2011 COMRADES MARATHON
TRAIN TOUR

12th Annual Tour
From Johannesburg

JB Train Tours invite you to join the annual train tour to the 2011 Comrades marathon in KZN. This year the race is run from Durban to finish in Pietermaritzburg. Are you tired of driving, looking for accommodation and worrying about the logistics? We’ll take you there.

When travelling by train, you don’t have to worry about increasing petrol prices, tollgate fees, heavy traffic, driving back or sitting with stiff legs in your car. It is so much easier and VERY price competitive.

Any person who is interested in going to the 2011 Comrades marathon may join this tour. I.e.: Runners, supporters, family, friends, children and girl friend, from anywhere.

Accommodation over the ‘Comrades weekend’ in Durban is very scarce and expensive. We were fortunate to secure a number of rooms in an upmarket hotel in Durban. It is located on the Marine Parade, right on the beach. This package is real value for money.

Our company have been fortunate to be involved in this event for many years with thousands of runners and supporters travelling with us. Become part of the ‘running train family’.

Die Comrades marathon word deur baie mense as ‘die moeilikste ultra-marathon ter wêreld’ beskou. Kom kyk self hoekom so gesê word. Ry saam met ons en moenie u bekommer oor akkommodasie, vervoer na die registrasie en vanaf die eindpaal nie. U sal veilig versorg word & ons maak sake so maklik en gerieflik as moontlik vir die hardloper.

Name of tour 2011 Comrades Marathon Train Tour

Tour dates & Number Friday evening 27th May 2011 to Monday 30th May 2011 (4 days)

Departure times

Johannesburg 18:30 Platform 16 Day 1 (Friday)
PMB 21:36 Platform 1 Day 3 (Sunday)

Arrival times

Durban 08:30 Platform 14 Day 2 (Saturday)
Johannesburg 07:45 Platform 16 Day 4 (Monday)

The arrival and departure times at the other stations are as per the official running times of the Trans Natal Tourism train. (See below).

You may board the train at any of these stations. Please indicate accordingly on your Reservation Form.

Tour No

CM

Tour price

Price Per Person
 4 Passengers/Compartment (On the train)
R1350 2 Passengers/Room (In the Hotel)
   
Price Per Person 3 Passengers/Compartment (On the train)
R1595 2/1 Passengers/Room (In the Hotel)
   
Price Per Person 2 Passengers/Compartment (On the train)
R1710 2 Passengers/Room (In the Hotel)
   
Price Per Person 2 Passengers/Coupe (On the train)
R1550 2 Passengers/Room (In the Hotel)
   
Price Per Person 1 Passenger/Coupe (On the train)
R2285 1 Passenger/Room (In the Hotel)

Children

Children under 12 years of age, sharing, qualify for a R180pp discount.

Note

Compartment = 4-Bed & Coupe = 2-Bed

Included in the tour price

Transport on the Trans Natal Tourist Class train from Jo’burg to Durban and back from PMB; Two nights’ accommodation on the train, certain meals, one night’s B&B accommodation in an upmarket hotel in DBN; bus transport shuttle between the train & Hotel & Race registration, & back to PMB station and tour guide.

Deposit

A R500 per person non-refundable deposit is needed when booking is done. The balance is to be paid by latest six weeks before departure date. I.e.: By 15th April 2011. If this is not done, you'll forfeit your reservation and deposit. No cancellation after the above date.

Meals

One breakfast, Continental Breakfast (Bread, toast, tea & coffee) on Race day and a light supper after the race are included in the tour price. All other meals are available in Durban or at the Hotel.

Bring your own ‘padkos’ for the train trip.

Route

You will travel from Johannesburg to Durban via Standerton & Newcastle to be able to register on the Saturday prior to the race.

Passengers may join at any of the official stopping places for the train en route. (See below)

Accommodation

It is provided on the train (two nights) and at "The Balmoral Hotel" (in Durban) – 1 night. The rooms are spacious & the facilities are great.

Bedding

It is provided on the train. However bring along your own blanket as well. It gets very cold on the train in winter.

Transport in Durban

Bus transport is provided (included in the tour package) between the train, Race registration and Expo, Finish line & PMB station. Like we did in previous years.

Non-running passengers can be transported by bus from DBN to PMB on Race Day at an additional fee of R80 per person. To be paid when the tour booking is done. OR they can travel on the train departing from Durban at 19:15 on Race Day – free of charge.

Transport in Pietermaritzburg

Runners walk after the race to the YMCA Sports Hall in Pietermaritzburg (850 meters from the finish line). There are limited shower facilities and a light supper will be served. Your luggage will be at the Sports Hall. A bus will shuttle you to PMB station.

Note

Please make sure that you have warm clothing when going to PMB station. It becomes very cold in PMB after dark and shelter is limited at the station.

Race information

Please read your Comrades marathon Information brochure well.

Registration

Registration for the race is normally done at the International convention Centre (ICC). This will be done on the Saturday before the race.

BOOK NOW!

Booking

Please complete the attached Reservation Form and return it (fax or e-mail), with the Bank Deposit slip, to the tour organiser (JB Train Tours). Closing date is when all the spaces are taken. (Like all the previous years). We suggest you book now. Group/club bookings welcome.

NB

Deposits will not be paid back, but can be transferred/resold to someone else, with the consent of the organisers.

Travel greetings

Johan Badenhorst &
The JB Train Tours Team

Last Note

This will be our 12th train running to the Comrades marathon and every year the passengers are getting just better and better!

Johannesburg - Durban - Johannesburg

Frequency - From Johannesburg on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. From Durban on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Town Arrival Departure Town Arrival Departure
Johannesburg   18:30 Durban   19:15
Germiston     Pietermaritzburg 21:26 21:36
Newcastle     Ladysmith    
Ladysmith     Newcastle    
Pietermaritzburg     Germiston 07:13 07:23
Durban 08:30   Johannesburg 07:45  

Please note that running times are not guaranteed.

 

2011 COMRADES MARATHON TRAIN TOUR
JHB to DBN to PMB to JHB

PROGRAMME

Friday 27th May
   
17:30 Passengers meet at Johannesburg station – Platform 14
18:30

Train departs Johannesburg
Meals available – own pocket
Travel overnight
   
Saturday 28th May
   
08:30 Arrival in Durban
Breakfast served (included in the tour price)
Book in at Hotel
Registration for Race
Day at leisure
Dinner (own pocket)
Sleep at Hotel
 

 
Sunday 29th May
   
04:00 Continental breakfast served at the Hotel (included in the tour price)
04:30 Runners’ luggage to store room (for transfer to PMB)
Runners depart for starting line at Durban City Hall
05:30 Race is on!
09:00 Non-running passengers travel by bus to PMB – with luggage
17:30 Race over! Walk to YMCA Hall (850 meters)
After finishing, runners & passengers gather at YMCA Sports hall in
Pietermaritzburg
Light supper served at YMCA (included in the tour price)
Buses shuttle to PMB railway station
21:36 Train departs for JHB
Travel overnight
   
Monday 30th May
   
07:45 Arrival in Johannesburg
Go home and rest!

RESERVATION FORM

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRAIN