This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s November marathons including race descriptions, recommendations and travel information.
Although there are no ultras on offer, November is the busiest month on the South African distance calendar since April with 13 marathons available:
Weekend One:
- Queenstown’s longstanding Bonkolo Marathon is by far the smallest marathon on offer this weekend. This looks like a great race centred around the dam that bears the same name.
- Mbombela’s flagship marathon, Kaapsehoop, starts amongst the wild horses before plummeting down to Mbombela Stadium (where those who go out too fast finish like donkeys).
- Soweto was the largest marathon in the country in 2018 and will be aiming to maintain their status in 2019. With 40,000 entrants across the various events, expect the South Western Township to be buzzing even more than usual on the first Sunday of November.
Weekend Two:
- Bloemfontein marathons seem to be disappearing but the Music Marathon is back on the playlist. A vibey event with plenty of colour and music-themed support tables to keep you going over the hilly course.
- Bela Bela celebrates its 30th year and is an excellent reason for an away running weekend in the resort town famous for her warm baths.
- Another great running weekend away is offered by the Winelands Marathon in Stellenbosch.
Weekend Three:
- Life is tough with just two laps around Durban’s Bluff on offer this weekend. If you call their bluff you can expect to see plenty of hills and sea views along the way.
Weekend Four:
- Die Vlakte is a point-to-point race from Heidelberg to the Witsand beachfront – a lowkey marathon that’s well worth running.
- Another point-to-point option is the Josiah Gumede Marathon in rural Kwazulu Natal. I enjoyed the inaugural marathon last year and expect those running in 2019 will do as well.
- A new event is the Mogoeba Plunge Marathon which, as the name suggests, is a downhill flyer from Haenertsburg to Tzaneen.
- Those keen for a challenge can look into the Platinum Belt Marathon from Marikana to Phokeng (near Rustenburg). I ran the inaugural event in 2017 and it was a complete shambles. After being cancelled in 2018, they are having another go in 2019 but I would approach this one with extreme caution.
- The busiest Saturday on the running calendar is rounded off with the Sani Stagger. This is my recommended run for November (see below for extended details) but you’ll have to wait until 2020 or get a substitution entry as the 2019 event is sold out.
Weekend Five:
- Just one option this weekend. Another new marathon, the Riana van Niekerk Run/Walk for Bibles who are offering two laps of their well established half marathon route this year.
Summary
A summary of your choices is below:
Recommended Run
Sani Stagger Marathon
“Sani Pass is the mother of all South African mountain passes. Statistically and in every sense, it out distances, out climbs, and out performs all its competitors with consummate ease to have become the most iconic gravel pass in South Africa.” – https://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za
The Sani Pass rises almost 1,400m (to 2,876m) with the steepest section near the summit providing a 1:4 gradient. This is an old donkey pass that packs a mean donkey punch. If you need any more encouragement, the same site quoted above goes on to say, “The altitude gain along this final section is rapid and you might experience nose-bleeds, headaches and popping ears. Once you enter the switchback section, there are very few places to stop safely.”
This is a simply fantastic marathon running experience. The entire out-and-back route is within the uKhahlamba Drakensberg UNESCO World Heritage Site and makes a strong argument for being both the toughest and most beautiful standard marathon in the country. It is also the most expensive marathon in the country but (even with the depreciating Rand) is worth every cent – and all entry fees are used to cover race costs.
By law, only 4×4 vehicles are allowed to attempt the Sani Pass. By special dispensation, you can put on your high traction running shoes and brave it to the top of the Sani Pass and back. This is definitely a marathon you want on your running CV.
What I’ll be running this November: Twizza Bonkola; Bela Bela, Magoeba Plunge & Riana van Niekerk Run for Bibles.
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!
