Events

City of Durban Ready for 90th Comrades Marathon

Published

11 years ago

28 May 2015

Shelley

The City of Durban is ready to welcome about 90 000 thousand visitors, comprising of participants, spectators and families, who will descend to the City for the 90th Comrades Marathon.

The start gun will be fired in by His Worship The Mayor Cllr. James Nxumalo at 05h30 in Durban on Sunday, 31 May 2015 as the Comrades Marathon, categorized as the Ultimate Human Race, starts and ends 12 hours later at the Oval Cricket Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.

Phillip Sithole Head of Durban Tourism anxiously stated that this year the number of participants almost doubled compared to last year and the Up Run will be a major boost to the local tourism industry. “The economically viable next few days will contribute a booming R200 million to the overall growth of the tourism industry and economic impact of the city. The Accommodation sector is already recording high occupancy’s at all establishment,” explained Sithole.

Mike Jackson, Director of Operations in KZN of Tsogo Sun stated that the Durban beachfront hotels are at an average of 99% full, Stay Easy Hotel and Southern Sun hotel at Golden Horse Casino – all in PMB are fully booked, Elangeni and Maharani – fully booked. South Beach and Sun Coast 95% booked. An estimated 4% of international guests are staying in the Tsogo Sun properties. The Umhlanga Properties are 80% booked. The Stay Easy Hotel and the Southern Sun Hotel at Golden Horse Casino is fully booked in PMB.

Durban Tourism will also be promoting The Durban Fun Season at the “Comrades Expo”. At the Durban Exhibition Centre. All visitors are encouraged to visit the Durban Tourism Stand to find out more information on what to do whilst in our beautiful City of Durban. Entrance is free so bring your family and friends to experience this Pre-Race spectacle and get your free Durban mementos. Durban Tourism will also be providing a hospitality area in PMB for the international runners.

Comrades Marathon – Quick Facts
• The World Greatest Ultra Marathon, official distance is 87,72km, making it one of the longer up runs in recent history.
• This year will be a up run from the coastal city of Durban to the capital city of Pietermaritzburg – 22 370 registered and 19 000 participants will participate , with high international presence which increased by 5 % in 2015.
Majority of the international runners are from UK, USA & Australia. One of the reasons for the increase is due to the aggressive marketing of the Event in Chicago, Rome, New York and the Gold Coast by the Comrades Association.
• Race starts at 05h30 and ends off 12 hrs later at the Oval stadium in PMB
• The socio economic impact of Comrades Marathon to the city of Durban is estimated at a direct spend of 200 million rand for the City of Durban and over 500 million rands based on direct, indirect spend for KwaZulu Natal.
• Number of Visitors ( including participants/families/friends/spectators/organisers/locals) projected : 90 000
• Number of jobs sustained: 450
• Number of International Visitors – 5% increase from 2014 – 1429 and 642 other parts of Africa based on participant registration
• Domestic visitors – 45 % – 20 299 based on participant registration
• Total tourist average stay per night due to comrades is 3 nights

Author: Shelley

Related Topics:Comrades durban Event News Sport

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Attractions

Comic Con 2026

Published

19 hours ago

28 April 2026

Shelley

Animation Festival returns alongside Comic Con Cape Town 2026

Comic Con Cape Town continues its successful partnership with the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) in 2026.

The two shows have been sister festivals since the launch of Comic Con Cape Town in 2023, consistently bringing engaging workshops and practical educational content to the tens of thousands of fans walking through the Con’s doors annually, this year from 30 April to 3 May at CTICC 2.

CTIAF is reportedly the largest dedicated African Animation Festival on the continent, and it is all about celebrating the art of animation and helping the next generation of animators to learn, grow, and up their skill sets.

The festival has hosted Academy Award-winning artists and directors, sparked co-productions, and helped launch projects that became worldwide successes. It’s a natural fit with Comic Con, which aims to shine a spotlight on local talent, and to uplift local artists and creators.

Cape Town continues to make its mark on animation globally – think Sunrise Studios’ box office hit David – and Comic Con Cape Town attracts fans, teenagers, and adults who want to explore these creative industries and learn how to make a career in them.

CTIAF is the opportunity to start to learn more about what it means to work in animation, and the festival has its own workshop zone at Comic Con Cape Town in 2026.

“This initiative is about access and inspiration,” says Shani Campbell, academic head of The Animation School. “By partnering with top-tier animation schools and bringing this programme to Comic Con, we’re opening doors for young creatives to explore careers in animation and storytelling.”

