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Comrades Marathon 2023 - Prices from £675.00pp

Comrades Marathon 2023

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Book today from only
£675.00
deposit per person
with our payment plans
Based on a total price of £675.00 per person
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ABTA ATOL Protected
Your Experience

Booking with Marathon Tours & Travel provides you with the security to know that we are trusted as the only official international tour operator endorsed by Comrades Marathon to look after their international entrants travel and accommodation needs.

Here at Marathon Tours & Travel you are our number 1 priority. After months and months of training we know how much the day itself is so important. We will take care of you, your transfers, accommodation and entry. You will arrive at the start in good time and we will be there for you at the finish. We focus on the logistics so you can focus on you the challenge ahead. Supporters are also very welcome.

Whilst in Africa take advantage of the diversity of the landscape and people and explore. Make memories - its a country that you will not forget. We offer extension trips to the spectacular Victoria Falls or safari at a private game reserve in South Africa. More details can be found on our itinerary page.

Marathon Tours & Travel Comrades Marathon package includes the following:

  • 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 and 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

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

If you do not see any availability please contact us 

Guaranteed Comrades Marathon Entry at £110 (rest of Africa) or £274 (internationals)

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.

 

Also Available:

  • Massages (more details TBA)

 

Thanda Safari extension from £1140 per person. Single supplement £315

  • 3 nights accommodation (tent or suite) at Thanda Safari Lodge
  • Meals and drinks as specified in the itinerary
  • Game drives as specified in the itinerary
  • Return Durban transfers
  • Taxes & Tips

 

Victoria Falls extension from £930 per person. Single supplement £365

  • 3 nights accommodation at the Palm River Hotel
  • Daily Breakfasts
  • Transport from Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani to Durban Airport
  • Return transfers from Victoria Falls Airport
  • Taxes & Tips
Your Itinerary

MARATHON TOURS & TRAVEL 5 NIGHTS DURBAN PACKAGE 8 - 13 JUNE, 2023

Depending on the length of stay you have booked with us you might arrive before or depart on different days to the following itinerary. The itinerary below reflects the 5 nights package.

Thursday 8 June, 2023 – Arrival Day, Shake-out Run

On arrival at Durban King Shaka Airport (DUR) you will be met by Marathon Tours & Travel team and transferred to your hotel in central Durban, which is approximately a 45-minute drive.  Our hotel has a beautiful swimming pool and areas to relax and enjoy the sea views. For those who wish to stretch out travel weary legs please join us for a short, easy run along the beachfront at 3.30pm. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax. 

Friday 9 June, 2023 – City Tour, Expo, Stretch Session, Shake-out Run, Welcome Reception

After breakfast, depart the hotel at 9.30am for a half-day sightseeing tour of Durban and the beachfront area. Tentative stops include the Apartheid (KwaMuhle) Museum, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Botanic Gardens, uShaka Marine World lunch and Durban City Hall. The tour will finish at the Expo so you can pick up your race kits. Lunch can be purchased at the Expo, after which we invite you to shop and enjoy the vibe before making your way back to your hotel (approx. a 20-minute walk).

For those who wish to stretch out travel weary legs please join us for a short, easy run along the beachfront at 3.30pm or join us as we host a Marathon Tours & Travel stretch session either on the beach or in the hotel surrounds.

This evening at 5.30pm please join us for a Welcome Reception that will take place at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel or a venue close by. Our expert team will guide you through the weekends itinerary, answer any questions you may have whilst you meet your fellow runners and enjoy a selection of food and drinks.

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Saturday 10 June, 2023 – Private Course Tour, Expo, Park Run, Pre-race Dinner

After breakfast, please join us at 9.30am for our private Comrades Course Tour. The coach tour will include stops at Comrades House Museum in Pietermaritzburg, the Wall of Honour and Arthurs Seat and allows you the opportunity to preview the route whilst sitting in the comfort of our luxury coach.

If you prefer to spend the day in Durban instead and at your leisure, we can recommend starting the day either walking or running the North Beach Park Run. The Park Run is a free organised community run which starts approx. 1km from your hotel and navigates a scenic, flat 5km loop along the beachfront.

Massages will be available today to pre book (at additional cost).

Tonight, we will gather for the pre-race dinner at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel.

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Sunday 11 June, 2023 – Race Day!

