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 2027 event will be an downhill run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. 

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. 

Packages are land content only and do not include entry to the Comrades Marathon

2027 4d/3nt Comrades Marathon Itinerary

Friday 11 June

Arrive King Shaka International airport. 
Transfer on arrival (where booked).
Arrive at your hotel for your 3nt stay on Bed and Breakfast basis (Exclusive/Standard packages) or room only basis (Budget Package. 

Saturday 12 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 13 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 14 June

Check out of hotel
Airport transfer (where booked)
Additional nights available on request. 

Comrades Marathon Accommodation

Exclusive Package |  Protea Fire and Ice Hotel, Umhlanga 

Endless summer meets 60s surf-inspired at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Durban Umhlanga Ridge, a stylish Umhlanga beach hotel with a nostalgic twist. Just minutes from the Indian Ocean shoreline, our coastal hotel in Durban is the perfect escape for sun-seekers, foodies, and business travellers alike. Cool off in the sparkling pool, relax on the sun-soaked deck, or indulge in mouthwatering dishes and craft cocktails at therestaurant. Thebright, modern rooms offer comfort, complete with complimentary Wi-Fi and access to the gym. Close proximity to Gateway Theatre of Shopping, uShaka Marine World, and King Shaka Airport.
 

Standard Package | AHA Gateway Hotel, Umhlanga

Conveniently attached to The Gateway Theatre of Shopping, this premier four-star hotel in Umhlanga provides the ultimate accommodation choice for both business and leisure travellers. Its excellent location allows guests access to an exceptional experience, from non-stop entertainment, great shopping and dining, to fun and adventure for the whole family.

The Gateway Hotel is also an attractive destination for business people who require seamless business services as well as conference and executive meeting facilities. Accommodating up to 430 delegates, these conference venues are fully equipped and also offer air-conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity. 

Budget Package | 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 ensuite bathrooms with showers. All rooms feature conservative decor, TVs, radios and desks. Some rooms offer sleeper chairs. A breakfast buffet is offered. The outdoor pool is surrounded by a stone sundeck with umbrella shaded tables and chairs. Free parking is available.

2027 Comrades Marathon Packages 

RunFun Travel is pleased to offer a 4d/3nt Package for the Comrades Marathon (Entry not included) 

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

• Exclusive Package, accommodation at the Protea Fire and Ice Hotel, Umhlanga, from $1240pp twin share and $1940 single
• Standard Package, accommodation at the Premier Splendid Inn, Umhlanga, from $894pp twin share and $1160 single 
• Budget Package, accommodation at the Road Lodge, Umhlanga, from $620pp twin share and $810 single

Additional nights available on request.
Packages do not include entry and are ground content only. 

Included
•    3 nights’ accommodation on a twin share or single basis at your choice of hotel, from Friday 
•    Breakfast daily included with Exclusive and Standard Packages (can be booked with the hotel for the Budget Package)
•    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 
•    Our representative on hand to assist you during your stay

Excluded
•    Flights
•    Airport transfers on arrival and departure (can be booked)
•    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!