This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s August marathons including race descriptions, recommendations and travel information.
South Africa’s long distance road running scene awakes slowly from its post-Comrades winter hibernation with just six options (including one brand new race) for the marathon connoisseur.
It’s bonanza time in Kwazulu Natal where half the races are hosted (including both ultras) but Gauteng runners (and all those north of the Vaal) will have to make travel plans to get an early Two Oceans qualifier under the belt.
Summary
A summary of your choices is below:
Recommended Runs
Recommended Marathon: The PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon is the right way to start your August running program. Just one hour from Cape Town, the marathon takes place around the exquisite Riebeek Valley in the Swartland. With ‘Berg’ in the title, you can expect a few massive climbs but the stunning scenery will distract you on the way up and the magnificent views from the top make the effort worthwhile. Make a weekend of it to enjoy sampling the local produce from South Africa’s breadbasket. You run past plenty of vineyards during the race and I strongly suggest you take some time to test the fermentation skills of the local farmers as part of your marathon recovery.
This is a marathon all ‘real’ runners will want to do at least once but be careful, this is an addictive event. I ran my first Bergmarathon in 2016 and will be back for my third trip this year – but Brackenfell runner, Brian Rothman, has run all 33!
Recommended Ultra: With just two to choices (and one of them an inaugural race), the winner by default is the 25th Memel Walk (they’ve allowed runners to join in the fun for the last few years). The race was started as a schoolboy dare – as in “I bet you couldn’t walk from Memel to Newcastle” and has become an iconic event in the local community.
Top tip: Be careful not to eat too much breakfast in the Memel NG Kerk while you wait for the start – the locals go all out with generous plates of eats for all the runners and walkers.
Another top tip: Due to several geographic and metaphysical anomalies, the temperature in Memel is often the lowest in the country. Wear layers to peel off and don’t be shy to ask for a shot of OBs at the support tables!
What I’ll be running this August: My 3rd PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon, 1st Prince Mangosuthu Ultra and 1st PetroSA Mararthon.
Detailed Information
All race information, links, flyers and travel guidance* verified with race organisers (unless otherwise noted).
* For practical reasons, all directions are from central Johannesburg as (1) the majority of runners are Gauteng based, (2) I live in Johannesburg and (3) whilst all roads might lead to Rome, all roads in South Africa lead away from Johannesburg!
PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon
| Race Date | Saturday 03 August 2019 |
| Start Venue | PPC Plant, Riebeek Wes |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | www.ppc.africa/za/strength-beyond/riebeek-bergmarathon |
| Contact Details | ppcrbm@ppc.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=4564 |
| Pre-entries Close | 31 July 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | PPC Ltd |
| Perm, Numbers? | Yes |
| Entry Fee | R 150 |
| Extras? | Goodie bag |
| Late Entries? | No (5km only can be entered on day) |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 348 |
| Race Description | The race starts and finishes at the PPC Cement Factory to the contrasting backdrop of Dickensian industrial machinery and pristine vineyards. The race explores the local towns of Riebeek Wes and Riebeek Kasteel – two of the oldest in the country. All the while one admires the unspoilt mountains in the distance before getting more closely acquainted with the Kasteelberg, Porseleinberg and Bothmaskloofpas over the second two thirds of the race (the latter two providing monster climbs that give the Bergmarathon its name). Once into the countryside, the views are stunning. This is a course that liberally dishes out the rewards to her diligent runners and the wonderful vista of the Riebeek Valley from the top of the Bothmaskloofpas alone is worth the entry fee. |
| Why Run It? | A tough but stunning race just an hour from Cape Town. A marathon I look forward to running every year. Spend the night before the race in the original Royal Hotel, the oldest hotel in South Africa, and relax after the race on their stoep (the longest south of the Limpopo River). |
| How To Get There? | Fly to Cape Town; 100km drive from the airport to Riebeek Wes/Kasteel. |
| Accommodation Options | http://www.riebeekvalley.info/ |
| What Else To Do There? | The Riebeek Valley is a great place to spend a weekend and explore. Sample local wines, olives and craft beer after exploring the beautiful surrounds. Excellent restaurants too. This is the perfect location for the romantic marathon runner. See: http://www.riebeekvalley.info/ for more. |
| Route |   |
Detailed Race Report: PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon (a win-win-win Winelands scenario)
Twizza Amathole Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 04 August 2019 |
| Start Venue | Stutterheim |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | N/A |
| Contact Details | tmakaula79@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 42 |
| Online Entries | N/A |
| Pre-entries Close | N/A |
| Title Sponsor | Twizza |
| Perm, Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 130 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 297 |
| Race Description | After departing Stutterheim there are 24km hilly kilometres before enjoying many downhills (and a few undulations) to the finish in King William’s Town |
| Why Run It? | This is the second oldest marathon in South Africa. |
| How To Get There? | Fly to East London; 100km (1h15) drive to Stutterheim |
| Accommodation Options | Contact Daan Louw, 083 449 2991 or 082 575 3394 or email konopka@iafrica.com |
| What Else To Do There? | Private game reserves, surfing, fishing, hiking. |
| Race Flyer | 2019 Amathole Marathon FC option2 |
Memel Ultra
| Race Date | Friday 09 August 2019 |
| Start Venue | Memel NG Kerk |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://www.memelwalk.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | info@champ.co.za |
| Distance Options | 51.2\27.3 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryrush.co.za/event/memel-walk-2019 |
| Pre-entries Close | 31 July 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | Vlam Panelbeaters |
| Perm, Numbers? | Yes (5 finishes) |
| Entry Fee | R 150 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 100 entries) |
| Late Entries? | Yes |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 88 |
| Race Description | A lowkey 51.2km race from Memel (the coldest town in the Free State) to Newcastle in Kwazulu Natal. The race is run along the along the historic Battlefields Route and provides breath-taking views once the early morning fog lifts. Expect great support tables and plenty of small-town hospitality along the way. Although the race starts over 1,700m above sea level and finishes around 1,200m, there is by no means an ‘easy ultra’. There are plenty of climbs along the way – and you’ll warm up quickly from a sub-zero start with a 17km climb to Botha’s Pass before dropping into Kwazulu Natal. |
| Why Run It? | This year is the 25th anniversary of the Memel Walk (who also allow runners to join) and the organisers want to make the celebration special. A great way to spend your Women’s Day public holiday (ladies normally form the majority of the field). |
| How To Get There? | 300km (3h15 drive) south |
| Accommodation Options | Recommended by the organisers: www.tramonto.co.za (use keyword “Champ”) www.avalonguestmanor.co.za |
| What Else To Do There? | Do a tour of the historic battlefields area. |
| Race Flyer |    |
Detailed Race Report: Memel Ultra (The Legacy of a Schoolboy Dare)
Prince Mangosuthu Ultra
Note: This is the first year that the event is being held.
