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Running articles, news & insights
Press releases, race previews, results, kit tests & long-form reads from across Southern Africa. Updated regularly by our editors.
The country's running calendar just grew up — RunningCalendar.co.za relaunches, rebuilt from the ground up
RunningCalendar.co.za, the independent home of South African road and trail running events since 2016, has gone live with a complete rebuild. Same job — telling you what races are on, where, and when — done properly this time: one fast, modern site that works as well on a phone at the start line as it does on a laptop at 5am when you're "just checking" the calendar for the fourth time.
Kusche and Steyn Shatter Records and Cash In at 2026 Comrades Marathon!
In a dramatic day of record-breaking running, line honours in the 2026 Comrades Marathon were claimed by South Africans George Kusche and Gerda Steyn on Sunday, 14 June. With the route being 85.777km long, which was 133 metres shorter than in 2024 and the shortest route distance in recorded history for the Up Run, this year’s race was expected to deliver fast times, perhaps even records, and it duly delivered.
Most Successful Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Sets Scene for Majors Status
The combination of awesome weather, incredible vibe, stunning scenery and record-breaking times make the 2026 edition of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon the most successful yet. This bodes well for the event, which is nearing the completion of phase 2 of the candidacy process to become an Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) event. The race, which is already considered Africa’s premier marathon, will then bring Africa its first Major.
Eliud Kipchoge’s Arrival for Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Kicks Off Glittering Race Week
There was great excitement at the Cape Town International Airport today as Kenyan running superstar Eliud Kipchoge arrived in the Mother City for the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. The race, which takes place on Sunday 24 May, has rapidly established itself as Africa’s premier marathon, and is currently a candidate for Abbott World Marathon Majors status
Excitement Building as Comrades Marathon celebrates 60 Days to Race Day
With just two months to go until the 2026 edition of the Comrades Marathon on the 14th of June, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) can announce that preparations for the 99th edition of the race are moving forward smoothly, with a healthy blend of tradition and innovation. While the runners preparing for the approximately 87km ultra-marathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg are putting in their final big month of training mileage (and some are running their qualifying marathon before the qualifying cut-off on 4 May), the CMA and its Race Organising Committee (ROC) are hard at work with the planning and logistical preparation that goes into this iconic event.
Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K entries open with the exciting Heritage Double Entry Fast-Tracked by Gautrain
The 4th annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K will return to the beautiful Jacaranda City on Sunday 23 August 2026, with it comes the exciting return of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Heritage Double Entry fast-tracked by Gautrain.
20 Road Races in cool country places
Sometimes you just need to pack your running shoes and get out of the city. RunningCalendar partnered up with RUN Mag to showcase where to sign up in 2026 for an athletic weekend on roads less travelled.
Jantjies puts Hopetown on the map as Steyn makes history at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD
History was written at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD on Saturday, 11 April 2026, as Gerda Steyn claimed a record-breaking seventh victory, while little-known Arthur Jantjies shocked the pundits with the biggest triumph of his emerging ultra marathon career.
Steyn targets historic seventh consecutive title at Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD
Of the thousands of athletes set to line up at the start of the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD on Saturday, 11 April 2026, the spotlight will shine brightest on Gerda Steyn. South Africa’s ultra-distance running queen is poised to chase a historic seventh consecutive title in the Mother City, revealing that her mindset has been the greatest asset behind her remarkable and sustained success.
Leading by Example: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Board Members ready to tackle the Ultra
Leading by example, five board members of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD will swap the boardroom for the start line when they take on the iconic Ultra Marathon on Saturday 11 April 2026. Making the feat even more impressive is the fact that this will not be their first time tackling the race.
Entries Open for the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
Celebrating its 9th anniversary on Sunday, 12 July 2026, entries for the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K will open on Thursday (19 March 2026), inviting runners to experience Durban’s vibrant streets in one of the country’s premier city races.
Chidzivo targets gold in first Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon return since 2022 victory
Renowned Zimbabwean long-distance athlete Fortunate Chidzivo is eager to add to her impressive track record when she makes her fourth appearance at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD on Sunday, 12 April 2026. As Zimbabwe’s current half marathon record holder (1:10:50), Chidzivo will line up confident that her preparations have positioned her well to challenge her rivals and contend for another gold medal.
