After the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021, Comrades, the world's most famous and most popular Ultra run, moved to a August date in 2022. Next year it returns to its traditional June date. Officially it's called a Marathon, but Comrades is much more than a marathon, literally and figuratively. It is a notoriously tough 90 kilometre run through the stunning Drakensburg Mountains of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. But it's more than just a running race, it's a unique cultural experience …
After the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021, Comrades, the world's most famous and most popular Ultra run, moved to a August date in 2022. Next year it returns to its traditional June date.
Officially it's called a Marathon, but Comrades is much more than a marathon, literally and figuratively. It is a notoriously tough 90 kilometre run through the stunning Drakensburg Mountains of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. But it's more than just a running race, it's a unique cultural experience and one steeped in history which dates back to its first running in 1921 when it was run to remember fallen comrades from the First World War.Â
Since then it has become a rite of passage from so many runners, an essential addition to any racing CV. But it's a hard-won addition. The race alternatives between 'Up' years and 'Down' depending on whether it starts in Durban on the coast and runs up to Pietermarizburg or runs down to Durban from Pietermaritzburg.Â
Don't be deceived by those simple descriptions there are five major hills on the course and there is plenty of climbing and descending whichever direction the route follows. Many runners actually find the down hill run tougher on the legs than the up hill version. Despite the distance, the hills and a strict 12-hour cut off, the race will still attracts a filed in excess of 20,000 runners a figure which dwarfs any other ultra-distance event. Â Â
The 2023 edition breaks with tradition and will be another 'Down' run - 2022 was also a Down run and  the race generally alternates with Up runs in odd years and Down ones in even years - so the start is in Pietermaritzburg with the finish in Durban. Our tour is mainly based in Durban with the night before the race in Pietermarizburg, which with the early start on race morning, you will be grateful for.  Our trip includes the transfers from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on the Saturday before the race. We will also transfer any supporters back to Durban on the race day along with your luggage, which will be waiting for you at the Durban hotel after you have finished running. Our two hotels are conveniently located a short walk from the start and the finish and we will have staff on hand to assist in both cases.Â
Our package also includes transfers back and forth between Durban Airport and the hotel.
Our packages are open to anyone travelling to the race. whether you have our own place or want to use one of our guaranteed entries, however, our entries are only available to people booking our hotel packages. There is no ENTRY ONLY into the race.Â
King Shaka International Airport is 30kms away.
SOUTHERN SUN PIETERMARITZBURG****
Situated in Pietermaritzburg, overlooking the Scottsville Racecourse (Comrades Marathon Race Start) this hotel is perfectly located for an early morning departure for the start. The hotel also offers 18-hour room service, complimentary Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool and numerous restaurants. The comfortable air-conditioned rooms all feature tea-and-coffee-making facilities and ensuite bathrooms with bath and shower.Â
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Tour itinerary
Thu 8 June:: Arrive in Durban on your own booked flight. On arrival at Durban Airport, you will be met by our local agent and transferred to your hotel in Durban. We are once again using the 4-star Southern Sun Elangeni Maharani Hotel, located on the beach and 20mins walk from the race expo and finish area.Â
Fri 9Â June:Â : Relaxation time and register at the Expo in Durban. Optional tour of the course from the Expo. Breakfast included.
Sat 10 June: : If you didn’t register for the race yet then today is your last opportunity. Now is a good time to prepare running kit and yourself for the next day! In the afternoon transfer from your Durban hotel to the Southern Sun hotel in Pietermaritzburg. The hotel has several eating establishments and is a short walk to the start. Breakfast included
Sun 11 June: Race Day! An early breakfast will be available. Please check out of your room and leave luggage with our staff before walking over to the start – we will take your luggage to Durban for you while you run Comrades. Any clients not running Comrades will be transported at 08h00 from the hotel and taken directly to the hotel in Durban.
After finishing the race please meet Penthouse Travel Sporting Tours staff at the designated meeting point near the finish line. When you are ready to go to your hotel you can ask our staff for assistance and they will direct you to the shuttle bus which will transfer you to your hotel, which is a short ride from the finish. Upon arrival at your hotel, you can collect your luggage from reception and check-in for the night. Time now to relax and celebrate! You deserve it!
Note: Early Breakfast included.
Mon 12 June:: Bend your knees  (if you can) and congratulate yourself! Transport to Durban King Shaka Airport is included today. The journey to the airport is expected to take approximately 70 minutes and you will arrive between 10am and 11am. Please schedule your onward flight with this in mind or ask us to book extra nights in Durban for you if you are planning to stay longer.Â
Breakfast included
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| PRICES PER PERSON | TWIN ROOM | SINGLE ROOM |
| OPTION 1: 4-NIGHTS |  £549 |  £819 |
| EXTRA NIGHT DURBAN | £70 | £130 |
| RACE ENTRY FEE |  £249 |  |
| TIMING CHIP |  £9 |  |
 Optional Tour of the Course Friday June 9 £30
A non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure this tour:
(Own place runners deposit is the same as the non-runner/supporter deposit).
Included in the package prices:
Not included:
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Note that we have a very limited number of guaranteed entries for international runners and they are they are only available with the hotel packages.Â
For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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Choosing an overseas event is an exciting prospect and you will spend a lot of time training and focusing on it. It is essential then that you don’t jeopardize your dream by booking travel arrangements with a non-bonded supplier and run the risk of losing your money if a travel company goes into liquidation. 2:09 Events is a fully bonded tour operator regulated with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under the Air Travel Organisers License (ATOL) scheme. This protects your payments to 2:09 Events Ltd for all flight inclusive tours in the unlikely event that 2:09 Events Ltd ceased trading. |