Big Five Marathon

View all races for Jun 2026

The Big Five Marathon takes place in the Entabeni Game Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa. Covering the full Marathon distance, the course passes through African savannah landscapes within a private game reserve known for its diverse wildlife and dramatic scenery. The route runs entirely within the reserve, offering runners a rare opportunity to experience this unique environment on foot.

This is a demanding off road marathon featuring dirt tracks, sand, rocky sections, long climbs and significant elevation change. The route passes landmarks including the Entabeni Monolith, Yellowwood Valley and Hanglip View Point while traversing the varied terrain of the reserve. Set among the habitats of Africa’s iconic Big Five animals, the race combines a challenging marathon course with one of the most distinctive running locations in the world.