Twizza Bonkolo Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 2 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | Bonkola Dam Queenstown |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | www.rutronics.co.za/bong.html |
| Contact Details | queenstownharriers@gmail.com; bong@rutronics.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21 |
| Online Entries | Online Entry Form |
| Pre-entries Close | 25 October 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | Twizza |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 170 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 200 finishers) |
| Late Entries? | Yes (R30 extra for late entries) |
| # of 2018 Finishers | ? |
| Race Description | A circular route from the Bonkolo Dam. Route description from organiser, “Marathon runners head out towards Aloe Grove and then meet up with the half marathon back at the Bonkolo Dam. Runners head back towards town into Blue Rise, around the Berry Dam and through parts of top town. Runners are faced with the mountain starting at 25km and taking them all the way to Sunnyside before they make their way back to the Bonkolo Dam via Hangklip Road, Kingsway and Livingstone Road. The never-ending Livingstone road towards the SPCA and the dam wall is arguably the most demanding section of the race. This is where a strong mind is needed to overcome the tiredness of the body, but the runners are soon rewarded with the sight of the finish at the Bonkolo Dam.” |
| Why Run It? | Avoid the crowds at Kaapsehoop and Soweto on the first weekend of November. |
| How To Get There? | Fly to East London; 200km (2h30) drive to Queenstown |
| Accommodation Options | See attachment: Bonkolo guest houses |
| What Else To Do There? | Relax at the dam afterwards. |
| Race Flyer | Bonkolo Entry Form 2019 |
Kaapsehoop Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 2 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | Kaapsehoop |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://www.uniwispmarathon.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | info@marathonclubnelspruit.co.za; Arthur.meneke@liblink.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://entries.raceinfo.co.za/events/46022-uniwisp-kaapsehoop |
| Pre-entries Close | 21 October 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | UNIWISP Group |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 260 |
| Extras? | Dri-fit Shirt (first 5,000 entries) |
| Late Entries? | Yes (No race day entries) |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 3536 |
| Race Description | A fast, downhill qualifier amongst the wild horses in the village of Kaapsehoop to the finish at the Mbombela Stadium. An easy route and excellent organisation have resulted in this becoming one of the biggest marathons in South Africa as many runners look to get a secure their 2020 Two Oceans and Comrades seedings before the 2019 running season concludes. |
| Why Run It? | Admire the wild horses at the start in Kaapsehoop and applaud the exhausted donkeys a few hours later in Mbombela. |
| How To Get There? | 350km (4h) east along the N4. |
| Accommodation Options | Many options on AirBNB, Lekkeslaap, Bookings.com |
| What Else To Do There? | Mbombela is the stepping stone to the world-famous Kruger National Park – self-drive or splash out on a private lodge; Various Tourist attractions around town including Lowveld Botanical Garden and the Mafunyane Waterpark; Take a drive and gaze through God’s Window. |
| Race Flyer |  |
Soweto Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 3 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | FNB Stadium |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | https://sowetomarathon.com/ |
| Contact Details | info@sowetomarathon.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=4551 |
| Pre-entries Close | 31 July 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 300 |
| Extras? | Shirt; Goodie Bag |
| Late Entries? | No (Sold out for 2019) |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 7829 |
| Race Description | The best way to join the mile-high club: Run at an altitude of just over 1,600m and endure over 600m of climbing along the way with most of the hard work crammed into the last half of the race. This tough marathon is the best way to tour Johannesburg’s South Western Townships. The route passes many points of historical interest and political significance before a special finish inside the iconic Calabash – which hosted the 2010 Soccer World Cup final. Crowd support is excellent as the local residents come out to cheer runners on. For overseas runners looking to tick off an African marathon with a unique ‘big city’ experience, this is the race I would recommend. |
| Why Run It? | This is the one of only two single lap marathons in Gauteng and is the best way to tour Soweto. Get out your guidebook and look for the eight landmarks along the way: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Walter Sisulu Square, The Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Credo Mutwa Cultural Village, Morris Isaacson High School, June 16 Memorial Acre, Vilakazi Street and The Hector Pieterson Memorial. This was South Africa’s largest standard marathon in 2018 with 7,829 runners finishing the gruelling route (narrowly beating Cape Town Marathon’s 7,663 finishers). |
| How To Get There? | The start is 25km south west of central Joburg with many access points. |
| Accommodation Options | Soak up the township vibe by booking a room at the “Soweto Hotel” in Kliptown (where the Freedom Charter was signed / 3km from the race venue). Check out recommendations at: https://sowetomarathon.com/accommodation |
