Big Five Marathon
The Lowdown
The Big Five Marathon crosses the private Entabeni Safari Conservancy in South Africa's Limpopo Province, where runners share unfenced terrain with free-roaming lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino, the "Big Five." Armed rangers and helicopter spotters escort the field along a rugged loop of red sand, loose rock, and steep climbs, including the notorious Yellow Wood Valley descent, with more than 540 meters of elevation change. Founded in 2005, the race offers marathon (42.2K) and half marathon (21.1K) distances during South Africa's cool, dry winter. Entry is sold only as part of a multi-day tour package bundling lodge accommodation, game drives, and transportation; a EUR 350 race-only entry fee applies on top of the package for both distances.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Moderate rolling hills
Participants
Field Size
Intimate field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Moderate spectator support
Yellow Wood Valley descent
Entabeni Safari Conservancy
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Entabeni Safari Conservancy
ZA
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 18 (estimated; no public minimum-age policy found)
- Must book the official tour package to enter; no standalone race-day registration
Required Documents
- Passport (international travelers)
- Medical fitness declaration / doctor's certificate
Entry Methods
- Tour package booking through the official website (big-five-marathon.com); no walk-up or race-only entry
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No public standalone cancellation policy found; package cancellation terms are set by tour operator Albatros Adventure Marathons and disclosed at booking
Course monitored throughout by armed rangers and helicopter spotters for wildlife safety
Organized by Albatros Adventure Marathons (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Founded in 2005
2026 edition (June 2026) sold out; next confirmed edition is June 19, 2027
Men's course record: 3:15:31 (Nedd Brockmann, Australia, 2025); Women's course record: 3:45:24 (Anne-Sophie Eriksen, Denmark, 2016)
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