Big Five Marathon - Race Reviews

Very well organized with a gravel sand course with a big hill. Water, coke and energy drink available at many of the 4km stops. Very cold in the morning but warmed up quickly, T-shirt and shorts are ok even though its in the winter time. Race starts at 1500-1600m altitude so maybe smart not to start out to fast, at least adapt a bit. Race was sold out in almost a day so be quick. Great after party. Nice accommodation but very cold in the evening/morning. Rangers kept the wildest animals at a safe distance the entire race, no safety issues.

I felt the race was fairly badly organized, and I never got the t-shirt, as promised. They could keep the prices for all the same and not cash in on the foreign visitors. Maybe they will get more people doing it. They could have given the Red Cross more space to fund-raise. The travel agents get good advertising, and the cause is for the Red Cross.

We were promised a T-shirt but were told we had to buy one. Next time, do not promise one. - Franz Wetzl

When I signed up for this event I knew it would be more than just a race. I was not disappointed! The organization of the event was second to none and the accommodation in Wildside was awesome. If you do this race you have to stay in the tents as it adds so much to the experience. When we drove the course the day before the race I couldn't believe how difficult it was, and after finishing the race I felt like I had not only completed another marathon but that I had really acheived something. The Albatross staff were fantastic and the rangers excellent. I would recommend this event to anyone.

In the middle of the game reserve Entabeni in South Africa you run a marathon (or 23K) surrounded by animals such as lions, elephants, leopards, hippos, rhinos, impalas and lots of other animals. The red dust, the heavy sand and patches of rock keep you awake - all mixed with hard soil, grassy bits and magnificent views. In the middle of the race we meet the steep 400m (1300 ft) hill, which for the next 2-2.5 miles takes us to the high plateau which opens up another spectacular setting for the rest of the marathon. The hill is a killer - will you run it or walk it? I did both! One positive thing though - after passing the hill, there are no more lions. :-) The whole race, rangers are watching the animals, a helicopter is ready and safety is taken seriously. Big Five is an adventure, and the race is combined with lovely days of game-drive safaris in the reserve. You can sleep in luxury tents or in one of the fantastic lodges in the reserve. There is no doubt: I will be back someday, and this time I will run the whole hill. The spectators are not many - only the family of the runners, but they meet us on the right spot, right where you need it! So bring your close ones too.