| What Else To Do There? | Book yourself onto a township tour or explore the many famous and significant sites in the vicinity like Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pietersen Memorial Museum. |
| Race Flyer |  |
Full race report: Soweto Marathon (Ubuntu for the average middle-class white guy)
Music Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 9 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | Tempe Military Base, Bloemfontein |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Website | https://www.ofm.co.za/event/1203/music-marathon-2019 |
| Contact Details | Lindiwe@ofm.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=6153 |
| Pre-entries Close | 01 November 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | OFM |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 180 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes (R20 extra for late entries; no race day entries) |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 177 |
| Race Description | Run around the Tempe Military Base before exploring Bloemfontein’s northern and eastern extremities while regular musical interludes keep you entertained. If you thought Bloemfontein was flat this marathon will change your perception. |
| Why Run It? | Enjoy a colourful and music themed marathon in the heart of South Africa. |
| How To Get There? | 400km (4h) drive due south on the N1. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | https://www.bloemfonteintourism.co.za/ |
| Race Flyer | Music_Marathon_2019_Entry_Form |
Full race report: Music Marathon (Running in the Dead Centre of South Africa)
Bela Bela Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 9 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | Hoërskool Warmbad |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Website | https://web.facebook.com/BelaBelaWarmbadMarathonClub |
| Contact Details | belabelamarathon@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entrytime.com/event-details/?EventId=6061 |
| Pre-entries Close | 01 November 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | SuperSpar Bela Bela |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 220 |
| Extras? | Goodie Bag |
| Late Entries? | Yes |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 441 |
| Race Description | A marathon through the holiday resort town of Bela Bela (formerly known as Warmbad/Warmbaths). The course is out-and-back along the Alma route with plenty of undulations and the odd testing climb. The only thing warmer than their hot springs is the temperature – but the excellent support tables will keep you well hydrated. This year is the 30th running of the marathon. |
| Why Run It? | The race is close enough to Joburg and Pretoria to make a weekend of it or drive through on race morning – and is a great way to knock Limpopo off the marathon provinces list. |
| How To Get There? | 160km (1h40) drive north on the N1. |
| Accommodation Options | Forever Resorts Bela-Bela 014 736 8500 http://www.foreverwarmbaths.co.za/ Klein Kariba ATKV 014 736 9800 https://klein-kariba.co.za Marula Oase 073 040 6731 https://www.marulaoase.co.za/ Accommodation in Warmbaths: (14 resorts) https://www.booking.com |
| What Else To Do There? | This is a holiday resort town so pick a spot and enjoy a weekend in “Warmbaths”. Other local attractions include Forever Resorts Bela-Bela, Klein Kariba ATKV, Thaba Kwena – Crocodile Farm and Adventures with Elephants. |
| Race Flyer |  
|
Winelands Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 9 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | Eikestad Primary School Stellenbosch |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | https://www.helderbergharriers.co.za/winelands.html |
| Contact Details | info@topevents.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.topevents.co.za/event/sportsmans-warehouse-winelands-marathon-2019/#1544784041129-fffaed7c-e854 |
| Pre-entries Close | 31 October 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | Sportsmans Warehouse |
| Perm Numbers? | Yes |
| Entry Fee | R 172 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 1685 |
| Race Description | Enjoy a marathon in and around the beautiful and historic town of Stellenbosch. This is the most famous wine growing region of South Africa and Helderberg Harriers deliver a Methode Cap Classique Marathon amongst the historic buildings and vineyards that characterise the region. The relatively flat circular route has enough undulations to keep life interesting and a special music and entertainment zone in the last ten kilometres will push you through to the finish at Eikestad Primary School grounds. This year the race is trying to offset their environmental footprint by joining the #ICarryMyOwn and #RunClean campaigns. Runners are encouraged to bring a reusable bottle or cup to refill at the water tables. All stations will have plenty cold water and Coke but only every second table will have sachets. |
| Why Run It? | A great excuse to spend a weekend sampling the wines of Stellenbosch. |
| How To Get There? | Fly to Cape Town; 40km drive from the airport to the Stellenbosch. |
| Accommodation Options | Take a look at: www.visit-stellenbosch.com and www.stellenbosch.travel |
| What Else To Do There? | Great dining and better wining in the historical town of Stellenbosch. The only difficulty is choosing which of the wine farms to visit for a tasting tour. Plenty of other attractions as well, check out www.visit-stellenbosch.com or www.stellenbosch.travel for more options and activities. |
