AfricaZimbabwe

Victoria Falls Marathon

A scenic African race crossing the Zambezi bridge beside one of the world's great waterfalls.

Good for Debut
8.2/10 Difficulty
359m Elevation Gain
2006 Founded

Course Map

Elevation Profile
km
mi

About this Race

The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon is a spectacular African race near one of the world's great natural wonders, running across the historic bridge over the Zambezi gorge toward the Zambian border and through the wild surroundings of the falls. The rolling terrain and the chance of wildlife sightings make it a true safari-flavoured adventure. Held in mid-year, it offers cool, dry conditions and breathtaking scenery around the thundering falls. The natural wonder defines the day. It suits adventurous runners who want a bucket-list African race amid spectacular scenery over a fast time.

scenic destination warm bridge wildlife rolling bucket-list

Course Insight

Victoria Falls is a scenic adventure marathon near the great cascade, crossing the bridge over the Zambezi gorge with the spray of the falls and the chance of wildlife along the route. Pace for the warmth and the rolling bush terrain rather than the clock. The falls and the gorge are unforgettable. Heat is worth managing with fluids. Run within yourself and the spectacle becomes the reward.

Pro tip: Pace for the warmth and the rolling bush by effort, and soak in the falls and the gorge crossing.

Difficulty Breakdown

8.2/10

Mostly due to significant climbing (359m), tough late hills, lots of turns.

Elevation
8.0
Hill Placement
10.0
Weather
1.2
Turns
5.0

Altitude difficulty: +1.6 pts (elevation)

How we calculate difficulty →

Course Details

Course type
Loop
Elevation gain
359m
Elevation loss
370m
Highest point
1001m
Lowest point
882m
Net elevation
-11m
Start
Car park outside the banks and Ilala Lodge entrance
Cutoff time
6h 0m

Race History

The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon was first held around 2006, a scenic African race near one of the world's great natural wonders, crossing the historic bridge over the Zambezi gorge toward the Zambian border. Its rolling terrain and the chance of wildlife sightings made it a true safari-flavoured adventure. From its founding it became a bucket-list event. Held in mid-year, it draws runners to the thundering falls.

Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.

Nearest airport(s)
Victoria Falls (VFA, Zimbabwe), Livingstone (LVI, Zambia)
Best area to stay
Victoria Falls town for proximity to the course and lodge options, the riverside lodges for scenic immersion, and Livingstone across the border for value stays.
Getting to the start
The start is near Victoria Falls town/the bridge; walk from town lodges or take a short shuttle to the start.

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