The Ultimate Human Race
The Comrades Marathon - the oldest and largest ultra in the world - demands a relaxed seamless experience as the race itself is enough to worry about. Our role is to remove the logistical uncertainty for International Runners while pulling out all the stops to provide you with an unforgettable experience in South Africa. We have carefully curated every element - from your stay at the Protea Hotel uMhlanga, Phezulu Cultural Village, The Expo and Nambiti Private Game Reserve with all transfers, transport, and accommodation arranged for you. This means you only deal with us, giving you the clarity to focus on the 89km task ahead.
You will spend your first 4 nights, at the beautiful Protea by Marriott in uMhlanga Rocks. We have arranged the transfer for you from King Shaka International Airport (check below for the provided arrival windows).
The beautiful upmarket location offers anything from cocktail bars to authentic Durban cuisine and is situated on the tropical KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, 20 minutes from Durban.
Get ready for four restful and exciting nights at the beautiful, 4-star Protea Hotel by Marriott. This is where we will gather, prepare, and return to following the race.
Stylish Comfort: Settle into your beautiful, spacious room, your perfect retreat before and after the big race.
Excellent Breakfasts: Start every day right with a top-notch daily buffet breakfast.
We want your arrival to feel like a true welcome home.
Welcome Evening: Upon arrival, we’ll kick things off with welcome drinks on the hotel’s stunning rooftop. After that, we’ll move downstairs to the restaurant for an authentic South African dinner, giving everyone a chance to connect.
Day 2 is all about getting ready and taking in some local flavour.
We have a full day planned for your convenience, including a trip to the Race Expo, handling your registration (for both runners and supporters), and delivering your pre-race nutrition.
We'll then take a partial drive along the famous Comrades Up Route to help you visualise the challenge ahead!
The afternoon features a delightful stop at PheZulu Cultural Village for lunch, beautiful panoramic views, and a genuinely immersive cultural experience. More info just below.
The day before the race is dedicated to light activity and fueling up.
Join Coach Peru for a gentle shake-out at uMhlanga Park Run in the morning. It's stunning out there in the morning along the coast.
The rest of the day is yours! Enjoy the beach, explore the city, or simply relax.
We'll meet up again in the evening for the essential pre-race carb-load buffet dinner to make sure you've had your carb load.
At Phezulu village, the world-famous Gasa Clan has, over the last 30 years, allowed visitors the opportunity to savour the taste and feel the rhythm of Africa.
A unique tourism venue in Botha’s Hill on the Comrades Race Route is only 35 km from central Durban. This picturesque park has magnificent views of the world-famous The Valley of the Thousand Hills (runners will pass this area on their race).
Visitors are taken into traditional beehive-shaped thatched huts, where the various artefacts, beliefs, and rituals are explained, giving an insight into the fascinating Zulu culture.
The Zulu dancing show is special. In their traditional garb, the dancers show off their skills with grace, agility, and humour — a truly unforgettable experience!
We will transport Runners and Supporters separately to Durban in the AM on race day.
Runners Support
Runners are offered three support locations where their pre-packed race nutrition will be available to them.
Supporters
Supporters will enjoy coffee in Durban first before departing for Supporter Station 1 - a champagne breakfast, then Supporter Station 2 - a buffet lunch and then be transported to the finish line.
Finish Line
All international runners get access to the International Finisher area for themselves +1. You have the option to purchase additional bands at The Comrades Expo.
Transfer back to the Hotel
We want to ensure everyone is looked after until the last runners and supporters arrive back. We will then depart back as a group to Protea Hotel.
Post-Race Safari Retreat
Unwind completely after your race with three nights of comforting, full-board* at the spectacular Springbok Lodge.
It’s your exclusive escape in the malaria-free Nambiti Private Game Reserve.
Springbok Lodge is perfectly situated in Nambiti, a magnificent home to the Big Five, along with cheetah, hippo, and over 30 plains game species.
Nature lovers will adore the setting with expansive grasslands blended by the diversity of Thornveld and Acacia trees. The abundant water system, featuring perennial rivers and a beautiful waterfall of the Sundays River, creates a vital sanctuary for Nambiti's rich biodiversity.
You’ll be staying at Nambiti’s Only Community Owned Lodge. Springbok Lodge is rooted in its local community, fostering positive change and opportunity. This is why we selected and partnered with Springbok Lodge:
It provides direct employment and professional growth for local community members.
The lodge actively invests in education, helping team members attend respected institutions like the International Hotel School.
A valuable 6-month in-house training program offers hands-on experience and mentorship, helping local trainees launch successful careers in hospitality.
When you stay here, you help us make an impact.
Note: Accommodation includes full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) + all morning and afternoon game drives. Drinks are for your own account.
Springbok's tents blend the authentic thrill of the bush with sophisticated, modern luxury. They've ensured every detail contributes to your complete relaxation:
Your tent is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, regardless of the season:
Essential Power: Full electricity and reliable running water.
Climate Control: Both hot and cold air conditioning to keep you at your perfect temperature.
Plush Bedding: Deep, cozy beds with high-quality linens for a restful night's sleep.
Morning Ritual: A complimentary coffee station, complete with teas, coffees, and milk pods.
For a truly memorable moment, step outside your bathroom door:
Private Open-Air Shower: Enjoy an invigorating, private shower under the African sky—a wonderfully immersive bush experience.
Security: Your tent includes an in-room safe for your valuables.
Wi-Fi Access: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in each tent to share your unforgettable memories (please note that signal strength may vary slightly depending on your specific location).
A Note on Style: The look and feel of the tents feature different, beautiful, authentic styles. The specific style of the tent you are assigned will vary.
