89 km
Distance
1,500 m
Elevation Gain
6:15:00
Average Finish Time
14,500
Total Finishers
1921
Established
Hilly
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Course & Elevation
The world's oldest and most prestigious ultramarathon, alternating annually between the up and down runs between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The down run (odd years) starts in Pietermaritzburg and finishes in Durban with net descent, while the up run (even years) reverses the route with significant climbing. The course traverses the KwaZulu-Natal landscape, passing through historic towns, rolling hills, and the dramatic Valley of a Thousand Hills.
🌤️ Weather
Early South African winter with cool, crisp conditions. Temperatures range from cool mornings to mild afternoons with low humidity and minimal rainfall, though wind can be a factor along exposed sections.
🏆 Course Record
05:20:49
Samuel Makwala (2011)
Registration
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🎯 Fun Facts
- ▸ Established in 1921 as the world's oldest ultramarathon, originally run as a single 90km race celebrating the peace between British and Boer soldiers after the Second Boer War.
- ▸ The race alternates yearly between the up and down runs; the down run (89km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban) is considered easier due to net descent, while the up run covers additional climbing.
- ▸ Only 30% of starters typically finish the race within the 12-hour cutoff, making it one of the world's most challenging mass-participation events.
- ▸ Every finisher receives a race medal, with the iconic green medal for sub-11-hour finishes and silver/bronze medals for slower times, celebrating the achievement rather than speed.
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