17 June 2023
Big Five Marathon
17 June 2023
17 June 2023
Big Five Marathon
17 June 2023
The definitive source for all things race-related: everything you need to know before, during, and after race day.
Race Information
Find all the important practical information about the race.
Route & Elevation
Familiarize yourself with the race's elevation profile and route.
Results
Check here for current and past years race results.
Race Videos & Photos
Check out some spectacular moments from the race.
Like all Albatros Adventure Marathons, the Big Five Marathon is designed to be more than just a race. It's also about enjoying time together with family, friends and other running-minded spirits. Spectators welcome!
In order to register for Big Five Marathon, you must sign up for one of the tour packages.
Ways to Enter
Get details on international and local entrance options.
Accommodation
Check out the lodging options for your stay.
Packages
Big Five Marathon 2023 - 8-day package
13 - 20 Jun | 8 days | 2600 EUR
3 nights in Zebra Nature Reserve & 4 nights in Entabeni Game Reserve
Big Five Marathon 2023 7-day package
14 - 20 Jun | 7 days | 2400 EUR
Extend your stay in Entabeni and make the most of your African safari.
Travel partners
The most comprehensive list of travel partners who offer Big Five Marathon packages with flights.
Southern Africa is brimming with natural wonders. Catch a glimpse of the Big Five game, take a helicopter over a thunderous waterfall, or explore alien landscapes among sand dunes.
The Big Five Marathon is more than just a marathon - it's a journey through Southern Africa! Take advantage of your trip to see all that South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe have to offer.
Extensions
Big Five Safari & Panorama Route 2023- Manyeleti Private Game Reserve
20 - 24 Jun | 5 days | 1400 EUR
Can't get enough of Big Five sightings? Take another safari!
Victoria Falls 2023- The Smoke That Thunders
20 - 23 Jun | 4 days | 1700 EUR
Stand in awe of one of the world's largest waterfalls.
Cape Town 2023
20 - 24 Jun | 5 days | 1500 EUR
Visit the city of Cape Town, tour the Winelands, and see the adorable African penguins at Boulders Beach.
From history and wildlife to cuisine and climate, get to know to South Africa.
Travel to South Africa
Dive deep into South Africa - read about .
Map of Southern Africa
Take a look at a map highlighting our destinations in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Destination Guide
Find short and sweet answers to help you travel in South Africa - everything from currency to language and more.
Climate & Weather in South Africa
Check out what weather to expect on race day, as well as average weather in Entabeni and Cape Town.
Photos of Southern Africa
Browse a collection of spectacular photos from our African destinations.
Curious about other people's experiences or still have questions regarding the race, booking, or traveling?
FAQ & Contact
Get all the answers to your questions right here.
Reviews
Read the thoughts of runners who have conquered the savannah!
The one-stop shop for all your media-related needs.
Blog
Read our stories and get inspired.
Media Resources
Check here for press guides, media galleries, and contact information.
Partners & Sponsors
Read here about our wonderful sponsors, partners, and suppliers - and how you can be one of them.
The wildest of them all
The Big Five Marathon is an exclusive event that combines a challenging marathon experience with a classic African safari vacation.
The Big Five Marathon in South Africa is held among the wildlife of the African savannah.
In one of the most spectacular game reserves in Africa the challenging route goes right through the habitat of the African game, including the famous Big Five: Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard.
No fences, no rivers, nothing at all separates the runners from the African wildlife!
The event features both a marathon and a half marathon distance.
REGISTRATION FOR 2023 OPENS 29. SEPTEMBER
Our Covid-19 Peace of Mind Policy
We understand that many of you may still wonder how Covid-19 will effect travelling in the year to come, which is why we have outlined our policy for possible Covid-19 travel restrictions to give you peace of mind while still being able to secure your spot at the Big Five Marathon.
- If the race is cancelled by Albatros Adventure Marathons, you will receive a full refund of the payments made to Albatros Adventure Marathons.
- If the race is postponed to a later date, you will have the choice between moving your entry to the new date or receive a full refund of payments made to Albatros Adventure Marathons. Note that the decision to cancel or postpone the race will be taken no later than 4 weeks prior to the event, but in most cases the decision will be taken at least 8 weeks in advance.
- If official travel restrictions prohibiting you from travelling to South Africa are in place 30 days before the event, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund of the payments made to Albatros Adventure Marathons. This includes restrictions disabling you to depart from your home country as well as restrictions banning you from entering South Africa due to Covid-19 regulations.
Race distances
Want to share this experience of a lifetime with your friend or partner?
No problem!
Runners of all levels can run the wildest of them all with these options.
Full Marathon
42.2 km
Half Marathon
21.1 km
Both distances take place at the same time, and share the first and last part of the course.
Just select your preferred distance when booking.
Newsletter
Receive fresh-off-the-press news about the Big Five Marathon and the other marathons by Albatros Adventure Marathons!
"
Incredible place to do a marathon!
" Shannon Rahlves
2015 Big Five Marathon finisher