DURBAN PLAYS HOST TO TOP-NOTCH SPORTING EVENTS IN COMING MONTHS
Comrades Marathon, Vodacom Durban July, and Vodacom Origins of Golf bring the best in sports and entertainment to world-class venues
Top athletes from around the world will descend upon
Durban in the coming months when the best in marathon running, thoroughbred horse racing, and professional golf come to town. Along with Durban’s year-round sunny climate and breathtaking landscapes, its beachfront promenade and the ultramodern Moses Mabhida Stadium, which was constructed for soccer’s 2010 World Cup, and outstanding golf courses make the city an attractive destination for spectators and athletes alike. Here are the city’s most notable sporting events taking
place in the coming months:
An ultramarathon of approximately 89 kilometers (56 miles), Comrades Marathon is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon race attracting up to 20,000 runners each year. Taking place June 10, the race course winds between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban. For the first time ever, the race will finish in the heart of Durban at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Comrades Marathon 2018 theme is “No Turning Back,” which encapsulates the grit, perseverance, and determination it takes to complete.
South Africa’s premier horse racing event, Vodacom Durban July is held annually on the first Saturday of July at Greyville Racecourse, the city’s first and longest-running sports venue. Local celebrities, politicians, and more than 50,000 spectators gather to experience “July Fever,” which
is as much about the fashion and parties as it is about the thoroughbreds. This year’s theme, “It is Time,” captures the excitement of one of South Africa’s largest social occasions. Leading up to race day, the Vodacom Durban July Fashion Experience features a series of competitions and fashion shows including a Young Designer Award, Invited Designer Showcase, and Raceday Fashion Awards. Race tickets go on sale starting April 23 for $18.30 US and can also be purchased at the event.
One of South Africa’s most prestigious golfing events, Vodacom Origins of Golf is a series of six pro-am tournaments offering amateurs the chance to play alongside some of South Africa’s leading golfers. It is part of the South African based Sunshine Tour which visits top courses throughout the country. The tournament takes place at Durban’s posh Zimbali Country Club August 31 – September 2.
