Big Five Marathon is a 42.2km + Ultra 50K ultra marathon in Entabeni, South Africa. Distance: 50km. Elevation: 800m D+. Difficulty: accessible (Challenge Rating 20/100). DNF rate: 5%. Time limit: 9h. Surface: trail. Established 2005.
Big Five Marathon
Entabeni, Limpopo, South Africa
"Run through Africa's Big Five territory. Armed rangers, wild elephants, and savanna trails."
The world's wildest ultra — run through a Big Five game reserve with armed ranger escort and actual wildlife encounters.
The Course
Run through a private game reserve where Africa's Big Five roam free. The ultra 50K extension adds loops through bushveld terrain on dirt roads and game tracks. Armed rangers accompany runners for safety. You share the trail with elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards.
hilly
loop
5
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
16°C
5° – 25°
35%
5%
South African winter — dry, sunny days with cool mornings. Clear skies and low humidity make for pleasant running conditions.
Stats & Records
2005
100
07:30:00
Entry
ZAR 12,000
January
months
Lore & Trivia
The Big Five Marathon runs through a private game reserve in Limpopo Province, South Africa — and yes, all five of Africa's iconic Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) live on the course. Rangers with rifles run alongside the field for the entire race. It is the only marathon in the world where the wildlife poses a genuine predatory threat. The race was created to combine endurance running with the African bush experience, and runners routinely spot giraffes, zebras, and warthogs during the race — with the ever-present possibility of something larger.
- ▸ Armed rangers run alongside participants to protect them from wildlife encounters.
- ▸ The race takes place in Entabeni Private Game Reserve, home to all of Africa's Big Five animals.
- ▸ Runners have reported seeing elephants, giraffes, and zebras during the race.
- ▸ The entry fee includes accommodation in a luxury safari lodge.
- ▸ Established in 2005.
The only marathon where the wildlife can outrun you. And eat you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Big Five Marathon? +
Big Five Marathon is a 42.2km + Ultra 50K (50km) ultra marathon with 800m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Big Five Marathon? +
Big Five Marathon is rated accessible with a Challenge Rating of 20/100 (Approachable). The DNF rate is 5%. Runners have 9 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Big Five Marathon? +
Average temperature is 16°C (range 5°C to 25°C) with 35% humidity and a 5% chance of rain. South African winter — dry, sunny days with cool mornings. Clear skies and low humidity make for pleasant running conditions.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Big Five Marathon? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the average finish time for Big Five Marathon? +
The average finish time is 07:30:00. About 100 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 5%.
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