This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s February marathons including race descriptions, recommendations and travel information.
The road running calendar is starting to normalise again with a dozen marathons spread all around the country. It’s great to see some old favourites along with some new comers.
For those looking for a downhill flyer, Buffs is your best bet. There are plenty of fast and flat options as well: Klerksdorp, Secunda, Kloppers, Peninsula and Mielie all fall into this category.
For those that aren’t scared of a few hills Phobians Pretoria and Battlefields are the toughest of the February marathons (Battlefields is also the prettiest) and if you want a good undulating route in the countryside then Bielie Miele is a good choice.
A summary of your choices is below:
Note to the reader: The objective of these monthly articles is to provide a definitive resource for the discerning marathon runner when picking their qualifiers and planning running holidays. Let me know if anything is missing or if you have anything to add!
What I’m hoping to run this year: Joburg North, Peninsula and Ethekwini Best of Best marathons.
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!
Joburg North City Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 13 February 2022 |
| Start Venue | Marks Park, Judith Road, Emmarentia |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Website | https://joburgnorthcitymarathon.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | race@joburgnorthcitymarathon.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=4768 |
| Pre-entries Close | 04 February 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | Planned for future |
| Entry Fee | R 436 |
| Extras? | None |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | N/A |
| Race Description | Experience a running revival through Joburg’s shady northern suburbs with Graham’s new kid on the marathon running Block. An undulating out-and-back route that has been designed for speed. A course where the climbs are gentle and the downhills are generous. See attachment for detailed route description. |
| Why Run It? | Find your true north – this looks to be a fantastic edition to the Gauteng running calendar. RunZone AC have quickly become an institution on the Joburg streets and their marathon is sure to do the same. |
| How To Get There? | 10km north of the city centre |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | – |
| Race Flyer | Joburg_North |
| Profile | Joburg North City Marathon 2020 Route Description |
Aurum Klerksdorp Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Klerksdorp Marathon (You Shouldn’t Judge A Town By Its Main Road)
|
Race Date |
Sunday 13 February 2022 |
| Start Venue | Hoerskool Wesvalia, Klerksdorp |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/klerksdorpmarathon/ |
| Contact Details | klerksdorpmarathon@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/77350-klerksdorp-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | 09 February 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | The Aurum Institute |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 180 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 200 entries) |
| Late Entries? | Yes (R40 extra for late entries; no race day entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 192 |
| Race Description | The largest town in the North West province boasts a well organised, fast and flat marathon with great water tables. This route has changed to a double-lap in 2020 through the suburbs to give runners more shade and less traffc. There is just one hill in Klerksdorp – but of course they make sure to show it off to their visiting runners during the marathon. The race is organised in collaboration with The Aurum Institute – a leading healthcare organisation that has been successfully battling the joint scourge of HIV and TB for the past 20 years. |
| Why Run It? | Get away from the crowds and enjoy one of the great hospitality of a small town marathon – and cool down after your marathon with a dip in the high school pool. Get to run up and down the only hill in Klerksdorp. |
| How To Get There? | 170km (2h) drive along the N12. |
| Accommodation Options | Recommended Options: Bateleur Guesthouse (Special rate) www.bateleurgh.co.za / bateleurguesthouse@lantic.net St Josephs — Helma Cloete, 083 421 2298 / StJosephs@webmail.co.za Readman Lodge — Maryna Moll, 082 458 0677 / mmoll@lantic.net |
| What Else To Do There? | The Thaba Tswene http://thabatshwene.co.za/ and Bona Bona Game Lodges http://www.bonabona.co.za/ are a short drive from Klerksdorp for game drives, spa treatments and dining options. There are also plenty of food, drink and entertainment options around town: Matlosana Mall http://www.matlosanamall.co/ / Rio Hotel and Casino https://www.riocasino.co.za/ / Garden Bridge Lifestyle Centre http://gardenbridgelifestyle.simplesite.com/ / Live music https://www.facebook.com/pg/stageatN12/events/?ref=page_intern |
| Race Flyer |  |
| Profile |
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Sasol Secunda Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 19 February 2022 |
| Start Venue | Sasol Recreation Club, Nelson Mandela Drive, Secunda |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Website | – |
| Contact Details | admin@sasolmarathonclub.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entrytime.co.za/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=6856 |
| Pre-entries Close | 14 February 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | Sasol |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 220 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 300 entries) |
| Late Entries? | Yes (R10 extra for late entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 440 |
| Race Description | After Sasol founded Sasolburg, they decided to establish a second town around the nearby coalfields of Mpumalanga. They called the town Secunda (which I imagine narrowly beat out Sasolburg II in the naming stakes). Sasol retains their dominance on the area by sponsoring both the Sasolburg and Secunda Marathons. The Secunda marathon is your standard, flat, industrial double-lapper. If running to the backdrop of massive cooling towers, smoky chimneys and giant steel constructions is your thing then this is the race for you. The race claims to be provide slightly more variety than their sister town of Sasolburg with a few gentle undulations to stop your legs from going to sleep – and if you are feeling tired the lively support tables will give you a boost. |
