Running a marathon is hard, but do you know what’s harder? Running a marathon in the African sun, up hills, and on a mixture of deep sand and dirt tracks.
I have just described the running conditions for the Big Five Marathon, which takes place once a year in South Africa. It’s about as challenging a race as you are likely to find, but also one of the most incredible experiences, running through one of the most spectacular game reserves in existence, located in the Savannah of Entabeni.
So why is it called the Big Five Marathon?
The Big Five refers to the iconic wildlife species of lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo, which are sought-after sightings on safaris. The idea is that you could realistically tick them all off the list during your marathon.
Seeing a lion trotting along beside me would certainly give me the extra boost I needed to keep going! How about you?
The Race
The course takes runners through some incredible scenery
Participants can choose between a full marathon and a half marathon. Both take place in the same location, but the route is slightly different for those running the shorter distance – there are a few shortcuts.
However, both sets of runners will have to tackle the elevation drop around Yellow Wood Valley. This is also where the areas of deep sand are located, so it’s a challenging section of the route, especially when climbing up the other side of the valley.
Most of the route is on dirt tracks, though, not deep sand, with a small amount of concrete underfoot. The weather will be very hot so sun cream is a must, and sensible footwear given the terrain.
The race is planned to start at 9.00am, but due to the unpredictability of the wildlife, it is sometimes delayed. Basically, if the lions are having a lie down on the route, you will have to wait for them to move on.
If this sounds good to you, the next races will take place on:
- 14th June, 2025
- 13th June, 2026
If you have left it too late to prepare or save up enough money, the race takes place at more or less the same time every year, so don’t despair. Take he time to get ready for the text one.
The Route
All runners begin at Lakeside Lodge on the upper escarpment. You will race past Ravineside Lodge, the Entabeni Monolith and then head on to the lower plateau.
Full marathon runners will trek out to Hanglip Viewpoint (beautiful views) before doubling back and approaching Yellow Wood Valley, half marathon runners will head straight there. As I alluded to earlier, this is the most challenging part of the course.
The terrain is uneven and loose, the descent is incredibly steep, and when you make it down to the bottom you are in lion country. It’s flat at the bottom, but you will be running in deep sand for several kilometres. This section is a killer on the quads!
Going back up the hill at the other end is less of a run – it’s practically impossible to really run up it – and more of a carefully negotiated hike. Once conquered, you will head on to a narrow valley called Long Drive with lots of stunning scenery to distract from how exhausted you are. It’s a nice easy section before the final 4km, which is trickier.
More loose stone and rocks underfoot, more hills, but a serene lake to run alongside until you get to the finish line, which is back at Lakeside Lodge.
How to Sign Up
Credit: Albatross Adventure Marathons
The only way to take part is to sign up for an adventure holiday package.
A company called Albatross Adventure Marathons has set it up, and as their name suggests, they are in the business of organising marathons in extreme locations. The Big Five is just one of many race events they arrange, and they are all sold as week long tour packages.
This one combines a challenging marathon experience with an African safari vacation, and more or less everything except your flights are included. Having said that, they do have links with travel partners who bundle the flights in with the rest of the package, so that is an option if you don’t want to deal with the fiddly details.
In terms of cost, you are looking at €2,690 for the cheapest package, but it can be more expensive if you opt for fancier accommodation.
There are also additional options you can bolt on to your trip. These include additional safari drives and days out, to extending your trip by an extra week and travelling to Cape Town or Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park.
Remember though, this price includes your transfers, entry to the race, and all of your meals while you are there.
Itinerary
Credit: Albatross Adventure Marathons
Being essentially a package holiday with a twist, everything is planned before you arrive.
- Day 1: The first day is all about settling in, exploring the immediate area, and potentially going out on a game drive if you arrive early enough. This will depend on the flights you book.
- Day 2: Your first full day is dedicated game drives and bush walks, with armed rangers by your side of course. Some are included but you can buy extras too. Shorter runs are also organised so you can acclimatise to the temperature, terrain, etc.
- Day 3: Today is when you inspect the route, and have a meeting to discuss all the logistics and practicalities of the big race. Nothing else is planned so you can use the extra time as you wish.
- Day 4: Race day has arrived!
- Day 5: A day of relaxation and recouperation. Excursions are available if anyone wants them, but most people chill out and wait for the post marathon party in the evening. This includes a massive bonfire, live entertainment, lots of food and drink, and even prizes.
- Day 6: Another game drive is available in the morning, and a celebration dinner will be held in the evening. This leaves the hottest part of the day free for sun worshipping or more sight seeing.
- Day 7: Time to go home. After breakfast, transfers to Johannesburg will begin and everyone catches their flights. Anyone booked onto extensions will have transport planned for them.
As you can see, it’s a busy schedule that is built around the race itself, but still leaves plenty of time to do your own thing in between the planned activities.
It’s an unbelievable experience for running enthusiasts.