and desks. Some rooms offer sleeper chairs. Smoking rooms are available. A breakfast buffet is offered. An outdoor pool is surrounded by a stone sundeck with umbrella-shaded tables and chairs. Free parking is available.

2024 Comrades Marathon Packages 

RunFun Travel is pleased to offer a 4d/3nt Package with our Representative in Durban 

In order to provide your with complete flexibility for your trip we have three options available for your Comrades Marathon weekend. 

• 4* accommodation at the Holiday Coastlands Hotel, Umhlanga Ridge, from $650 pp twin share and $890 single.
• Budget accommodation at the Road Lodgel, Umhlanga, from $540 pp twin share and $690 single.

Additional nights available on request.

Included
•    3 nights’ accommodation on a twin share basis at your choice of hotel, from Friday 9 June 
•    Breakfast daily 
•    Shuttle service to the Durban Exhibition Centre on Saturday to collect your race pack
•    Transfers to the start in Pietermaritzburg and back from the finish line in Durban to your hotel
•    Meet and Greet at designated point at finish line to hand out bags
•    Our representative on hand to assist you during your stay

Excluded
•    Flights
•    Airport transfers on arrival and departure (can be booked)
•    Entry to the Comrades MarathonPre-race dinner and Race Day Briefing  
•    Pre-race dinner and Race Day Briefing (details to be confirmed and can be booked at a later date)
•    Personal expenses
•    Optional Sight Seeing Tours
•    Travel Insurance – for your peace of mind RunFun Travel offers travel insurance to cater for all your travel plans. Please contact us for further information or obtain a quick quote on our website.
Contact us directly for a  discount on your travel insurance!