| Why Run It? | A good option for a fast qualifier without the Gauteng crowds. This race is one of the initiatives that Sasol uses to promote healthy living and is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year. The event brings the Secunda streets to a standstill every year with enthusiastic, excited participants and Sasol employees and local business make sure that the support tables are something to remember.A good option for a fast qualifier without the Gauteng crowds. |
| How To Get There? | 130km (1h30) drive east along the N17. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B options |
| What Else To Do There? | Spend the afternoon enjoying activities and water sports on and along the Vaal River. |
| Race Flyer | – |
| Profile | – |
Kloppers Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 19 February 2022 |
| Start Venue | Bloemfontein Achilles Sports Centre, Att Horak Avenue |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | http://kloppersrun.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | bloemachilles@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5528 |
| Pre-entries Close | 15 February 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | Kloppers |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 220 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No (No race day entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 231 |
| Race Description | The race followed a new route in 2019 but still has the same great sponsor (Kloppers have sponsored the race since its inception 30 years ago). For those who’ve never run around the City of Roses, it can be surprisingly hilly – but the organisers have made sure they keep the climbing to a minimum with the objective of securing a good qualifier for their runners. |
| Why Run It? | A good qualification option for the Free State runners. |
| 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 |    |
| Profile | 
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Battlefields Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 19 February 2022 |
| Start Venue | Hutten Park Primary, 4 Rietbok Avenue, Newcastle |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Website | https://newcastleharriers.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | info@newcastleharriers.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/77423-battlefields-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | 14 February 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 200 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 84 |
| Race Description | This is a hilly out-and-back route along the quiet D96 passed Fort Amiel (a garrison from the Anglo Boer which is now a national monument). Although the course is tough, the surrounding scenery is simply stunning – your legs might complain about the hills but your eyes will feast on the Drakensburg for the full 42.2 kilometres. |
| Why Run It? | A tranquil marathon with 42.2 kilometres of pristine Drakensburg views. |
| How To Get There? | 300km (3h15 drive) south |
| Accommodation Options | Recommended by the organisers: Avalon Guest Manor and Tramonto Botique Hotel |
| What Else To Do There? | Do a tour of the historic battlefields area. |
| Race Flyer |   |
| Profile |  |
Zabalaza Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 20 February 2022 |
| Start Venue | Cato Ridge Country Club |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Website | – |
| Contact Details | C 073 225 4146 |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1512027571 |
| Pre-entries Close | 15 February 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 300 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | N/A |
| Race Description | According to the organiser this is fast, undulating, double-lap route. |
| Why Run It? | – |
| How To Get There? | 600km (6h) drive or 1h flight to Durban and 80km drive from King Shaka Airport. |
| 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 | Zabalaza |
| Profile | – |
Cape Peninsula Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 20 February 2022 |
| Start Venue | Green Point-Simon’s Town |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://www.topevents.co.za/event/cape-peninsula-marathon-and-half-marathon-2022/ |
| Contact Details | info@topevents.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21 |
| Online Entries | https://cpm.topevents.co.za/ |
| Pre-entries Close | 06 February 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | Yes (10th finish) |
| Entry Fee | R 353 |
| Extras? | None |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 2770 |
| Race Description | A point-to-point marathon with plenty of running along the coastline. A fast, flat, easy marathon – unless the South Easter wind blows! |
| Why Run It? | Hope to find out this year |
| How To Get There? | Fly to Cape Town; Green Point is 20km and Simon’s Town 45km from the airport. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | Apart from the plethora of Cape Town sight-seeing options, the finish venue in Simon’s Town provides the opportunity go for a swim with the Penguins at Boulders Beach (and ice your legs in the Atlantic Ocean) – or go further offshore to watch southern right whales from the comfort of a boat or great white sharks from an underwater cage. Simon’s Town also has a number of museums including the South African Naval Museum. |
| Race Flyer | – |
| Profile | – |
Buffs Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 20 February 2022 |
| Start Venue | N6 Mcleantown – Buffs club |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://www.buffaloroadrunners.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | Meta 0814874984 / metascott5001@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21 |
| Online Entries | https://entrytickets.net/buffs |
| Pre-entries Close | 15 February 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | Yes (10th finish) |
| Entry Fee | R 180 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 800 entries) |
| Late Entries? | No (R20 extra for manual entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 821 |
| Race Description | A fast, downhill marathon that starts near Macleantown at an altitude of 500m and drops you back to sea-level at the Buffs Club in East London. |
| Why Run It? | Chat to the organisers about running their flagship race – the Washie 100 miler. |
| How To Get There? | 1,000km (10h) drive or 1h30 flight to East London (R1,000 – R2,000 return) and 50km (1h) drive. |
| Accommodation Options | Stay at one of the beachfront hotels (Windsor Cabanas, Regent, ICC, Osner, Garden Court) or book a room at one of the many B&Bin the area. |
| What Else To Do There? | Explore the local beaches – good for swimming, surfing, fishing or just relaxing; Some excellent private game reserves are closeby to see Africa’s big game by land as well as whales and sharks by boat. Check out https://www.eastlondon.org.za/tourism.html for more. |