The day you have been training for is finally here! Our private luxury coaches (with on board toilet) will depart with our runners to the starting area in Pietermaritzburg. Coaches will leave before the roads close, leaving at 3am from our hotel and where possible will wait near the start area until you need to join your corrals. After finishing the race, meet Marathon Tours & Travel team at the designated location (TBD), we will look after you. Our hotel is approx. 1km distance, one of the closest to the finish at Kingsmead Stadium, so it won’t be long before you reach the comfort of your room. We understand how tired you will feel after a long time on your feet, meals can be purchased at one of the restaurants or take the opportunity to order room service! Relax, you deserve it.

We understand that family and friends want to also share the excitement. We will arrange a watch party in the comfort of the hotel, or you can take a stroll down to Kingsmead Stadium (1km) and meet your runner at the finish.

Massages will be available to pre book (at additional cost).

(Breakfast included)

Monday 12 June, 2023 – Stretch Session, Sundowners & Celebrations

Today is a free day to enjoy. Mid-morning, we will host a Marathon Tours & Travel stretch session either on the beach or in the hotel surrounds to ease those travel weary muscles whilst at the same time soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the sea views.

In the early evening, join Marathon Tours & Travel for sundowners, dinner & celebrate with your running peers and companions.

(Breakfast and dinner included)

Tuesday 13 June, 2023 – Departure Day

Today is departure day. Your airport transfer (approx. a 45-minute drive) to Durban King Shaka Airport is included. Departure times will be shared on-site and will coincide with your given flight arrangements. Safe travels and we hope you enjoyed your Comrades Experience!

(Breakfast included)

 

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MARATHON TOURS & TRAVEL 3 NIGHTS THANDA LODGE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE EXTENSION PACKAGE 13 - 16 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)

 

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MARATHON TOURS & TRAVEL 3 NIGHTS VICTORIA FALLS EXTENSION PACKAGE 13 - 16 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.

Please contact us for a quote on the extension tours.

Need to Know

How to book

To make your booking, click on the orange button at the top of the page, ensuring that you select the correct number of rooms and types for all members in your party plus all the required extras. When you book, we will require payment to confirm your place.

Payments

When you confirm your booking, we will take payment.

T&C's apply. The cost of the event entry is non-refundable.

Travel advice

Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for South Africa's current entry restrictions and requirements.

Security Policy

Marathon Tours & Travel's security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package.  If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.

Guaranteed Comrades Marathon Entry for International or rest of Africa runners

We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the 2023 Comrades Marathon. You can buy the entry at an additional cost if you also buy the accommodation package with us.

Starting Times and Bib Numbers

Once the initial online entry process is closed Marathon Tours & Travel are the only official international tour operator permitted to sell official entries for the 2023 Comrades Marathon. We have no influence over the allocation of starting times and bib numbers.

Closer to the event we will ask for your expected pace and other details to complete the registration process for the 2023 Comrades Marathon. The organisers will allocate you a starting time and bib based on the information you provide. Please refer to qualification rule.

All race rules must be followed.

Qualification Rule

To qualify and participate in the 2023 Comrades Marathon, you will need to adhere to the below qualifying criteria. The cut-off date for supplying the below information in order to make your entry complete is 2 May 2023.

Qualifying Criteria:

  1. You must submit your provincially approved club name and 2023 license number.
  2. You will need to complete the medical questionnaire.
  3. You will need to run at least 1 qualifying race between 25 September 2022 and 2 May 2023. All qualifying races must be ASA technically compliant and meet the Comrades Marathon qualifying criteria. 

Please see below qualifying table for official distances and qualifying times.

QUALIFYING TABLE

DISTANCE OF RACE

TIME

42.2km

4:49:59

48-50km

5:49:59

52-54km

6:24:59

56km

6:44:59

60km

7:19:59

64km

7:54:59

68km

8:29:59

80km

10:24:59

90km

11:59:59

100km

13:29:59

 

Race Date:  11 June, 2023

Race start Time:  5:30am             Race finish time: 5:30pm

Course: The approximately 89K runs from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in the even numbered years and from Durban to Pietermaritzburg in the odd numbered years.  The 2023 race is a “DOWN RUN” starting at the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg and finishing at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The race distance is approximately 90.2km.  The distance is subject to change and will be confirmed in the final race instructions.

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

Minimum Age: 20 years

Entry fee: Guaranteed entry is available as an additional cost when booked with our five nights package. Entry only is not available.

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

Number pick up: You must collect your (2) Comrades Marathon race numbers, FREE runner’s t-shirt and Goodie Bag from the venue you have indicated on your entry form. Please choose Durban (Comrades Marathon Expo) as your number collection venue if you have booked the Marathon Tours & Travel package.

· 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: HERE

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Prices from £675.00pp

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Comrades Marathon 2023

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