| Race Date | Sunday 11 August 2019 |
| Start Venue | Umagazi Secondary School, Nquthu, KZN |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | N/A |
| Contact Details | Kenneth 0733979358; Samu 0722904063; Khulu 0734138907 |
| Distance Options | 52\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/events/featured/prince-mangosuthu-ultra-marathon/1492893027 |
| Pre-entries Close | 10-Aug |
| Title Sponsor | Umzinyathi District Municipality |
| Perm, Numbers? | Planned for future |
| Entry Fee | R 130 |
| Extras? | Shirt |
| Late Entries? | Yes |
| # of 2018 Finishers | N/A |
| Race Description | A new point-to-point ultra from Nqutu to Dundee in the Kwazulu Natal Battlefields region. This area is hilly and cold at this time of the year so expect tough conditions. |
| Why Run It? | A new race on the calendar and a chance to explore somewhere new. |
| How To Get There? | 370km (4h drive) south east |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | Do a tour of the historic battlefields area. |
| Race Flyer |  |
PetroSA Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 24 August 2019 |
| Start Venue | Santos Caravan Park, Mosselbay |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Website | http://www.aswd.co.za/event/petrosa-marathon-2/ |
| Contact Details | manager@aswd.co.za; admin@aswd.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://entrytickets.net/petrosa |
| Pre-entries Close | 19 August 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | PetroSA |
| Perm, Numbers? | Yes |
| Entry Fee | R 140 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 250 entries); Goodie Bag (first 1,000 entries) |
| Late Entries? | Yes R20 extra for late entries; no race day entries |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 208 |
| Race Description | An undulating out-and-back route along the coastline. Enjoy 42km with the constant companionship of the Indian Ocean and Outeniqua Mountains. |
| Why Run It? | Running in the Garden Route is always a pleasure. Give your legs a good test before going for a PB at Cape Town Marathon one month later. |
| How To Get There? | Fly to George; 40km (30m) drive to Mossel Bay |
| Accommodation Options | Recommended by organiser: Garden Court Protea Hotel – Mossel Bay 044-693 2800 or 076 829150 / Sao Bras Hostel 044-693 0894 or 083 3624565 / Ocean Hotel De Bakke Santos info@debakkesantos.co.za 076 0587153 http://www.debakkesantos.co.za/prices/ |
| What Else To Do There? | Botlierskop Game Reserve / Bartolomeu Dias Museum / Whale Watching / Beaches / Pinnacle Point Caves / Sunset Cruises / Deep Sea Fishing |
| Race Flyer |    |
Mandela Day Marathon
Note: Received a response from the race director to the effect that one month is too short a turn around time to supply responses. Have made a note to allow extra time for Pietermaritzburg races in future. Unconfirmed information below is from the web site and flyer.
| Race Date | Sunday 25 August 2019 |
| Start Venue | Pietermaritzburg |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | http://mandeladm.org.za/ |
| Contact Details | support@finishtime.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/events/best-sellers/mandela-day-marathon-2019/1480850748 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? (Should be closed according to published dates but they still appear to be taking online entries) |
| Title Sponsor | ? |
| Perm, Numbers? | ? |
| Entry Fee | R 190 |
| Extras? | Shirt |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 3964 |
| Race Description | One of the toughest marathons in the country – Nelson Mandela had a Long Walk to Freedom; this is one long, hard climb from Pietermaritzburg to the Mandela capture site in Howick. |
| Why Run It? | A tough, beautiful and meaningful marathon to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela. This is also the largest standard marathon in Kwazulu Natal (and third largest in the country). |
| How To Get There? | 500km (5h) drive or fly to Durban and 100km (1h) drive from King Shaka to Pietermaritzburg (slightly further to the Midlands). |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | Plenty to do in Pietermaritzburg – check out http://www.pmbtourism.co.za/ or spend some time in the magnificent Midlands. https://midlandsmeander.co.za/ |
| Race Flyer | MandelaDay_Marathon_Flyer
|
Notes
- I will update this page as additional information becomes available/is provided.
- If you have anything to add (or correct) please drop me a note.
- I’m happy to answer any questions – feel free to contact me on social media Twitter / Facebook / Instagram
- I plan to add route profiles and maps in future versions but don’t have time to chase these down at present.
- Marathon/ultra race organisers: I will be in contact to get information for future events but feel free to jump the gun and contact me directly.
See you on the road!
Previous Months
READ MORE: The Running Mann’s Guide to January Marathons
READ MORE: The Running Mann’s Guide to February Marathons
READ MORE: The Running Mann’s Guide to March Marathons
READ MORE: The Running Mann’s Guide to April/May Marathons
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