Big Five Marathon

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.