Featuring two laps, two countries and too many other spectacular elements to summarise in a single sentence, the Victoria Falls Marathon combines running with some of the most outstanding natural scenes on the planet. Plus, when you sign up with youth development charity Play it Forward, you won’t just run 26.2 miles in jaw-dropping surroundings – your entry will also help to transform the lives of children and young people living in disadvantaged local communities.
First held in 2006, with a field of only 300 runners, the Victoria Falls Marathon has since grown into one of the best-loved races in Africa, attracting both local runners and international adventures from almost 40 nations. An unforgettable footrace unlike any other, this AIMS-certified marathon straddles Zimbabwe and Zambia and immerses runners in the remarkable sights and roaring sounds of Victoria Falls itself – the mighty ‘Smoke that Thunders’. As if that wasn’t enough, runners also have the chance to spot some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Interested? We don’t blame you. Read on for all the details you need about this year’s must-do Victoria Falls Marathon – and why you should add it to your 2025 race calendar.
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When is the 2025 Victoria Falls Marathon?
This year’s Victoria Falls Marathon will take place on Sunday 6 July, making it an excellent summertime venture.
Are there any other race options on the day?
Yes – if you want to experience this outstanding part of the world over the course of 50% fewer miles, the half marathon could be for you. To enhance the team spirit, you can even partner up and complete the half marathon as a two-person relay, where each runner completes a block of roughly 10.5km. An untimed 7km fun run is also on offer for those aged 10 and above.
How can I help the local community as a Victoria Falls Marathon runner?
When you complete the Victoria Falls Marathon, you don’t just win a finisher medal – you can also help to change lives for the better. Play it Forward, an NGO based in Livingstone, Zambia, has partnered with the Victoria Falls Marathon to offer runners the chance to positively impact children and young people from disadvantaged communities in the country. A charity that empowers over 2,200 young lives each year through education, football and health initiatives, Play it Forward builds opportunities and brightens futures by providing everything from grassroots football training to educational scholarships.
To get involved, runners can join the Play it Forward challenge package, offered through award-winning travel company Far & Wild Travel. This package includes your all-important entry into the 2025 Victoria Falls Marathon, along with a suite of unique activities. These include visits to Play it Forward’s community projects, where you can see the impact of runners’ support first hand, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime post-race cruise on the Zambezi. If you’d prefer to celebrate your race with a more high-adrenaline endeavour, you can even choose to tack on activities like a safari, a zip-line or – for the real daredevils – a bungee jump. Victoria Falls is known as ‘Africa’s adventure capital’, after all.
‘Our partnership with the Victoria Falls Marathon is an amazing way to bring together sport, adventure and social impact,’ says Jake Criswick, CEO of Play it Forward. ‘Whether you’re running for a PB or simply soaking in the views, every step you take supports young people in Zambia to achieve their full potential.’
When does the Victoria Falls Marathon start?
Early birds, rejoice – the marathon will start at 6:30am. The half marathon and half marathon relay then set off together at 7am, before the 7km fun run starts at 7:45am.
Where is the Victoria Falls Marathon start line?
The Victoria Falls Marathon will start – and handily finish – at Baobab Primary School in the town of Victoria Falls.
What is the Victoria Falls Marathon route?
The Victoria Falls Marathon route is nothing short of a sightseer’s paradise – and not one that you’ll want to rush. Comprised of two slightly different laps that span two countries, the mixed terrain 26.2-mile course starts in the small Zimbabwean town of Victoria Falls before weaving through the suburbs to the main road that leads to the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, which stretches over an enormous natural gorge. From here, you can feast upon views of the immense waterfall crashing beneath you into the vast Zambezi – the fourth-largest river in the world.
Having marvelled at the almighty waters of Victoria Falls from above, you’ll then cross the international border into the country of Zambia. After a short detour here, you’ll pivot around and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge for a second time, taking you back into Zimbabwe and up Zambezi Drive for more prime views of the Zambezi and the surrounding Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. If you’re lucky, you may even spot elephants, zebras and impalas among the bushland at this point – visions that will stick in your mind forever. (In case this concerns you, armed rangers will be nearby to ensure your safety.) After turning right for an out-and-back along Parkway Drive, you’ll then turn left for the second lap of the race, which passes through more suburbs before guiding you to the finish line at Baobab Primary School.
How do I get my race bib?
You’ll need to collect your race bib from the conference venue in the Sprayview Hotel, Reynard Road, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, at the following times:
- Thursday 3 July: 12pm-5pm
- Friday 4 July: 10am-5pm
- Saturday 5 July: 9am-4pm
To collect your bib, you’ll need to bring along your passport and proof of your confirmed entry into the event. If you can’t pick up your bib in person, you can organise someone else to collect it on your behalf, so long as they have your permission to do so and your proof of entry. Please note that you will not be able to collect your race bib at any point after 4pm on Saturday 5 July.
How can I drop off my bag before the race?
Yes – you can drop off a bag at the bag drop facility, which will be located near the start line at Baobab Primary School.
Will there be nutrition and water on the course?
The course will offer 10 aid stations, located every 4km or so, to help you top up your energy and hydration levels. All aid stations will offer water, while some will provide Coca Cola, food and salt as well.
Does the race have a cut-off time?
The cut-off time for all races – not just the marathon – is 12:30pm. This means that marathon runners have six hours to complete the course and absorb all the incredible sights and sounds along the way.
You can enter the 2025 Victoria Falls Marathon in support of Play it Forward here.