Says Cameron Lawry of SAE Institute, “Whether aspiring artists are picking up a pencil for the first time or already experimenting with digital tools, these workshops provide a unique opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired in an exciting, immersive environment.”

These CTIAF workshops and screenings are included in a Comic Con Cape Town ticket. One screening and two workshops will take place daily at the Con in Hall 8 at the CTIAF stage.

In collaboration with educational institutions SAE Institute South Africa and The Animation School, the programme offers hands-on learning experiences designed specifically for ages 12 to 18.

Author: Shelley

Events

FREE Family Day at Hollywoodbets Greyville

Published

3 weeks ago

9 April 2026

Carla Wynne

Champions Season Kicks Off in Style with a FREE Family Day at Hollywoodbets Greyville

The highly anticipated Champions Season bursts into action on Saturday, 11 April at Hollywoodbets Greyville, setting the tone for South Africa’s premier racing calendar with a vibrant day of top-class racing, entertainment, and family-friendly fun — all completely FREE to attend.

Gates open at 10:00am, inviting racegoers, families, and first-time visitors alike to experience the thrill of the sport in an accessible and festive environment.

At the heart of the day’s racing programme is the Race Coast Sales Big Cap, a R5 million feature that continues to grow in stature following its successful debut and is fast establishing itself as one of the most innovative contests in South African racing.

Run over 1400m, the Big Cap brings together an elite mix of top-class horses and influential slot holders, where strategy and strength play an equally decisive role. The 2025 debut delivered a high-quality and competitive spectacle, showcasing the tactical depth of the slot race concept and setting a strong benchmark for the future.

That foundation adds an extra layer of intrigue to the 2026 renewal, with connections returning more experienced and strategically aware. The contest features a compelling clash of power and depth, headlined by the highest-rated runner in the field, alongside formidable operations such as Snaith Racing. Key slot holders including the Wernars Family, Rikesh Sewgoolam, Ralphs Racing and Peter Moor add further competitiveness, underlining the race’s growing industry significance.

With a substantial stake on offer, R5 million in total, including R3 million to the winner, and increasing attention from across the sport, this is no ordinary race and continues to attract serious investment and participation.

Adding to the excitement is the Race Coast Sales Slipper, a standout juvenile contest run over 1200m with a lucrative R3 million incentive. Together, the Big Cap (R5 million) and Slipper (R3 million) offer a combined R8 million in feature race prize money on the day. Positioned at a key point in the season and staged in KwaZulu-Natal, the Slipper has become increasingly competitive, with top juveniles lining up to contest the rich prize.

The combination of timing, location, and significant stakes ensures that owners and trainers target the race early, aiming to secure a share of the substantial purse. With each running, the quality and depth of the field continues to improve, offering racing fans a glimpse of the next generation of stars.

Beyond the track, the day promises a lively social atmosphere with a mix of entertainment, activations, and relaxed outdoor enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out in Durban, the opening event delivers something for everyone.

“Champions Season is about more than just elite racing — it’s about creating an inclusive, energetic experience that brings people together,” said Race Coast KZN Acting COO, Dean Sawarjith. “Starting the season with a free, open-to-all event at Hollywoodbets Greyville reflects that spirit perfectly.”

With warm autumn weather, world-class racing, and a welcoming environment, 11 April is set to be the perfect introduction to the excitement of Champions Season.

Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

Entertainment

Your Next Blu Blood Experience Awaits

Published

1 month ago

19 March 2026

Carla Wynne

Durban’s entertainment scene is turning up the heat over the next few months, with a line-up of live shows set to bring music, laughter and big-stage energy to the city. From internationally loved performers to homegrown comedic talent, local audiences can look forward to a vibrant mix of events across some of Durban’s popular venues.

Kicking things off is Atif Aslam, who takes to the stage at the Durban ICC on 27 March, bringing his much-loved hits to what promises to be a memorable night for fans. BUY TICKETS HERE

Comedy lovers can then get ready for an evening of sharp wit and relatable humour when Joey Rasdien performs at the iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino on 4 April. BUY TICKETS HERE

Rounding off the line-up is Zack Knight, set to perform at Suncoast Casino on 9 May, offering Durban audiences a chance to enjoy one of the most recognisable contemporary voices in the South Asian music space. BUY TICKETS HERE

With a mix of powerhouse music performances and laugh-out-loud comedy on the calendar, these upcoming shows are set to add plenty of excitement to Durban’s social scene. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, a date night, or simply looking for your next live entertainment experience, this line-up offers something worth stepping out for.