Race Information
The Course
A spectacular coastal route through the heart of Durban leafy suburbs, hugging the Indian Ocean from start to the finish. The OFFICIAL Route launch will be done in December.
The Event
A Bold New Chapter
The Indian Ocean Marathon signals a bold new chapter for road running in Durban, created by taking over the established Orcas Ultra Marathon and transforming it into a fresh, exciting, and internationally positioned running event.
Two Oceans Alternative
One of the exciting opportunities behind the Indian Ocean Marathon is its potential to become an alternative event for runners who want to participate in the hard-to-get-into Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town. For many runners, travelling to Cape Town can be out of reach for some with the cost of travel. The Indian Ocean Marathon offers an exciting alternative.
Race Pack Collection
Race Pack Collection
Venue
Durban Runner, Berea
Collect your race pack before race day. No race-day collection.
Friday
11:00 – 16:00
Saturday
11:00 – 16:00
Schedule
Race Day Schedule
4 April 2027 — Durban, South Africa
Start Times
50km ULTRA MARATHON
30km CHALLENGE
10km CITY RUN
Cut-off Times
50km Ultra
Course closes at 12:00
30km Challenge
Course closes at 9:30
10km City Run
Course closes at 08:00
Entry Fees
Entry Fees
Race entries are limited to 5,000 runners. Enter early to secure your place.
50km Ultra Marathon
1 Nov – 22 Dec 2026
Custom Race T-shirt and Goodie bag
R595.00
23 Dec 2026 – 9 Mar 2027
Custom Race T-shirt and Goodie bag
R695.00
10 Mar – 30 Mar 2027
No T-shirt or Goodie bag
R695.00
Local entrants must hold a valid ASA number; no temporary licence permitted for this distance. Temporary licences may only be used by foreign athletes.
30km Road Race
+ R110 temporary licence if applicable1 Nov – 22 Dec 2026
Custom Race T-shirt and Goodie bag
R330.00
23 Dec 2026 – 9 Mar 2027
Custom Race T-shirt and Goodie bag
R395.00
10 Mar – 30 Mar 2027
No T-shirt or Goodie bag
R395.00
10km Road Race
+ R70 temporary licence if applicable1 Nov – 22 Dec 2026
Custom Race T-shirt and Goodie bag
R220.00
23 Dec 2026 – 9 Mar 2027
Custom Race T-shirt and Goodie bag
R280.00
10 Mar – 30 Mar 2027
No T-shirt or Goodie bag
R280.00
Temporary Licence Fees
For marathon events, temporary licences may only be used by foreign athletes.
Race Entries Limited to 5,000 Runners
Prize Money: To be confirmed.
Distances
Three Races, One Coastline
Ultra
The flagship event. A spectacular coastal ultra designed to attract serious South African and international ultra runners. The race route has been designed and built to give runners an open and exciing start, before they climb into the leafy suburbs of Durban North and La Lucia.
Enter this race- Start
05:00 - Cut-off
7 hours - Min Age
18+
COASTAL Challenge
A challenging race distances that pushes runners past that 21km mark and into a new race distance that pushes them to be their best. This route takes runners along some scenic stretches of the Durban , Durban North, La Lucia and Umhlanga area, finishing back along the Indian Ocean coastline.
Enter this race- Start
05:00 - Cut-off
4h 30min - Min Age
16+
City Run
A fast, fun and accessible race distance is a highly social race aimed at attracting a broad mass-participation audience to meet, greet and make friends along the way!
Enter this race- Start
06:00 - Cut-off
2 hours - Min Age
12+
Race Field Limited to 5,000 Runners
The Route
A Course Like No Other
Start
Sunkist Lawns
Opposite Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
All three distances start here. Bag drop and facilities available from 04:00.
Finish
Sunkist Lawns
Opposite Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Finish-line village with refreshments, medals, and post-race celebrations.
Race Day
Important Information
Goodie Bags & Race T-Shirts
All Early Bird and Standard Entries receive a Goodie Bag and a Race T-shirt for free. Entries from the 10th of March will NOT receive a Goodie bag or Race T-shirt.
Late Entries
Late entries will be allowed at registration should there be space. There will be a late entry fee of R50.00 per entry.
Race Changes & Subs
Race changes and subs are allowed at a fee of R50.00 per change or sub.
Prize Giving
12pm on the main stage.
Logistics
Race Day Logistics
Parking
Suncoast Casino (300m), Moses Mabhida Stadium (500m), Kings Park Pool (300m), and Beachfront Parking.
Bag Drop
Secure bag drop facilities available at the start. Collect after finishing.
Water Points
Water and refreshment stations every 2.5km along the course.
Medical Support
Qualified medical personnel stationed at key points along the route and at the finish.
Toilets
Portable facilities at start, finish, and key points on the route.
Timing
Timing will be done by Split Time. Chip timing for all distances. Results published online as your finish.
Medals
Well deseerved Finisher medals for all distances
Photography
Professional race photographers on course. Photos available online after the event by SportPix.co.za
Rules
Race Rules
Headphones are not permitted for any race
Club runners must wear club kit.
Race numbers must be fixed onto the front of your running top.
Proof of age required for 50km (18+) and 30km (16+) and 10km (12+) at registration
No pacers or support crews on the course
Littering on the course may result in disqualification
Ready to Run?
Secure your entry before places fill up. Race Field is limited to 5000 runners.