Take your running shoes into the wild and race against antelope, zebra and giraffe. Make a trip of it and spend a few days out in the wild enjoying beautiful landscapes, game drives and the relaxing effect of nature. The Big Five Marathon takes place in June every year and gives adventure-seeking runners the opportunity to do all these things. The venue is the Entabeni Game Reserve in South Africa’s Northern Limpopo Province, close to Botswana.

Absolutely remarkable race. I LOVED the honey guide camp, which happened to be the only thing available when I booked my trip. Thank goodness! Because from what I hear it’s the best camp and all the rangers are AMAZING! I want to come back and run those 42k all over again just as an excuse to see them all over again! Incredible game drives, SUCH good food (even as a vegan!!!!) I can’t recommend this place and this race enough!
– Megan Rivard

The marathon features a classic 42.195km marathon and a half marathon.

Here’s what the organisers say about the ethos of their events; “Here at Albatros Adventure Marathons we’re all about taking running to another level. Our philosophy is to offer challenges in places of exceptional natural beauty and historical significance with varying terrain. The focus is on great experiences, pushing limits and achieving something extraordinary.”