It’s time to get those trainers out! There are a ton of marathons and ultra marathons as well as fun and social runs happening in and around Jozi, and it’s hard not to catch the running bug.

Whether trying your very first marathon or training to improve your personal best, there’s a running challenge for everyone regardless of fitness level. From the Spar Women’s Challenge right through to the Joburg Ultra Triathlon, how many of these can you tick off your list?

Biogen Half Marathon

Annually in January

The Biogen Half Marathon – previously know as the Dis-Chem Half Marathon – kicks the year off with winding routes through the hills of Bedfordview, Morninghill and Primrose.

Well into its third decade as a race, it is considered ‘Gauteng’s Premier Half Marathon’, and offers a total of 6000 entries for the 21.1km race and 1000 entries for the 5km ‘Dash’. All participants receive a goodie bag and medal, with the half-marathoners also receiving a race t-shirt.

The event is also a fundraiser for Lambano Sanctuary and the Namaqua Dog and Donkey Foundation. All donations by runners, over and above their entry fee, will be matched by the Dis-Chem Foundation.

When: 12 January 2025
Where: Virgin Active Sports Fields, Bedfordview, Johannesburg

Johnson Crane Hire Marathon

Annually in January

The highly anticipated Johnson Crane Hire Marathon is one of the first big running events of the year. Now in its 42nd edition it has seen major growth to over 12 000 runners. The 42km route is included in the Gauteng Provincial Marathon Championships. There is also a 21km route, as well as 10km and 5km options for those looking to do more of a social fun run.

All races are timed using chips that are packed along with race numbers.  The first 7000 online entries to the Marathon and Half Marathon receive an event T-Shirt. All finishers receive a medal.

When: 26 January 2025 
Where: Willowmore Park, Benoni, Gauteng

Johannesburg City Marathon

Annually in February or 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 5km or 10km fun races.

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: 2 February 2025 
Where: Marks Park Sports Grounds, Emmarentia, Johannesburg

Pirates 21K

Annually in February

Also known as “Joburg’s Toughest Half”, the Pirates 21k is – as the name suggests – a 21km half marathon capped at 5000 runners. Powered by Medshield, it draws thousands of participants to take on the challenge of a popular route that peaks over the Northcliff Hill. Many try but few succeed which makes crossing the finish line as a ‘King or Queen of the Mountain’ all the more rewarding.

All finishers receive a medal, and t-shirts are available for the first 2000 entrants. So lace up for a fun challenge that inspires unity through community and tests the limits of endurance.

When: 16 February 2025 
Where: Pirates Club, 25 Braeside Road, Greenside, Johannesburg, Gauteng

StaminoGro Edenvale Marathon

Annually in March

The StaminoGro Edenvale Marathon is recognised as an official qualifier for both the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon.

Originally started by the Rand Road Warriors – a small running club in Edenvale – the marathon has now been run for over three decades and has become a highly anticipated running calendar event. Routes include 42.2km, 15km and 5km race options making it an inclusive event for people of all experience and fitness levels to compete. All participants are awarded with medals after completing their races.

When: 9 March 2025
Where: Edenvale High School, Linksfield Rd, Edenvale, Johannesburg

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 2025 
Where: Starts and ends at Alexandra Plaza, cnr 3rd Street & 1st Ave, Alexandra, Johannesburg

Irene Festival of Running

Annually in March or 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. 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.

When: 22 & 23 March 2025 
Where: Irene Athletics Club Race Venue, Doringkloof, Centurion

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: 23 March 2025 
Where: School of Achievement, Heidelberg Rd, East Rand Pty Mines, Germiston

Tshwane North Ultra

Annually in April

Tshwane North Ultra (TNU) is an official 50km road running event incorporating the half-marathon and the 10km and 5km fun runs aiming in 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.

When: 19 April 2025 
Where: Akasia Town Hall, 120 Disotus Avenue, Akasia, Pretoria

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.

When: 27 April 2025
Where: LOTZ Kontrei, Sterkfontein Caves Road, Cradle of Humankind, Krugersdorp

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.

When: 1 May 2025 
Where: Centurion Rugby Club, 270 West Ave, Die Hoewes, Centurion

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 as flat and fast, and the top finishers of the 15km and 32km races receive cash prizes at the scheduled prize giving ceremonies following both races.

When: 4 May 2025 
Where: Boksburg Stadium, Jubilee Road, Leeuwpoort 113-Ir, Boksburg

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.

When: 11 May 2025 
Where: Flamingo Shopping Centre, Cnr Valley Rd &, Queens St, Modderfontein, Johannesburg

The TOTALSPORTS Women’s Race Johannesburg

Annually in August

Women’s empowerment and athleticism come together when the community of runners paint the streets of Joburg pink in celebration of Women’s Month. 

The Totalsports Women’s Race is all about unforgettable experiences for women of all ages and backgrounds. The running race launched in the Western Cape in 2001 and expanded to Johannesburg in 2007, before heading to Durban in 2011. Today it’s regarded as South Africa’s largest nationwide Women’s Day celebration.

Men are welcome to join and show some support. Age restrictions for the 5km race are 9+ years and 14+ years for the 10km leg. See more info here.

When: 17 August 2025
Where: Mark’s Park, Judith Rd, Emmarentia, Randburg

Absa Run Your City 10k

Annually in September

Next up we have ABSA with their Run Your City Joburg 10k which celebrates one of South Africa’s most anticipated holidays, National Heritage Day. The vibrant sporting event was founded in 2016 and was created to showcase all the beauty that the City of Gold has to offer.

The 10km route has been specifically designed to spotlight some of Jozi’s most unique landmarks with upbeat performances to keep runners feeling energised with every stride. The event offers a lively environment for people of all cultures to express themselves through sport and even attracts runners from abroad.

When: 24 September 2025
Where: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg

Spar Women’s Challenge Jozi

Annually in October

The Spar Women’s Challenge is a running series that started back in 1992 and was created to provide women of all shapes and sizes as well as fitness levels with the opportunity participate in either the 5km or 10km races. Each year, contestants gather in numbers to experience this much anticipated running event. Family and friends enjoy an active day out in the sun taking in that unifying feeling of community that bonds us all. Regardless of it being a women’s challenge, men also come through in their groups to support and cheer on the ladies as they power through the races. In fact, the Spar Women’s Challenge has grown so much that it had to be moved from its regular venue at Wanderers Stadium to Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia in order to accommodate the growing entries and crowds. It is indeed a

When: 5 October 2025
Where: Marks Park Sports Club, Judith Rd, Emmarentia, Johannesburg

African Bank Soweto Marathon

Annually in November

Also known as the “The People’s Race”, the African Bank Soweto Marathon is a big crowd favourite. People from all walks of life unite to experience the unique marathon that takes people through some of Soweto’s most notable landmarks such as Walter Sisulu Square, Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Vilakazi Street, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Credo Mutwa Cultural Village and many more. In many ways, the marathon is a way for people to honour the history of Soweto and celebrate the growth of South Africa.

The races includes 10km, 21km and 42km routes with walkers more than welcome to tackle the marathon at their own pace. And for the more experienced athletes, the marathon presents the perfect opportunity to get some long distance training in. Like the marathon’s nickname suggests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

When: 2 November 2025
Where: Johannesburg Expo Centre, NASREC, Johannesburg

The Joburg Ultra Triathlon

Annually in December

Whether you’re a dedicated athlete seeking a challenge or a newcomer eager to fully embrace your fitness journey, The Joburg Ultra Triathlon is back for another exciting ultimate race challenge where you can swim, spin and sprint your way at one of Gauteng’s most popular wildlife destinations. Prepare to be enthralled by breathtaking vistas and enchanting wildlife scenes along your path.

This world-class triathlon in Johannesburg caters to both novices and seasoned pros, allowing them to compete alongside some of South Africa’s most skilled triathletes. Participants can opt for the Sprint (600m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run) or the Ultra (1.9km swim, 90km cycle, 21km run) events.

The action kicks off at 7am with the Ultra race, featuring the country’s elite athletes battling it out in this grand finale of the 2023 series. The Ultra Run route comprises three 7km laps within Cradle Moon, each passing through the Transition and Finish area. Here, racers will experience an electrifying Spectator HOT ZONE ambience and a tranquil, traffic-free running stretch adorned with captivating wildlife.

For those eyeing the shorter Sprint race, the starting gun goes off at 8:30am, covering a 5km loop around the splendid reserve.

When: TBC for 2025
Where: Cradle Moon Lakeside Lodge, Plot 59 Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng

See running races taking place in Cape Town