Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The Elands Marathon is one of South Africa's oldest and most traditional marathons, drawing about 2,500 runners each August on a rural point-to-point through KwaZulu-Natal's green hills. The course runs between Eshowe and Empangeni (or the reverse in alternating years) on country roads through Zululand. August winter dryness and rolling rural terrain make it a classic among South African club runners.
Elands Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Elands Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, 22 August 2026 with a 6:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with rural hills layout.
The Elands Marathon is a point-to-point course from Eshowe to Empangeni on rural KwaZulu-Natal roads past sugar-cane fields, rolling green hills, and small Zululand towns. The rolling terrain includes moderate rural climbs that reward steady pacing, and community support gathers at the Eshowe start, in villages along the route, and at the Empangeni finish.
The Elands Marathon course is rolling with rural hills over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
For the Elands Marathon, the race is held in August (Southern Hemisphere winter). Registration is through the KZN Athletics association.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Ulundi.
The Dolphin Coast Marathon near Ballito on South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal north coast draws about 4,000 finishers each July along the Indian Ocean shoreline. The course passes salt-water pools, resort beaches, and the dolphin coast headlands with warm winter sunshine. July mild KZN north coast weather makes it a popular South African winter destination marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 27 June 2027
The Durban International Marathon attracts about 3,500 finishers each May in South Africa's warm Indian Ocean port city. The course follows the Golden Mile beachfront and passes Moses Mabhida Stadium and the Durban harbour. May subtropical weather and flat coastal terrain make it one of South Africa's most accessible city marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Johannesburg Marathon draws approximately 9,500 finishers on an urban road in Johannesburg, South Africa. The course starts and finishes in the city centre. The route passes through northern suburbs and along major arterial roads at altitude (1,750 m). Mostly flat with gentle undulations; thin air is the main challenge.
Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027
The Soweto Marathon is one of Africa's largest marathons, drawing about 35,000 finishers each November through Johannesburg's historic Soweto township. The course passes the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street (home of Mandela and Tutu), and FNB Stadium. November summer weather and powerful historical symbolism make it South Africa's most significant mass-participation marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
Read guide →
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Read guide →
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
Read guide →