The Running Mann’s Guide to October Marathons & Ultra

This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s October marathons including race descriptions, recommendations and travel information.

October is a quiet month for marathon runners with just seven options spread all around the country, including two very interesting new events:

• Mpumalanga offers tour of the rural villages on the western extremities of the Kruger National Park with the Shikumba Filling Marathon (named for the petrol station where the race starts and finishes).
• Limpopo hosts the only ultra marathon of the month with the Run 4 Cancer 48k in Polokwane.
• After a marshalling error resulted in a short course last year, De Wet de Beer and the team from Jacaranda Marathon are promising a runner-centric reboot of the event. Definitely check this one out – and the new route – if you’re in Gauteng (where marathons are scarce in the second half of the year).
• My pick for the month is Boland’s best, the toughest race with the warmest heart and the southernmost marathon in Africa – Voet van Afrika Marathon (more details below).
• The last Sunday on the month provides a tour of the Kwazulu Natal South Coast from  Scottburgh to Amanzimtoti at the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon.

There are two new marathons on the calendar. As I understand it (awaiting verification) you can use them to qualify for Two Oceans but not for Comrades. However, whilst they both seem like spectacular events, it’s doubtful anyone will actually use them as a qualifier for the reasons stated below:

• The Clarens Golden Gate Marathon is an out-an-back route run entirely within the national park: an absolutely beautiful but disgustingly hilly part of the world.
• The Cape Wine Marathon is an off-road circular tour of all the wine farms in the Durbanville Hills region of the Western Cape. There are 13 wine tasting tables so arrive with a clean palette and a designated driver.

Summary

A summary of your choices is below:

Note: The OR Tambo Marathon in Free State and Legends Ultra in the Eastern Cape are both cancelled. The One City Marathon in Port Elizabeth has been rescheduled to 29 February 2020.

Recommended Run

Voet van Afrika Marathon

The “Voet”, as the race is affectionately known, is a classic marathon that all true running connoisseurs want on their CV. The race starts eight kilometres outside of Bredasdorp on pristine Overberg farmlands and then throws everything it can at you over the first half of the race until you reach the summit of the Soetmuisberg.

After plummeting down to Napier, the gravel road, jeep tracks and mountain paths of the first half are replaced with undulating tar road all the way to the finish at the Bredasdorp Sports Grounds. The succinct summary is, “The first half screws up your legs and the second half screws up your mind.”

Look out for our national flower, the protea, and other exquisite indigenous fynbos during the mountain section and our national bird, the blue crane, during the farm section. I’d also highly recommend making a weekend of it and exploring the area – for those who like doing things in threes you can also go deep sea fishing and try to snare our national fish, the galjoen.

What I’ll be running this October: Clarens Golden Gate; Voet van Afrika and Run 4 Cancer.

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!

Shikhumba Filling Marathon

Race Date	Saturday 05 October 2019
Start Venue	Shikhuma Filling Station
Route Type	Out-and-back
Website	http://www.shikhumbamarathon.co.za/
Contact Details	shikhumbamarathon@gmail.com
Distance Options	42\21\10\5
Online Entries	http://www.shikhumbamarathon.co.za/registration.html
Pre-entries Close	27 September 2019
Title Sponsor	Shikhumba Filling Station
Perm Numbers?	No
Entry Fee	R 200
Extras?	Dri-fit Shirt, Towel  (first 100 entries)
Late Entries?	Yes
# of 2018 Finishers	92
Race Description	A well organised event through the villages of rural Limpopo.
Why Run It?	Enjoy a rural running experience and spend some time watching the survival of the fittest in the Kruger National Park afterwards.
How To Get There?	500km (5h30) drive north east
Accommodation Options	Recommended by organiser: Xiska Guest House; Mashamba Country Lodge; Kulani Country Lodge
What Else To Do There?	The race is on the doorstep of the Kruger National Park so take some time out on safari after the marathon or enjoy a rich cultural experience at Baleni Rest Camp (just 5km away).
Race Flyer	shikhumba_marathon_registration_forms

Clarens Golden Gate Marathon

Race Date	Saturday 05 October 2019
Start Venue	Glen Reenen Restcamp, Golden Gate National Park
Route Type	Out-and-back
Website	N/A
Contact Details	maluti.run@gmail.com
Distance Options	42\21\10\5
Online Entries	https://www.entryninja.com/events/event/50642-clarens-golden-gate-4in1
Pre-entries Close	30 September 2019
Title Sponsor	None
Perm Numbers?	No
Entry Fee	R 300
Extras?	–
Late Entries?	No
# of 2018 Finishers	N/A
Race Description	A hilly but beautiful out-and-back course through the stunning Golden Gate Highlands National Park (the whole route is on tar). This is the inaugural running of the event.
Why Run It?	Run a marathon inside the beautiful Golden Gate nature reserve.
How To Get There?	300km (3h15 drive) south
Accommodation Options	Recommended by the organisers: Mountain Odyssey – 058 256 1480/1173 & www.infoclarens.com
What Else To Do There?	Clarens is a small town with plenty of charm and quaint shops. The Maluti Mountains surround the town providing scenic options like horse-riding, quad biking, hiking, river rafting, bushman paintings and dinosaur trails. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is also nearby.
Race Flyer