| Race Flyer |   |
| Profile |   |
Bielie Miele Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Bielie Mielie Marathon (Valentine’s Day in the Free State)
| Race Date | Saturday 26 February 2022 |
| Start Venue | Bowls Club, Sarel Cilliers Street, Reitz |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Website | http://www.bieliemielie.co.za/index.php |
| Contact Details | hanneliec@vkb.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | Manual only – here’s the form: Bieliemielie_marathon_2022 |
| Pre-entries Close | 15 February 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | Old Mutual Insure |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 200 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes (R50 extra for late entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 75 |
| Race Description | Although the town of Reitz is small in size they are big on mielies – and have one of the largest maize silos in the southern hemisphere. The marathon forms part of the Bielie Mielie Festival – a long weekend full of festivities, sporting activities and ‘lietjies’ from the best Afrikaans talent in the industry. The out-and-back route is run over undulating country roads while competitors take in the atmosphere of the eastern Free State. |
| Why Run It? | Stick around and experience some local culture at the festival. The energetic and competitive can take part in the ‘Boeresport-kompetisie’ later on Saturday afternoon together with your favourite local soap opera stars. If my translation abilities are correct, activities include eiergooi (egg-tossing), mieliepit eet (competitive corn consumption), sakresies (sack races), trekkerband trek (tractor tyre pull) en baaldra (hay bale tossing). |
| How To Get There? | 215km (2h) drive south. |
| Accommodation Options | https://www.travelground.com/accommodation-in/reitz and https://www.sa-venues.com/accommodation/reitz.php |
| What Else To Do There? | In addition to the action and entertainment packed Bielie Mielie Festival, there are game reserves, golf courses, hiking trails, 4×4 trails and many resorts and spas in the area. |
| Race Flyer | Bieliemielie_marathon_2022_lowres |
| Profile |  |
AECI Mielie Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Mielie Marathon (The Amaizeing Race)
| Race Date | Saturday 26 February 2022 |
| Start Venue | HTS Sports Grounds, Volks Road, Welkom |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | http://www.goudveldmultisport.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | goudveldmultisport@yahoo.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1511660262 |
| Pre-entries Close | 23 February 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | AECI |
| Perm Numbers? | Yes (10th finish) |
| Entry Fee | R 180 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes (No race day entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 220 |
| Race Description | A single-lap marathon around the Free State’s second largest city. The route is flat and the support tables are friendly. This will be the 43nd running of the event (as such it is the oldest marathon in the States) and is my pick for a fast January qualifier. |
| Why Run It? | A fast, uncongested single-lap race that offers a permanent number to her regular customers. Get some Comrades tips from local legend Louis Massyn (47 Comrades finishes) along the route. |
| How To Get There? | 250km (2h30) drive from Joburg down the N1. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B options |
| What Else To Do There? | If anyone knows of anything worthwhile doing in Welkom (other than running a marathon) please let me know. |
| Race Flyer |     |
| Profile |
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Ethekwini Best of Best Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 27 February 2022 |
| Start Venue | Kings Park Stadium, Durban |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Website | http://www.bestofthebestmarathon.co.za |
| Contact Details | ama.ravens@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1493430586 |
| Pre-entries Close | 17 February 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 350 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 2,000 entries) |
| Late Entries? | Yes (R50 extra for late entriesNo race day entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | N/A |
| Race Description | A double-lap route from Kings Park Stadium towards Suncoast Casino including a section along the promenade. From there it’s over the river to Durban North and then back to Kings Park. |
| Why Run It? | A new race on the calendar with big growth plans for the future. The speedsters will be interested in the prize money and ‘hot spot’ incentives on offer. |
| How To Get There? | 600km (6h) drive or 1h flight to Durban and 35km drive from King Shaka Airport. |
| 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 | 2022-Ethekwini-best-of-the-best-Marathon-Race-Flyer |
| Profile | – |
Phobians Pretoria Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 27 February 2022 |
| Start Venue | Pretoria High School Old Boys Club, Hofmeyr Park 378 Queens Crescent, Lynnwood |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Website | https://pretoriamarathon.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | info@pretoriamarathon.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/77440-pretoria-marathon-2022 |
| Pre-entries Close | 22 February 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 317 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 1,000 entries) |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 2808 |
| Race Description | This race in the nation’s capital is one of the tougher marathons out there. The double-lap route winds you up Waterkloof Ridge and to the top of Klapperkop Hill before murdering your quads with a rapid descent that takes you all the way into the beautiful grounds of Pretoria Boys’ High School. Although the final kilometre is a juicy downhill, the preceding four kilometres are a steady climb that will test your weary legs. |
| Why Run It? | In pre-Covid times, this event had over 10,000 participants over the various distances, this is a race for those who like their marathons big and hilly. |
| How To Get There? | 75km (1h) but allow extra time for traffic. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | – |
| Race Flyer | PretoriaMarathon |
| Profile | https://pretoriamarathon.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PTA_route.mp4 |
For the most up to date marathon information check out: https://www.roadrunning.co.za/
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