The course runs on both sand and asphalt roads (80% sand). The course is tough and hilly. Halfway through, the course includes a steep descent and a steep ascent. Along the way, you can spot many wild animals such as lions, elephants, etc.
MarathonBig Five
10 Jun 2025 - 18 Jun 2025
- Trip duration
- 10 Jun 2025
- 18 Jun 2025
- Info
- 18 Jun 2025
- 01 May 2025
The combination of a classic African safari with a demanding marathon. This is exactly what the Big Five Marathon stands for. When you run through the African savannah, your biggest supporters are the wild animals of Africa, which you will not overlook during the marathon. Running through one of Africa's most spectacular game reserves is definitely a unique experience. This marathon is booked as an exclusive event with a small number of participants.
Registration Big Five Marathon 2022
Globalrunning.com offers you a package with a guaranteed runner’s bib and accommodation. Furthermore, we offer the possibility that family members or friends can travel with you as companions and together you can enjoy this event.
Take a look at our packages. We ensure that during your stay in South Africa everything is arranged down to the last detail so that the athlete can fully devote himself or herself to the run. Whether individually or with a running group, with us you run around the world!
Book now directly and secure your entry with guaranteed participation!
- Flights can be added upon request
- We would be glad to put together a tailor made running trip for you
- Part of a running group? Then we would be pleased to offer you a personalized package with group discount! Contact us for the options
Event details
The map below shows the locations of the start & finish, our hotels of choice and the expo location. Underneath the map, there are two buttons which show the course and elevation maps of the event.
Legend-
Trip schedule
Tuesday, 10 June 2025
You fly with KLM from Amsterdam to Johannesburg (10:35-21:20) and make your own way to your airport hotel.
Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Your tour will commence and end at Johannesburg International Airport (also known as OR Tambo). All participants will be transferred from the airport to Entabeni Game Reserve at fixed transfer times. The fixed departure times for the airport transfers are: 08:30, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00. If none of these transfers suit your arrival time, it is possible to book an individual transfer at an additional cost. Upon arrival in Entabeni, you will meet your tour leader and be checked into your lodge/camp. Participants arriving on one of the first three transfers (departing Johannesburg International Airport at 08:30, 10:00 & 12:00) will have the opportunity to go on the first of a number of exciting game drives. The game drives offer the opportunity to experience an authentic African safari in a serene environment. The Entabeni Game Reserve offers a wide variety of wildlife, open safari vehicles and relatively few tourists, creating an ideal wilderness atmosphere.
Thursday, 12 June 2025
In recent years, the game in the reserve has become increasingly accustomed to tourists. It is not uncommon to see elephants, giraffes and various species of antelope grazing near the safari vehicles. A pride of lions even occasionally holds up traffic as they lazily lie on the path. We use open 4x4 safari vehicles, which offer us an excellent opportunity to view the game in complete safety. During our stay, we are assigned a number of park rangers: one for approximately every ten participants. The rangers ensure our safety, drive the safari vehicles, provide expert guidance, coordinate events with the competition management and are available to us around the clock. In addition, a tour leader will be with the group from start to finish.
Friday, 13 June 2025
After breakfast you will get a presentation about the course and then an extensive inspection of the course. There is again a chance that you will encounter the Big Five! After the inspection a lunch will follow with all participants. During this lunch there will also be an explanation about the event. The rest of the day is free to spend. Dinner is included.
Saturday, 14 June 2025
The big day! Today the Big Five Marathon or Half Marathon is on the program. After an early breakfast you will be picked up from the accommodation and taken to the start of the Big Five Race. The start is at 09:00. Afterwards you will be transferred back to your accommodation.
Sunday, 15 June 2025
You can recover from all the efforts on this day. The morning is free and in the afternoon a game drive is on the program. At the end of the afternoon a big party is organized, the After Marathon Party. Among other things a dinner, award ceremony and live entertainment are part of this.
Monday, 16 June 2025
The last full day in Entabeni. You can choose a morning or afternoon safari and there is also the possibility to participate in a so-called bush walk (also included). In the evening follows the last dinner in your accommodation.
Tuesday, 17 June 2025
Unfortunately already the last day in Entabeni. The transfer to the airport is included. The flight with KLM leaves at 23.15.
Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Arrival in Amsterdam at 10.20 am.
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Transport
We do not offer transport for this arrangement by default. However, we do offer the option to book flights with us. Prices will vary if you choose to make use of our service.
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Accomodation
Legend Golf & Safari Resort
€ 2560,00 per personLocated in the middle of the Entabeni Safari Conservancy you can find the Legend Golf & Safari Resort. This accommodation is surrounded by the wildlife on the savannahs outside the residence. From the boutique lodges you have a beautiful view over the iconic Hanglip Mountain and the Waterberg Mountains. Especially the sunset is from here a beautiful and unforgettable sight. Because of its beautiful location, the Legend Golf & Safari Resort is an excellent place to escape from everyday life for a while.
The luxurious lodges are equipped with air conditioning, a 38-inch plasma TV, a private en-suite bathroom and coffee and tea making facilities. In addition, the rooms are also equipped with a personal safe. The resort has several lounges, bars and à la carte restaurants. The lodges are surrounded by beautiful gardens and fishing ponds, making a leisurely stroll around the grounds an activity in itself. Participants who want to be active before or after the Big Five Marathon or Half Marathon can make use of the gym facilities.
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About Big Five
The Entabeni Safari Conservancy is located in South Africa, about a three-hour drive from Johannesburg. This reserve, known for its beautiful and untouched nature, is home to many species of wildlife. These include the legendary Big Five. The sight of these wild animals is an unforgettable experience, which can often be experienced on one of the safaris through Entabeni. During a stay in one of the lodges that are built in the reserve, you will be dreaming under the sound of the different animal species. An unforgettable experience in South Africa awaits you!