Durban Welcomes the World this Weekend

 

By Fred Felton | Jun. 13, 2026

Durban is once again showing why it is Africa’s premier events and tourism destination as the City has a huge line-up of internationally acclaimed sporting and entertainment events, attracting thousands of visitors from South Africa and the globe.

Enjoy the Comrades Long Weekend Ricksha Bus Special. | Photo: Supplied.

This weekend you can witness the world-renowned Comrades Marathon and the internationally acclaimed Gas Motorshow International Festival.

These events showcase Durban’s ability to host events of a global significance while giving exceptional experiences to visitors and helping economic growth.

The 99^th Comrades Marathon takes place on Sunday 14 June.

This iconic race will attract top athletes, supporters, media, and tourists from across the world, showing Durban and KwaZulu-Natal’s reputation as a leading international sporting destination.

Residents and visitors can also enjoy the Comrades Long Weekend Ricksha Bus Special from 13 to 16 June, offering one of Durban’s most iconic sightseeing experiences all for a special rate of R56 per person.

Durban will also be hosting one of the continent’s fastest-growing entertainment shows, the Gas Motorshow International Festival, recognised among Africa’s leading automotive and lifestyle festivals.

See Hollywood actor Sung Kang at the Gas Motorshow this weekend. | Photo: Supplied. 

More than 30 000 spectators are expected as the festival has expanded onto the international stage, bringing global celebrities, international music artists, world-class stunt entertainment, and premium lifestyle experiences to the City.

International guests include Hollywood actor Sung Kang, known for his role as Han in the Fast & Furious franchise, as well as acclaimed international artists Miro from Belgium and DJ Lex from the USA.

Festival-goers can look forward to international stunt showcases, aerial displays by the Puma Energy Flying Lions Aerobatic Team, supercars, custom vehicle builds, live music, fashion activations and food experiences, and family entertainment.

‘’This remarkable weekend demonstrates Durban’s growing stature as a City capable of hosting world-class sporting, entertainment, cultural and lifestyle events. The presence of international visitors, athletes, performers and celebrities is a strong endorsement of our City’s infrastructure, hospitality offering and tourism appeal. These events contribute significantly to our local economy, support jobs, and showcase Durban as a globally competitive destination,’’ noted eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba.

These events are expected to generate substantial economic activity across the tourism value chain, benefitting accommodation establishments, transport operators, restaurants, retail businesses, and tourism attractions.

Durban is poised to deliver a memorable long weekend filled with sport, entertainment, culture and adventure.

The Tinman Triathlon Is Coming

4^TH TINMAN TRIATHLON: DO YOU HAVE HEART?

From Triathletes-in-the-making, to the serious die-hard kind, the Maxed Elite TINMAN Triathlon is designed for everyone who loves to move. It’s a high-speed, exhilarating race with categories for every one of every fitness level.

Maxed Elite TINMAN Series director, Damian Bradley is excited to welcome Mr Price Sport and the Maxed Elite brand on board with the Series.

"The brand and the event have a massive crossover appeal and we feel that both the Maxed Elite Brand and the TinMan will work well together in developing the sport and attracting new competitors to participate in something different and cool in Durban."

Mr Price Sport Marketing Executive, Nikki Viljoen agrees:

“At Mr Price Sport, our philosophy’s about appealing to every athlete: from the beginners to the pros, each with their own accomplishments and goals. It’s about their best, no matter what that ‘best’ might be.  Not only is the upcoming Maxed Elite TinMan Triathlon the perfect platform for every level of athlete to try beat their best, it’s also ties in with our current ‘What’s Your Best?’ campaign. This is exactly why partnering with TinMan is a perfect fit, and we’re more than excited about being on board!”      

The next Maxed Elite TINMAN takes place on the 16^th of November 2014, with four events taking place on the day. The first of these kicks off at 7am, all with a captivating view of the Indian Ocean along the Durban beachfront. The triathlon sets up camp on the scenic Suncoast Sundeck, with the start and finish line of each event situated on the grass area.

Triathletes from as young as 8 years old can take part in the day’s races – so if you’re a family that loves everything active, this is a perfect way to spend the morning. And for anyone older, today’s the day to ditch the TV, rally your buddies and lace up your racing shoes.

On the day, the swimming phase of each race takes place at Suncoast Beach. The cycle leg takes Triathletes onto the cycling circuit around the Durban Country Club and Kings Park swimming pool. And for each run, racers are treated to the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, all the way down to Blue Lagoon and back to the Suncoast Sundeck. 

For more information about the Maxed Elite TINMAN, feel free to get in touch through any of these channels:

Online Entry: www.bactiventry.com

Website: www.bactive.com

TinMan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tinmantridurban

B-Active Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BActiveSports

Twitter: @tinmantri

Phone: 031 764 1885

(Image - Supplied) 

The Midlands Ultra Triathlon Is Coming

KZN Midlands braces for big Midlands Ultra field

Race date:  30th November 2014 - Midmar Dam

Athlete Gerhard De Bruin - Photo by Anthony Grote

The KZN Midlands is bracing itself for the biggest field the Midlands Ultra Triathlon has had since its inception in 2009 says race director Damian Bradley from B-Active Sports. "Entries from all over Africa and the world have been flooding in since April this year and at this point we have far exceeded our past race entries. The Midlands Ultra, one of Africa's most popular triathlons which takes place on the 30th of November at the beautiful Midmar Dam has an entry cap of 1000 competitors.

On the international stage, our overseas Triathlon field gets stronger each year, with over 35 international athletes already attending the November race coming from Dubai, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, Spain, United States , Swaziland, Botswana and Germany.

"Past winners of the Ultra include James Cunnama, Kent Horner, Stuart Marias, Donovan Van Gelder, Gerhard De bruin , some of whom have already secured their place on the Ultra starting line. The Event has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 3 years by securing strategic event partnerships. These partnerships have allowed us to focus on giving our Ultra Athletes what they want, One of the best loved triathlons in South Africa" Says Race Director Damian Bradley.

B-Active Sports the organisers of the event, have confirmed a FREE KIDZONE for all the competitors kids to play in while they are racing. The KIDZONE, organised and managed by TOPGEAR promotions who specialise in Kids play areas will provide a safe and secure sign in and out Kids area, where kids will be able to participate in numerous games and activities including: Colouring In Books & Crayons, Swing-ball, Volleyball, Kiddies Pool Table, Soccer Goals, Jumping Castle, Carousel Swings, Mini Trampolines and more. The KIDZONE will open at 6:30am and close after prize giving.

Anyone looking for a quality exciting event, should give the Midlands Ultra or Sprint race a go. The Event can be done in Teams and Individually and there is something for everyone. To book you place at one of SA’s premier Triathlons, go to www.ultratri.co.za