Jacaranda City Marathon

Race Date	Saturday 12 October 2019
Start Venue	Hoërskool Oos-Moot, Pretoria
Route Type	Double-lapper
Website	https://www.sportsvendo.co.za/events/view/76 / www.agape.org.za
Contact Details	data@sportsvendo.co.za
Distance Options	42\21\10\5
Online Entries	http://timeme.co.za/
Pre-entries Close	03 October 2019
Title Sponsor	None
Perm Numbers?	No
Entry Fee	R 200
Extras?	–
Late Entries?	No
# of 2018 Finishers	2093
Race Description	A double-lapper timed to capture the capital city’s famous Jacaranda trees in full bloom. Flat by Tshwane standards (hilly by anywhere else’s standards). If purple is your favourite colour this is the race for you. The race is undergoing a rebirth with a completely new route. Here is the new route description from the race director, “Running West from Hoërskool Oos-Moot, under the purple canopy of our very own Jacaranda city signature tree will bring 5km of comfortable kilometres. This has to be exchanged for 3km with a ‘slight bite’ as runners turn East. A couple of medium graded up and downs, brings runners to the ‘Codonia Escalator’, 150m of challenge. Breyer avenue gives a bird’s eye view of the Moot and takes athletes to the Eastern most part of our journey through the neighbourhood. Upon turning back in the direction, we came, a short climb or two becomes a steady incline, before settling into a speedy two kilometres. The finish will be clearly visible for runners, turning up in 34th avenue.”
Why Run It?	Your chance to see purple rain in real life at the only Gauteng marathon north of the Jukskei in the second half of the year.
How To Get There?	75km (1h) drive north
Accommodation Options	Check out Google for B&B and hotel options
What Else To Do There?	http://www.tshwanetourism.com/
Race Flyer	JACARANDA RUN 2019 LOW RES 0.8

Detailed Race Report: Jacaranda Marathon (Purple Rain in Pretoria)

Voet van Afrika Marathon

Race Date	Saturday 12 October 2019
Start Venue	Bredasdorp Sports Ground
Route Type	Point-to-point
Website	https://www.facebook.com/VoetVanAfrika/
Contact Details	info@voetvanafrika.co.za
Distance Options	42\21\10\4
Online Entries	https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=4575
Pre-entries Close	30 September 2019
Title Sponsor	None
Perm Numbers?	Yes (10 finishes)
Entry Fee	R 212
Extras?	–
Late Entries?	No
# of 2018 Finishers	320
Race Description	This is one that all real marathoners need to do at least once. The best summary I’ve heard of this route is, “The first half screws up your legs and the second half screws up your mind.” A unique route that takes you up and over the Soetmuisberg along farmland, gravel road, jeep tracks and mountain paths. After 25 kilometres surrounded by exquisite indigenous fynbos, there is a rude awakening as you are dumped onto the tar at Napier – and those who’ve counted the undulations to the finish at the Bredasdorp Sport Grounds claim there are 16 hills over the last 17 kilometres. Whilst some races rebrand their catch phrase annually, the Voet has stuck with “The toughest race with the warmest heart!” for as long as I can remember (and having run 10 Voets I can confirm that this is not just a marketing slogan). As an example of how they live up to their motto: Last year the one legged amputee athlete, Xolani Luvuno, completed the route but missed the cut-off by just five minutes – the organisers have invited him back again this year as the official race ambassador.
Why Run It?	Your chance to spot South Africa’s national plant (the protea) and national bird (the blue crane) during a marathon.
How To Get There?	Fly to Cape Town; 180km (2h) drive from the airport to Bredasdorp
Accommodation Options	On site luxury tented hotel pitched at Bredasdorp Sport Grounds: https://voetvanafrika.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Tented-Hotel-Info.pdf or check out lekkeslaap.co.za to book your accommodation in the area.
What Else To Do There?	Explore the Overberg, sample some local wines, go deep sea fishing and stand at southernmost tip of Africa (where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans officially meet). There is also plenty to do in the charming local villages of Struisbaai, Arniston and Napier. Take a short drive to the De Hoop Game Reserve to spot antelope, zebras and whales.
Race Flyer