| Race Flyer | Winelands-Marathon-Entry-Form-2019-V6
|
Bluff Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 17 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | Fynnlands Combined Sports Club, 55 Smith Drive, Bluff |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/bluffac/ |
| Contact Details | info@bluffac.co.za; lindsay@psolutions.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\15 |
| Online Entries | https://www.eventtiming.info/entryonline.php?id=407 |
| Pre-entries Close | 10 November 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | Home Connect |
| Perm Numbers? | Possibly in future |
| Entry Fee | R 200 |
| Extras? | Shirt |
| Late Entries? | Yes (No race day entries) |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 383 |
| Race Description | The double-lap route is known as one of the toughest in Durban. The race starts at the Bluff clubhouse before a scenic stroll along Marine Drive. The ocean views distract you from the hard work your legs are enduring. After rounding the outskirts of the Tara Road refinery you head back up Bluff Road for the second lap. |
| Why Run It? | Life is known to be “rough and tough” on the Bluff – get to see how the rough and tough get going for yourself. |
| How To Get There? | 600km (6h) drive or fly to Durban and 45km (40m) drive from King Shaka along the N2. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options. Bluff has some amazing local B&B’s as we are part of SODURBA (Durban South Tourism). The Echo Park is situated within 5k of the race venue, with various other sea facing accommodation available on route (you may even get to see some whales). |
| What Else To Do There? | Plenty of tourist options in and around Durban: http://visitdurban.travel/. The Durban CBD is 15 minutes by car, with uShaka Marine World and North/South Pier as your destination. |
| Race Flyer | Bluff_Marathon_2019 |
Sani Stagger Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 23 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | Premier Resort Sani Pass |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Website | http://www.sanistagger.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | info@sanistagger.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21 |
| Online Entries | http://www.roag.co.za/eventinfo.aspx?EventID=2927 |
| Pre-entries Close | Sold Out for 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No but badges given to runners who complete 5/10/15 Staggers |
| Entry Fee | R 420 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No (Only 600 event entries available) |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 228 |
| Race Description | Set amongst the Maloti Drakensberg World Heritage Site, this is one of the toughest but most scenic marathons in the country. The out-and-back route takes you from the foot of the iconic Sani Pass to the summit over a journey of 21 kilometres and a climb of 1,400m. The steady pull to the escapement culminates with the steepest section as a leg-shattering series a switchbacks lets you gaze down at the runners behind you before reaching the turnaround point just over the South African border post. Your reward along the way are brilliant views of the Drakensberg Mountains and, if you bring your passport, you can have a quick drink at the highest pub in Africa just over the Lesotho border (an altitude of 2,876m) before heading back down the old donkey pass. However, if you do forget your passport, there is a free Jack Black craft beer waiting for every finisher as they cross the line. |
| Why Run It? | This is the most expensive marathon in the country but worth every cent. All proceeds from the race are ploughed back into the event to ensure runners can enjoy a spectacular marathon in a World Heritage Site. The race has been completely plastic sachet free for the last few years and the support tables have only biodegradable cups. |
| How To Get There? | 550km (6h30) drive mostly along the N3. |
| Accommodation Options | https://www.sanistagger.co.za/accommodation/ |
| What Else To Do There? | The race is based close to the village of Underberg which is the gateway to the Southern Drakensberg. There are a number of activities available including Fly-Fishing, San Rock Art, Hiking Trails, Trips up Sani Pass, Mountain Biking. |
| Race Flyer | N/A |
The Magoeba Plunge Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 23 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | Plein Street, Haenertsburg |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community-Service/Rotary-Magoeba-Plunge-Marathon-2388066604772340/ |
| Contact Details | rotarymagoebaplunge@gmail.com; pab@colorweis.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\15\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/event/54242-the-magoeba-plunge |
| Pre-entries Close | 20 November 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 250 |
| Extras? | Goodie bag; Shirt (entries before 26 Oct) |
| Late Entries? | Yes (No race day entries) |
| # of 2018 Finishers | N/A |
