RunFastAbout the race
The Durban International Marathon is an annual road marathon in Durban, with a 10 km race held on the same weekend. The organiser's page for the 2027 edition says it is presented by Newlands AC and set for Sunday 2 May 2027.
History
Wikipedia dates the race to 2021. The inaugural edition on 5 September 2021 was won by Samuel Naibei of Kenya in 2:08:43, with Zinhle Shabalala winning the women's race in 2:44:00. Later editions took place on 12 March 2023 and 28 April 2024. In 2022 the first runner across the line, Isaac Mpofu, was disqualified for wearing one bib instead of the two the rules required, though his time was later reinstated. Wikipedia notes the marathon carries a World Athletics Label Road Race status.
The course
According to the organiser, the 42.2 km race starts on Prospecton Road and finishes at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, inside the People's Tunnel. A route map, an elevation profile and GPS data are available through links on the organiser's 42 km page.
Start time and cut-off
The marathon starts at 06:30 and the organiser sets a cut-off of 6 hours. A shuttle bus to the starting area runs from the Kings Park Swimming Pool between 03:30 and 04:30 for a fee.
Entry basics
Anyone aged 20 or older may enter the marathon, but the organiser says only licensed athletes are allowed to run it; a temporary licence applies to elite and international athletes. Online entry is through two platforms, with three phases: an early-bird phase from 12 September to 31 December 2026, a second phase from 1 January to 17 March 2027, and a third from 18 March until online entries close on 18 April 2027. The organiser also says manual entries can be made in person at any Pick n Pay store. Registration and late-entry collection runs in Pietermaritzburg at the Msunduzi Athletics Stadium on 28 April 2027 and in Durban at The Globe at Suncoast on 1 May 2027.
Where to watch
The race finishes at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, and the stadium precinct is the obvious gathering point for supporters. Check the organiser's site for other spectator points along the route.
Weather
Early May is autumn in KwaZulu-Natal, and the marathon starts early in the morning at 06:30. As with any coastal race, conditions on the day can differ from the seasonal pattern, so check the forecast closer to race week.
SourcesDurban International Marathon home·42 km race details·Wikipedia: Durban Marathon