When you’re not out exploring, the lodge offers several lovely spots to unwind and connect:
Pools: Take a refreshing dip in one of the two beautiful, rock-styled swimming pools.
A Gentle Stroll: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the 1.2km self-guided trail located safely within the lodge’s fenced area.
Indoor Retreats: Browse for a keepsake at the curio shop or gather with friends for some fun with our board game collection.
Looking for something more? Your hosts are happy to help arrange other memorable activities, subject to availability and your interests. Just chat with the lodge team when you arrive!
The lodge offers a mix of à la carte meals and buffet-style feasts, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Dining experiences range from a hearty breakfast after a game drive to a fireside dinner under the stars.
The Boma Celebration
An unforgettable, open-air Boma celebration party post-race. "You do not want to miss this"
"But beyond the runs, Coach Peru played an integral role in one of the most memorable moments of my life. During the trip in South Africa, he was instrumental in orchestrating a surprise proposal to my now-fiancée. He helped me plan, organise and with his support, I was able to propose in the most magical and unforgettable setting. That’s the kind of coach he is - someone who not only cares about your athletic success but also takes the time to be part of your personal milestones."
Arrival at King Shaka International Airport (Durban)
Transfer to Protea Hotel
18:00 – Rooftop Welcome Drinks
19:00 – Welcome Function (Authentic South African Braai/BBQ)
Breakfast at the Hotel
Visit to Comrades Expo (ICC Durban)
Registration & drop-off of race nutrition packs
Partial drive of the Comrades Route
PheZulu Cultural Experience & Lunch
Dinner for your own account
Pre-race Shake-out run
Umhlanga Park Run (stunning and scenic)
Breakfast at the hotel
Free day to just relax or do other activities on your own. Lunch not included.
Pre-race buffet carb-load dinner
Runners depart for the start line
Supporters depart for the pick-up point
3 x Race-support stations for Runners (in-race fueling & nutrition)
2 x Support Stations to (includes Champagne Breakfast, Buffet Lunch & Transport* to finish area)
Gather at International Finisher Area.
Dinner for your own account
*Transport is not offered on an individual basis. A Transport shuttle service will depart at different times from each Supporter Stations, to the next and then to the finish area.. It is not guaranteed that you will make it in time to see your runner across the all stations/at the finish area and is subject to traffic delays
Breakfast at the Protea hotel
Drive to Nambitit Private Game Reserve
Lunch at The Springbok Lodge
First PM Game Drive
Post-race open-air Boma celebration party* (You do not want to miss this!)
It is recommended that, should you want to book an in-room massage, it shoud be done without delay to avoid disappointment and is for your own account.
* Having the Open-air Boma Celebration is subject to weather conditions.
Springbok Lodge Stay - full board*
with 2 x game drives and time to relax and enjoy the amenities
Whilst juices and some hot beverages might be included with your breakfast such as juices or hot beverages, drinks are otherwise for your own account (including pre-ordering of your favoured drink for the sunset game drvies)
Springbok Lodge Stay - full board*
with 2 x game drives and time to relax and enjoy the amenities
Whilst juices and some hot beverages might be included with your breakfast such as juices or hot beverages, drinks are otherwise for your own account (including pre-ordering of your favoured drink for the sunset game drvies)
Final Game Drive.
Breakfast at Springbok Lodge
Group departure to King Shaka International Airport
We keep it simple - your experience is covered end-to-end.
Whether you are coming alone or bringing supporters, everyone is welcome!
Running solo? We got you covered!
Ideal if you are bringing one or more supporters
Please book your flights arriving as per the guidance below.
You are responsible for securing your own race entry.
All runners and supporters must have this in place before arriving and for the duration.
All athletes must bring their own gels, electrolytes, and race-day fueling (this will be handed in on Day 2).
Any meals not mentioned in the tour itinerary are excluded and at your own account.
Any drinks not mentioned in the tour itinerary are excluded and at your own account.
Any activities not mentioned in the tour itinerary are excluded and for your own account.
Our main focus is to source local initiatives and community-led businesses partners. Tips are excluded and we encourage you to support your the workers of our suppliers and communities.
Laundry, pharmacy, souvenirs, etc
To ensure inclusion in the complimentary group transfers, clients must adhere to the following strict arrival and departure windows at King Shaka International Airport (DUR).
Thursday, 11th June 2026
Between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM
Should you arrive outside this window, you must arrange and pay for your own transport to the hotel.
Thursday, 18th June 2026
No departure before 4:00 PM
Departure is via a single transport coach from Nambiti after breakfast.
Together, we have a long history with the Comrades, and we love sharing this incredible experience with all keen endurance runners.
Coach Peru, a Comrades Silver medalist and UESCA-certified running coach, created this package based on his experience running, coaching, and supporting at this race.
Hebert Gouvea joins the ED team to support delivering the best end-to-end experience.
Watch the official Comrades (UP RUN-2026) promo video for a glimpse into the inspiring message, DON'T GIVE UP!
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) offers a Substitution Window from 16 March to 15 April 2026, giving you a second chance to secure your spot.
Athletes who can no longer compete withdraw between 16–30 March. Those entry slots are then released on a first-come, first-served basis from 1–15 April 2026.
International athletes can only be substituted by other international athletes, making this a prime opportunity for our global community.
We navigate the journey with you. While you wait for the window, we’ll help you stay 'Comrades-ready' so you can pull the trigger the moment a slot opens.
Entry slots that have been made available by withdrawing athletes will then be made available on a first come first served basis to individuals wanting to enter the event via the online entry substitution period of 1 – 15 April 2026. The entry fee remains the same for substitution entries.
Substitution Window
Withdrawal Phase
Substitution Entry Phase
Validation: Athletes must check their entry status on the Comrades website or app