Big Five Marathon

Course & Elevation

The Big Five Marathon is a trail marathon in the Entabeni Game Reserve in South Africa's Limpopo Province, between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. It is organised by the Danish adventure-travel company Albatros Adventure Marathons, which held the first edition in 2005, and takes place in June, in the dry southern-hemisphere winter. A half marathon runs on the same day. The route follows gravel and sand through the habitat of the Big Five, which are the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard, and the organisers say no fences separate the runners from the wildlife. The organisers list 885 metres of elevation gain. The course passes Yellowwood Valley and a dam, and has a water station near Hanglip Mountain Lodge. Entry is limited to 300 participants, and the race is offered together with a seven-day package of accommodation and game drives. Marathon runners must be 18 and half marathon runners 16. The marathon has cut-offs at 26.5 km after 4 hours 15 minutes and at 32.5 km after 5 hours 30 minutes, and a finish limit of 7 hours. The half marathon limit is 6 hours 45 minutes.