Following the overwhelming success of last year’s event, entries for the 2025 race skyrocketed with the final number of entries increasing to a whopping 5 122, more than 1 500 more than the 2024 race.
“This not only shows the need for this race in the province, but also demonstrates its popularity following three years of excellence,” says TRAC spokesperson Solange Soares.
Although entries for this online-entry event closed on Sunday 16 February, substitutions will be accepted at all race collection venues on Friday 28 February from 10:00 up to 20:00.
As with previous years, the 2025 race will see runners compete in the 42km, 21km, or 10km race. The 42km, boasting 3 725 entries, starts at Laerskool Oosterlijn in Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) at 05:30 and ends at the Sappi Skills Training Centre in Ngodwana. The 21km starts at 06:00 from the Malaga Hotel on the N4 and also finishes at the Sappi Skills Training Centre, while the 10km starts at 06:30 and ends at the same location.
Transportation by Buscor
Transportation TO the START – 42,2km and 21,1km
- 42,2km: First bus (02:30 from Sappi Skills Training Centre Ngodwana to Laerskool Oosterlijn Emgwenya/Waterval Boven)
- 42,2km: Last bus (04:30 from Sappi Skills Training Centre Ngodwana to Laerskool Oosterlijn Emgwenya/Waterval Boven)
- 21,1km: First bus (04:00 from various collection points to Malaga Hotel
- 21,1km: Last bus (05:20 from various collection points to Malaga Hotel
Transportation FROM the FINISH – 42,2km and 21,1km
- 42,2km: First bus (10:00 from Sappi Skills Training Centre Ngodwana to Laerskool Oosterlijn Emgwenya/Waterval Boven)
- 42,2km: Last bus (12:00 from Sappi Skills Training Centre Ngodwana to Laerskool Oosterlijn Emgwenya/Waterval Boven)
- 21,1km: First bus (04:00 from Sappi Skills Training Centre Ngodwana to Malaga Hotel
- 21,1km: Last bus (05:20 from Sappi Skills Training Centre Ngodwana to Malaga Hotel
Traffic advisory for 1 March
To accommodate the marathon, road users should take note of the following road closures and diversions:
Traffic diversion via Schoemanskloof
- Start: 02:00
- End: 12:00
Non-marathon traffic will be diverted via Schoemanskloof at Montrose Interchange, Crossroads Interchange and the Ngodwana/Kaapsehoop Intersection
Full road closure
- Start: 03:15
- End: 12:00
The N4 will be closed between the Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) intersection and the Ngodwana Load Control Centre intersection.
Access to Sappi Ngodwana Mill
Road users must use the N4 Schoemanskloof route and approach from the Montrose Interchange side or via the Kaapsehoop road.
To ensure all participants are safe during the event, seconding will not be permitted along the route. Any athlete found receiving private assistance during the race will face disqualification.
Race number collection
Participants can collect their race numbers from:
- TRACN4 Elands Marathon Expo at Milly’s on 28 February from 10:00 to 20:00;
- LVCC in Steiltes, Mbombela (Nelspruit) on 28 February from 10:00 to 20:00.
“With thousands of runners and supporters expected, this year’s marathon is set to be a spectacular event, further cementing its place as one of the premier races in South Africa,” Soares says.
Participants as well as members of the public requiring more information can visit www.elandsmarathon.co.za or call 082 801 3600.