| Race Description | Description from the organiser, “Race starts the historic town of Haenertsburg which nestles below the massive Iron Crown Mountain, a few minor straights and curves to the famous cemetery where many people picnic with sundowners and then down to the R71. Here you will follow a lovely undulating route, alongside plantations, Clearwater’s Cove Corner, Stanford College Dip, Blueberry Hill and then finally the top of Magoebaskloof Pass as you arrive at the Houtbosdorp turnoff. Follow the R71, with a few gentle bends and the descent becomes a little more interesting the pass leads from the highveld down the escarpment to the sub-tropical Lowveld, dropping about 600m over a distance of just 6km. Warriors Corner is probably the tightest as you charge headlong down the pass. Tree lined with amazing views down the valley towards Tzaneen. Once through the hairpin bends and the famous lookout point, where some may be tempted to stop for a selfie, you take the gentler corners downward towards the bottom of the Pass. A nice gentle level run and then a few sneaky little uphills for interest sake until you arrive at the Allesbeste Padstal. Quick right turn and down over the twin bridges, up onto the R36 for a moment and right into Anneke Avenue. Downhill all the way into Aqua Avenue past the Tzaneen Dam and the home straight into the Tzaneen Showgrounds. Magoebaskloof Pass is the 20th steepest pass in the country.” |
| Why Run It? | The objective of this new race is to bring the community together through a hand up, not hand out. All funds raised will be donated to the local Rotary chapter. Magoebaskloof is a series of valleys named after a tribal chief who had his head chopped off by rival warriors. According to the organisers, as long as you don’t get carried away and lose your head on the downhill plunge to Tzaneen, you’re in for a fast marathon and an optimal qualifying time. |
| How To Get There? | 400km (4h30) drive mostly along the N1. |
| Accommodation Options | www.mountaingetaways.co.za, www.lekkerslaap.co.za, www.sleepingout.co.za, www.safarinow.co.za, www.wheretostay.co.za, www.airbnb.co.za, www.tripadvisor.co.za & www.bookings.com |
| What Else To Do There? | Explore the Haenertsburg Grasslands, Debengeni Falls and Agatha State Forest – with your options varying from a short exploratory walk to multi-day hikes. See the dense Magoebaskloof forest from above on a zip line canopy tour that includes three waterfall crossings over the Great Letaba River Gorge. If you want to get a closer inspection of the Letaba River, a visit to the Zwakala Microbrewery is highly recommended – the mountain river is the core ingredient of their handcrafted brews. The Agatha Crocodile Farm provides the opportunity to touch baby crocodiles as well as feed the adults – and if you do want to see these and other apex predators in their natural habitat, the Kruger National Park’s Phalaborwa Gate is just a one hour drive away. |
| Race Flyer |   |
Josiah Gumede Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 23 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | Old Aeroplane on the P288, Mazizini, KZN |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/DrakensbergExtra/ |
| Contact Details | barry@theroc.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1493577085 |
| Pre-entries Close | 18 November 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 210 |
| Extras? | Shirt |
| Late Entries? | ? |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 54 |
| Race Description | This point-to-point marathon starts “near the Old Aeroplane on the P288, Mazizini” (your race fee includes a minibus taxi ride to the start) and finishes in Bergville. The challenging but attractive route traverses through the beautiful rural Kwazulu Natal countryside, around the Woodstock Dam and past many villagers, villagers and free-range livestock all to the backdrop of the majestic Drakensberg mountain range. |
| Why Run It? | Look out for “Old Aeroplane” near the start – this impressive and unique structure is a massive sculptured piece of art called the “Helifish” and is also the home of local artist Sibusiso “Punch” Mbhele. For those with more basic requirements, you can enjoy an immaculate view at the ‘Francois Steyn’ toilet at the start (that’s a long drop for those who don’t follow rugby). |
| How To Get There? | 350km (3h) drive mostly along the N3. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | Not much to do in Bergville itself but there are plenty of Drakensberg resorts closeby and of course you can always use the race as an excuse to explore magnificent Midlands. https://midlandsmeander.co.za/ |
| Race Flyer |   Josiah_Gumede_2019_Flyer |
Full race report: Josiah Gumede Marathon (Escaping Black Friday in the Drakensberg)
BVSA Die Vlakte Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 23 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | Heidelberg High |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | http://www.aswd.co.za/event/vlakte-marathon-2/ |
| Contact Details | admin@aswd.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entrytickets.net/vlakte |
| Pre-entries Close | 18 November 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | BVSA Group |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 110 |
| Extras? | Goodie Bag (first 100 entries) |
| Late Entries? | Yes (R20 extra for late entries) |
| # of 2018 Finishers | 256 |
| Race Description | This is a lovely lowkey marathon from Heidelberg to the beach at Witsand in the Western Cape. Starting at 100m above sea-level, you get all your climbing done over the first 10km (and reach an altitude of 200m) before gently dropping down to the beach at Witsand. Much of the route goes past farms and with curious ostriches providing support. |
| Why Run It? | Have a beer on the beach after your race. All income generated by the the race is donated to Cansa. |
| How To Get There? | 1,300km (13h) drive south or fly to Cape Town and 260km (3h) drive along the N2. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | https://www.witsand.co.za/ |
| Race Flyer | Vlakte marathon 2019 – Entry
|
“Phokeng” Platinum Belt Marathon
Note: No response or acknowledgement received from race organiser.
