Going for Gold: Joburg’s Top Running Races

Every year, running enthusiasts all over South Africa and beyond prepare tirelessly, getting their bodies ready to compete in a wide selection of competitive running races that have become widely popular in the country. The ultimate test of endurance, it is an achievement for many to be able to say that they have completed some of the toughest running routes the country has to offer.

Whilst Cape Town and Durban are renowned for bringing runners from all over the world to compete for a place in their popular Two Oceans and Comrades marathons respectively, areas in and around Joburg boast their own share of running races encouraging enthusiasts to challenge their abilities and giving those athletes looking to enter the country’s most competitive races some necessary preparation.

Run Alex: Adreach 10k

Annually in March

Run Alex returns with an official organised race encouraging runners to take either a 5km or 10km run through the Alexandra township and witness the landmarks that have come to define the area, taking in its history and culture. Prizes are awarded to the top finishers at the prize giving commencing after the races have ended, with the 5km run even featuring a prize category for child participants.

All other participants who finish before the cutoff time are awarded participation medals. Entrants are required to register online, and number collection can be done either at the race venue prior to race day, or early morning on race day.

When: 21 March | Start time 6.30am (10km) & 6.45am (5km)
Where: Starts and ends at Alexandra Plaza, Cnr 3rd Street and, 1st Ave, Johannesburg, Alexandra
Cost: R150pp (10km race) | R100pp (5km race) | R60 for a temporary running license | Enter via Onreg

Qhubeka AC Human Rights Day Race

Annually in March

The Qhubeka AC Human Rights Day Race had its inaugural event in March 2023. Following the success after its first race and the demand from the running community to have longer Distances, the organizers have introduced the 21.1km double lap distance in addition to their 5km and 10km races.

Expect family-friendly entertainment, as well as running events that cater to all ages and levels of fitness and competitiveness. The first 300 entrants get to claim free shirts on race day which correlate to the sizes as requested by the entrants. All entrants are rewarded medals upon completion of the race, and a prize giving is held to congratulate the top finishers.

When: 21 Mar | Start time 6am (10k & 21.1km) & 6.15am (5km)
Where: School of Achievement, Heidelberg Rd, East Rand Pty Mines, Germiston
Cost: R240pp (21.1km race) | R190pp (10km race) | R100pp (5km race) | R60 – R70 for temp. license | Enter via Onreg

Johannesburg City Marathon

Annually in March

Johannesburg Harriers Athletics Club present the annual Johannesburg City Marathon, which has also come to be known as the ‘Race of Gold’. Participants can take on the 42.2km marathon, the 21.1km half marathon, or the 10km race.

This race event is an essential Comrades qualifier, or for those who have already qualified, serves as an excellent training preparation. Walkers are welcome on the half-marathon and the 10km race but are strictly prohibited from the full marathon. All finishers within the 12pm cut-off receive a medal, whilst the top finishers are awarded cash prizes at the event prize giving.

When: 24 Mar | Start time 5.30am (21.1km & 42.2km) & 7am (10km)
Where: Kibler Park Recreation Centre, Peggy Vera Road &, Sunningdale Dr, Kibler Park, Johannesburg
Cost: R350pp (42.2km race) | R250pp (21.1km race) | R160pp (10km race) | R60 – R200 temp. license | Enter via Onreg

Irene Festival of Running

Annually in April

Irene’s annual Running Festival returns with four competitive categories, entertainment and prizes. The festival features a 48km ultra marathon, a 21.1km half marathon, a 10km road run and a 5km fun run. Athletes of various capabilities can participate in one of these races over the two-day festival. The first day is dedicated to the 5km, 10km and 21.1km runs, whilst the second day is reserved entirely for the ultra marathon.

Participants can purchase event t-shirts online, and all athletes earn a medal upon completion of their races. Three prize givings are held over both days, awarding the top finishers for the 10km, 21.1km, and 48km races with cash prizes.

Tshwane North Ultra

Annually in April

Tshwane North Ultra (TNU) is an official 50km road running event incorporating the half-marathon and the 5km fun run aiming at the streets of North of Pretoria on the vicinity of the Magalies Mountains.

It passes through the beautiful landmarks of Pretoria North and West as it creates a circular map of the northern and southern Magaliesberg mountain range via Hornsnek road starting at Akasia Community Hall and going down to the bottom of Wonderboom and coming back to the finish via Berg Avenue. The ultra marathon is an official Comrades Qualifier. Note that no temporary license can be purchased for the 50km ultra marathon.

Cradle of Humankind Road Race

Annually in April

Discover the thrill of The Cradle of Humankind Road Race, an exhilarating event set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of humanity’s oldest landscapes. Participants immerse themselves in the scenic routes that wind through the historic Cradle of Humankind, offering a blend of challenging terrain and natural beauty.

Runners can choose to take on either a 5km, 10km, 21km or 32km race. Finishing either of the races results in the receipt of a medal of participation, whilst the top finishers of each age category, along with the open category in the 10km, 21km and 32km races receive cash prizes. Note that unlicensed runners for the 5km race are not required to purchase a temporary running license.

MiWay Wally Hayward Marathon

Annually in May

Hosted by Alpha Centurion Athletics Club and sponsored by MiWay Insurance, the MiWay Wally Hayward Marathon is a racing event that caters to runners of all skill levels. The event features a 1km kids dash, a 5km fun run, a 10km race, a 21.1km half-marathon and a 42.2km marathon.

The Wally Hayward Marathon is a tribute to one of South Africa’s greatest ever athletes, and has been a fixture on the road running calendar for decades past. This marathon is a Comrades qualifier for those looking to compete in the challenging marathon in the middle of the year. For those who have already qualified for the Comrades, this is also a great preparation marathon.

The top finishers of the 10km race, the half-marathon and the marathon race receive cash prizes of up to tens of thousands of rands. Non-registered participants of the marathon, half-marathon and 10km races are required to purchase a temporary license.

Colgate Road Race

Annually in May

Boksburg Athletic Club presents the Colgate Road Race. It’s the event to add to your race calendar in preparation for the Comrades Marathon. The event features a 5km race, a 15km race and a 32km race.

All entrants receive designed moisture management race t-shirts as well as a Colgate goodie bag. The race route is described to be a flat and fast one for athletes to tackle. The top finishers of the 15km and 32km races receive cash prizes at the scheduled prize giving ceremonies following both races. Unregistered athletes participating in the 15km and 32km races are required to purchase a temporary license to be eligible for the race.

Modderfontein Half-Marathon

Annually in May

The Modderfontein Half-Marathon presented by Inkamana Athletics Club is the ultimate Comrades Marathon pre-party. Runners strap on their running shoes to experience a run in Modderfontein as the Comrades Marathon draws nearer. The races include a 21.1km half-marathon as the main event, along with a 10km race and a 5km fun run/walk.

The event is an opportunity for qualifiers to challenge themselves once more before taking on the Comrades, celebrating the hard work that they have done in their preparation. Those who have not qualified also get to join the Inkama running family during this celebration of the sport and challenge themselves with a competitive, scenic run.

The top finishers for the 10km race and the half-marathon receive big cash prizes at the end of the races. Unregistered runners for both events are required to purchase a temporary license to qualify for the race and for potential placement.