Cape Wine Marathon

Race Date	Saturday 12 October 2019
Start Venue	Meerendal Wine Estate, Durbanville
Route Type	Circular
Website	https://capewinemarathon.co.za/
Contact Details	info@advendurance.com
Distance Options	42\21\10\5
Online Entries	https://www.jumpertrax.com/events/3071-cwm
Pre-entries Close	N/A
Title Sponsor	None
Perm Numbers?	No
Entry Fee	R 499
Extras?	Goodie Bag, 13 Wine Tables, Every wine farm offers their own special ‘flavour’ which can include macaroons, champagne, strawberries, wine coolers, etc.
Late Entries?	Yes (Limited to 1,000 entrants)
# of 2018 Finishers	N/A
Race Description	Do an on-foot tour of the beautiful Durbanville wine estates whilst sampling their produce and getting a marathon under the belt. The race starts and finishes at Meerendal Wine Estate which *spoiler alert* is in the Durbanville Hills area – so expect plenty of elevation along the way as well as a few technical sections. All this to the backdrop of the Cape Winelands and the backbeat of live music along the way.
Why Run It?	Why spend tens of thousands of rands travelling to France for Marathon du Medoc when the nice people from Advendurance have plugged (or should that be corked) a niche in the market with the inaugural Cape Wine Marathon?  And… if anyone asks you how you found out about the race you can tell them, “I heard it through the grapevine”.
How To Get There?	Fly to Cape Town; 25km (30m) drive from the airport to Durbanville
Accommodation Options	https://capewinemarathon.co.za/travel/
What Else To Do There?	If you spent to little time tasting wine during the marathon make up for it after the event with some serious wine tasting. The normal Cape Town tourist activities are also available https://www.capetown.travel/ for options.
Race Flyer	N/A

Run 4 Cancer Ultra

Race Date	Saturday 26 October 2019
Start Venue	New Peter Mokaba Stadium
Route Type	Point-to-point
Website	https://www.facebook.com/SARun4CancerUltraMarathon/
Contact Details	sarun4cancer@gmail.com
Distance Options	48\32\21\10\5
Online Entries	https://www.entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=5979
Pre-entries Close	20 October 2019
Title Sponsor	None
Perm Numbers?	No
Entry Fee	R 320
Extras?	Dri-fit Shirt
Late Entries?	Yes (No race day entries)
# of 2018 Finishers	350
Race Description	Your entry includes a bus ticket to the start at Stevens Lumber Mills near Haenertsburg and follows the R71 all the way to the finish at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. Proceeds from the run are used to create awareness and support those suffering with and affected by Cancer.
Why Run It?	This is the only ultra marathon in Limpopo – and is for a really good cause.
How To Get There?	325km (3h) drive due north on the N1.
Accommodation Options	Check out Google for B&B and hotel options; Nearby hotels include Park Inn Hotel 0.5km away, Town Lodge 4.5km away, Meropa Hotel 4.5km away
What Else To Do There?	Attractions in town in the Polokwane Bird and Reptile Park and Bakone Malapa Open Air Museum; A short drive takes you to the beauty of the Magoebaskloof hiking trails; Or put on your game face and visit the Kruger or Mapungubwe National Parks. See http://polokwanetourism.co.za/ for more.
Race Flyer

Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon

Race Date	Sunday 27 October 2019
Start Venue	Scottburgh
Route Type	Point-to-point
Website	https://www.totiac.co.za/Events/
Contact Details	toti.ac.treasurer@gmail.com
Distance Options	42\21\10
Online Entries	https://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=1491983507
Pre-entries Close	15 September 2019
Title Sponsor	Goss & Balfe
Perm Numbers?	No
Entry Fee	R 280
Extras?	Shirt
Late Entries?	Yes (R300 for late entries; No race day entries)
# of 2018 Finishers	1358
Race Description	With a profile like the mouth of a ragged-tooth shark, this is 42 Kilometres of unrelenting undulations along Kwazulu Natal’s south coast from Scottburgh to Amanzimtoti. If the hills don’t get you the humidity will.
Why Run It?	Enjoy the novelty of a Prasa train ride to the start.
How To Get There?	600km (6h) drive or fly to Durban and 60km (40m) drive from King Shaka along the N2.
Accommodation Options	Check out Google for B&B and hotel options
What Else To Do There?	Plenty of tourist options in and around Durban: http://visitdurban.travel/
Race Flyer	Sapphire_Coast

Detailed Race Report: Sapphire Coast Marathon (Delayed Planes, Delayed Trains & Marathon Running)

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

READ MORE: The Running Mann’s Guide to August Marathons

READ MORE: The Running Mann’s Guide to September Marathons

#RunSouthAfrica

The Running Mann runs his marathons in shoes supplied by the Sweat Shop Broadacres and Asics South Africa. 

Header photo: Voet van Afrika Marathon (supplied)

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