The Comrades Marathon is the most famous Ultra Marathon of them all - a notoriously tough 90km, through the stunning Drakensburg Mountains of KwaZulu Natal. The event is steeped in history which dates back to its first running in 1921. 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. Don't be deceived by those simple descriptions there are five major hills on the…
The Comrades Marathon is the most famous Ultra Marathon of them all - a notoriously tough 90km, through the stunning Drakensburg Mountains of KwaZulu Natal. The event is steeped in history which dates back to its first running in 1921. 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.
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. Â Despite the distance, the hills and a strict 12-hour cut off, the race takes 25,000, which dwarfs any other ultra-distance event and it sells out almost as soon as entries open. Â Â
The 2020 edition is a 'Down' run so the start is in Pietermaritzburg with the finish in Durban. Our tour is based in Durban with the night before the race in Pietermarizburg so that you are very close to the start on race morning. 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. The hotel is a short walk from the finish line and we will have staff on hand to assist you at the finish.Â
Our package also includes returning Durban Airport to hotel transfers.Â
We have a limited number of guaranteed race entries for the 2020 Comrades Marathon, but they are only available to people booking our hotel packages, ENTRY-ONLY is not available. If you have your own place you can also book our hotel and travel packages. Â
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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 As part of its rich heritage and unique appeal, Southern Sun Pietermaritzburg also offers excellent gaming facilities at the hotels Golden Horse Casino.
King Shaka International Airport is 100kms away.
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Tour itinerary
Thu 11 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 Elengeni Maharani Hotel, located on the beach and 20mins walk from the race expo and finish area.Â
Fri 12 June: Relaxation time and register at the Expo in Durban. Optional tour of the course from the Expo. Breakfast included.
Sat 13 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 14 June: The day you have been training so hard for is finally here! An early breakfast will be available. Please check out of your room and leave luggage with our staff before leaving for the race – we will take your luggage to Durban for you while you run Comrades. Your hotel is a short walk from the race start. 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 15 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 |  £649 |  £999 |
| EXTRA NIGHT DURBAN | £95 | £160 |
| RACE ENTRY FEE |  £275 |  |
| TIMING CHIP |  £9 |  |
 Optional Tour of the Course Friday 7 June £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 since the race has already filled its 25,000 entries for 2020 we have a very limited number of guaranteed entries for international runners, but they are limited and entries must be submitted before December 10, 2019. No exceptions.
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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. |