The annual Durban International Marathon is set to be bigger and more colourful this year.
According to the local organising committee (LOC), the event attracted about 4 500 athletes last year, and although there could be about 10 000 participants on the road, they are likely to stick to 7 000 for safety reasons.
On Wednesday, one of the founders and organisers, KwaZulu-Natal Athletics president Steve Mkasi, confirmed that as an international road event, a lot of high-profile athletes from the African continent are expected to take part and the competition will be very tight.
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Mkasi said they now have over 5 200 participants and entries are still coming in.
“I can assure you that we are expecting a big one. What was more interesting was that entries started coming in and are still pouring in,” he said.
“At the beginning our target was 10 000 runners, we have already gone over 5 000, and to play it safe and manageable on the road, we will stop at the 7 000 mark.
“There are also a few changes on the route and on the water tables that are likely to bring some excitement to the runners.
I can also assure you that not only South Africa-based household names will be taking part in the race, but there are a lot of road-running stars coming from all over Africa and beyond our African borders
The fifth edition of the Durban International Marathon is set for Sunday. The start will be at Prospecton Road (6 am) and the finishing area at Moses Mabhida.
Headlining the men’s field is Ethiopia’s Berhanu Teshom Bekele, whose 2:08,20 personal best makes him the fastest in the field. He will face stiff competition from Kenyan Kiprotich Felix Kirui and Ethiopian compatriot Teshom Girma Tadese in what promises to be a tactical battle.
Last year’s runner-up, Matthews Leeto, leads the South African charge. Having run a solid 2:09,48 in 2024, Leeto could challenge for the title this year.
The women’s race features Ethiopian star and 50 km world record holder Emane Seifu Hayile. She’ll be challenged by rising stars Bize Beer Negasa (Ethiopia) and a strong contingent of Southern African athletes.
As host of the CAA Southern Region Marathon Championships, the event showcases regional talent including Zambia’s Mathews Mutanya, Namibia’s Paulus Haitope and South Africa’s Tumelo Motlagale.
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“Durban has become the proving ground for Africa’s next generation of marathon stars,” said Mkasi. “With Tokyo qualification at stake and our improved course, we’re expecting fireworks. Last year’s record-breaking performances showed what’s possible here.”
Against the backdrop of Durban’s golden beaches and subtropical warmth, the 2025 edition is poised to deliver another chapter of racing history, following last year’s record-breaking performances by Elroy Gelant (2:09,33) and Cian Oldknow (2:29,46).