The Comrades Marathon is one of the world’s most legendary ultramarathons and a bucket-list event for endurance runners across the globe. First held in 1921, this iconic 87 km journey between Durban and Pietermaritzburg is steeped in history, courage, and camaraderie. Known as “The Ultimate Human Race,” Comrades is far more than a test of physical endurance—it is an emotional, spiritual, and deeply communal experience that transforms every participant who takes it on.
Runners traverse a demanding route filled with rolling hills, historic landmarks, and vibrant South African communities that come alive on race day. Spectators line the course for hours, offering music, cheers, refreshments, and heartfelt encouragement that embody the true spirit of Comrades. The iconic big climbs, the famous “Down Run” or “Up Run” dynamics, and the dramatic final stretch create a race atmosphere unlike any other in the world of distance running.
What makes Comrades truly special is the sense of unity and belonging it fosters. Every runner, from the elite athlete to the first-time ultramarathoner, becomes part of a shared tradition built on resilience, respect, and human connection. For many, crossing the Comrades finish line is a life-defining achievement—an unforgettable tribute to courage and endurance.
✅ 5 nights premium accommodation (selected hotel)
✅ Daily breakfast and dinner
✅ Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
✅ Complete race day transport: hotel to start line, finish line to hotel
✅ Athlos × Explor42 commemorative marathon T-shirt
✅ Nomad International eSIM with activation support
✅ Explor42 Exclusive Recovery Zone access
✅ Drop bag collection and delivery service
✅ Pre-race briefing and course strategy session
✅ Dedicated support team throughout race week
✅ Expo concierge assistance
❌ International or domestic flights
❌ Lunch on all days (available at hotels)
❌ Personal expenses and shopping
❌ Comrades Marathon race entry fee
❌ Travel and medical insurance
❌ Spa services and massage treatments
❌ Optional tours and activities
❌ Alcoholic beverages
The Balmoral Hotel is located on Durban’s Golden Mile with the beach on its doorstep. It has 95 spacious rooms, fully equipped with modern hotel amenities. The Hotel also offers a special business centre for the hardworking business traveller. It is conveniently situated close to Ushaka Marine World and within walking distance of Durban’s shopping and business district. Enjoy a full dining experience at their strictly Halaal Waterfront Restaurant, leading onto beautiful Waterfront Terrace, perfect for soaking in the marvellous Durban weather
This modern and luxurious Karridene hotel on Durban's stunning South Coast is renowned for its excellent accommodation, delicious food, friendly hospitality, and top-tier service. As one of the most sought-after beachfront destinations, this Durban, South Africa hotel offers both relaxation and adventure. Nestled between the lagoon and Illovo beach, Protea Karridene boasts an award-winning caravan park and a variety of recreational activities, including mini-golf, squash courts, a kiddies play-park, trampolines, and three swimming pools. Relax at The Oakwood Restaurant, which overlooks the Umzimbazi lagoon. For business events, Karridene Beach Hotel offers state-of-the-art venues accommodating up to 200 delegates, making it ideal for meetings and conferences.
Airport reception by Explor42 representative, transfer to selected hotel, check-in and settle. Distribution of Nomad eSIM, Athlos T-shirt, and welcome kit. Meet fellow runners and receive race week overview. Optional welcome dinner.
Group transfer to Comrades Expo for race packet collection. Time to explore merchandise, meet sponsors, and soak in pre race atmosphere. Optional 3-5 km shakeout run to loosen legs. Evening dinner and relaxation at hotel.
Optional Durban city tour, uShaka Marine World visit, or beach relaxation. Detailed race briefing by an expert coach covering form, pacing strategy, and nutrition timing. Early dinner and rest in preparation for race day.
Pre-dawn breakfast, coordinated start line transfer. Race support throughout the day. Finish line reception and access to exclusive Explor42 Recovery Zone with hydration, nutrition, stretching space, and family meet-up area. Return shuttle to hotel.
Leisure breakfast and optional stretching/mobility class. Free day for local market exploration, or simply resting. Optional celebration dinner with fellow Explor42 runners; share stories and celebrate achievements.
Final breakfast, check-out, and coordinated airport transfer to King Shaka International Airport. Depart with memories, your medal, and the pride of Comrades completion
This document sets out the terms and conditions governing the agreement between you (the “Participant”) and Xplor Miles Sports Event Marketing LLC, a company incorporated in the United Arab Emirates, operating under the brand name explor42 (the “Company”), in relation to the sports event tour package (the “Tour”).
By booking and making payment for the Tour, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms & Conditions.
The Tour package includes a confirmed race entry (marathon bib) or event ticket for the specified event, along with other services such as accommodation, transfers, logistics support, and on-ground assistance, as detailed in your confirmed tour itinerary.
The marathon bib or event ticket is a core and integral component of the Tour package.
A deposit is required to secure your booking. The balance payment must be made no later than 90 days prior to the Tour start date.
Bookings made within 90 days of the Tour start date require full payment at the time of booking.
All prices are quoted per person, unless otherwise stated.
Failure to make payments within the stipulated timelines may result in cancellation of the booking, with applicable cancellation charges.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email. Cancellation charges will apply based on the date the written request is received by the Company:
The cost of the marathon bib, event registration fees, and any related charges are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable under all circumstances.
These non-refundable amounts will be deducted from the total Tour cost before calculating any applicable refund.
Any additional non-recoverable costs incurred by the Company, including but not limited to non-refundable hotel bookings, flights, or third-party services, will also be forfeited.
The Participant acknowledges that participation in endurance sports events such as marathons is physically demanding and may involve inherent risks.
You confirm that you are medically fit to participate and accept full responsibility for your health, fitness, and medical condition. You are strongly advised to consult a qualified medical professional prior to participation.
By booking the Tour, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to injury, illness, accidents, weather conditions, traffic, course conditions, and interactions with other participants.
4.2 Indemnification
You agree to fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless explor42, Xplor Miles Sports Event Marketing LLC, its directors, employees, agents, partners, and suppliers from and against any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to injury, illness, disability, death, or loss suffered by you before, during, or after the event.
The Participant is solely responsible for obtaining and carrying all required travel documents, including a valid passport, visas, permits, and any mandatory health or vaccination certificates.
The Company shall not be held responsible or liable for failure to obtain appropriate travel documentation or for denial of entry, deportation, or visa rejection.
In the event of visa refusal or denial of entry for any reason, no refund will be provided, and the cancellation policy outlined in Section 3 will apply.
explor42 acts as a facilitator and agent for securing race entries and arranging travel-related services. The Company does not organize, manage, or control the marathon or sporting event itself.
If the event is cancelled, postponed, rescheduled, or materially altered by the official event organizers due to reasons beyond the Company’s control—including but not limited to weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, terrorism, political instability, or government restrictions—no refund will be provided for the marathon bib or any non-recoverable costs.
The Company will make reasonable efforts to recover refundable amounts from third-party suppliers; however, recovery is not guaranteed.
It is a mandatory condition of booking that the Participant obtains comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering marathon participation, trip cancellation, medical expenses, personal liability, and emergency repatriation.
These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Arab Emirates.
Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of the United Arab Emirates.
By completing your booking and making payment, you confirm your acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
