ArthurSA

But as a 5* boutique hotel, you'd think they'd spell accommodation correctly in the menu! BTW, prior to it being turned into a hotel, it was Louis Luyt's private home.

ArthurSA

Cancel all I've said about Ballito Manor. Although they still have a website, the rates info links to hotels of the Three Cities group, but not this one. I called and they confirmed they are no longer a hotel.

Roccco

Arthur,

The 2006 Comrades route is Durban to Pietermaritzburg (it switches direction each year, and 2006 is what is considered an "up" year, but since I would be proud with just getting to possibly the 45 or 50 mile mark, and would not be overly disappointed if I did not complete the entire 55 miles within the strict 12 hour time limit, I don't mind about the slight disadvantage that an "up" course presents).

I believe the place I was referring to is the Zimbali Lodge. I just want somewhere very comfortable with a nice spa such as this one appears to be:

http://www.suninternational.com/reso...fcmsMenu%3d273

How far would the Zimbali Lodge be from Durban or Pietermaritzburg?

Thanks.

Roccco

I would need to average 16 minute miles to get to 45 miles in 12 hours, 14.4 minute miles to reach 50 miles in 12 hours, and about 13 minute miles to complete the course within 12 hours.

I have heard from some runners that the Two Oceans, despite it being 20 miles shorter than the Comrades, is possibly just as difficult as the Comrades, so I may as well run the flatter course a couple months later, even if I do not finish...there is always next year.

ArthurSA

Rocco,

In my first post I said Ballito was about 30km North of Durban, but I probably didn't make it totally clear that Zimbali was in that area. Actually not in the heart of Ballito itself, but just on the Southern border, and a separate access shortly before you get to the Ballito turnoff.

When I was at varsity in Durban many years ago, Ballito was a favourite destination of ours instead of the more "popular" beaches South of Durban. Compared with the South coast, the North coast was relatively unknown. Ballito and surrounding areas are now very built-up, with lots of condo development. But you're "shielded" from that at Zimbali. My business partner has a holiday apartment in Ballito and for several years tried to persuade me I should also invest there. I came close, but didn't. And with the 20:20 vision of hindsight, I "missed the boat". Prices in the area have soared over the last few years.

There is no direct route from Ballito to Pmb. Taking the "ring road" bypasses central Durban, so it's a bit less than the sum of the two. Shellgeostar (www.shellgeostar.co.za) says 104km (65 miles).

ArthurSA

Sorry, I meant to say in my last post 30 miles (not km) North of Durban, as I'd said earlier.