| Race Date | Saturday 23 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | Marikana |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | ? |
| Contact Details | syanda@just-sports.co.za; run@platinumrace.co.za |
| Distance Options | 41\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=4615 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Title Sponsor | ? |
| Perm Numbers? | ? |
| Entry Fee | R 280 |
| Extras? | Shirt, Cap |
| Late Entries? | ? |
| # of 2018 Finishers | N/A |
| Race Description | The inaugural Platinum Belt Marathon was held one year later than promised in 2017 and was an unmitigated disaster. It looks like they are going to have a second attempt at the event in 2019 but have reversed the route to start at Marikana and finish in Phokeng (near Rustenburg). Based on the lack of response to my enquiries and scarcity of information online, I expect that anyone who is brave (or foolish) enough to run the 2019 sequel will be referring to it as the “Phokeng” Platinum Belt Marathon. |
| Why Run It? | If you want to run a marathon with plenty of challenges and have war stories to share with the grandkids this is the race for you. |
| How To Get There? | 120km (1h40) drive north west. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | Check out http://www.tourismnorthwest.co.za/rustenburg/ & https://www.rata.co.za/ |
| Race Flyer | ? |
Full race report: Platinum Belt Marathon: Rustenburg to Marikana (sans water)
Riana van Niekerk Run for Bibles
| Race Date | Saturday 30 November 2019 |
| Start Venue | Lewende Woord Centurion 213 Adam Tas Street, Clubview, Pretoria |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Website | http://runandwalkforbibles.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | rw4bibles@gmail.com; dien@ksm.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.active.com/centurion/running/distance-running-races/run-and-walk-4-bibles-2019 |
| Pre-entries Close | 25 November 2019 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 150 |
| Extras? | Goodie Bag, Branded Buff |
| Late Entries? | Yes (No race day entries) |
| # of 2018 Finishers | N/A |
| Race Description | On the seventh day God rested – but after seven successful years, the Run & Walk 4 Bibles and Alpha Centurion Running Club team have decided that there’s no rest for the wicked and have added a marathon to their very popular event (which includes a half marathon, 10k and 5k). The two-lap marathon course starts at the Lewende Woord and routes one through the streets of Hennopspark, Centurion and Lyttelton (covering much of the ‘old’ Wally Hayward Marathon route). This event has raised more than R500,000 for Bibles over the last seven years and also supports several poverty relief projects. This year they are collecting food for 15 school feeding schemes and 60 other community-based projects, with the aim that both parents and children will have enough food for this Christmas season. |
| Why Run It? | This is the first competitive (prize money awarded) marathon in the world that is named after a female athlete. Riana van Niekerk was a well-known road runner who earned four Comrades and three Two Oceans gold medals. She won many races over her career but is best remembered for her domination of the Om Die Dam 50k (the third largest ultra marathon in South Africa and largest 50k race in the world) which she won six times (more than any other runner). Less than a month after winning her final Om Die Dam in 2015, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died 12 months later. Riana graduated from Hoërskool Zwartkop, who at that stage hosted the start and finish of the Run & Walk for Bibles race. Shortly after Riana’s passing the school principal, Mr. Dewald Strydom, approached the race committee about renaming the race in honour of Riana. The idea was unanimously approved and has become the first (and sadly still only race) in South Africa named after a female athlete – on 2018 figures it is second only in global numbers to the 10k for Grete [Waitz] held in Oslo, Norway (which has 4,300 finishers). |
| How To Get There? | 50km (40m) drive north. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | https://showme.co.za/pretoria/events-entertainment/ |
| Race Flyer | Run_Walk_for_Bibles_2019_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
READ MORE: The Running Mann’s Guide to August Marathons
READ MORE: The Running Mann’s Guide to September Marathons
READ MORE: The Running Mann’s Guide to October Marathons
#RunSouthAfrica
The Running Mann runs his marathons in shoes supplied by the Sweat Shop Broadacres and Asics South Africa.
Header photo: “Into Thin Air” at Sani Stagger (credit Anthony Grote)
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