This scenic route is well balanced with some hill climbing in the second half of the race, around the 30-kilometre mark. The marathon starts with a loop around the suburbs of Empangeni before heading out of town on the Western Bypass. Here there is time to enjoy the exquisite countryside that is uniquely Zululand as you run through the sugar fields and farmlands. Drink deeply as you run past a vast expanse of water. Ah Zululand, you are so beautiful. The road leads past the airport and the turning point is at the Owen Sithole Agricultural College. The race is renowned for its excellent water tables.