The Running Mann’s Guide to May 2022 Marathons

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

Unless you’re triskaidekaphobic, the good news is that after a very quiet April there are 13 marathon and ultra options in May.

A summary of all your choices is below:

Click to expand

The ultras consist of three 50 kilometre choices:

  1. The Seshogo is a brand a point-to-point race in Polokwane – where the routes are normally hot, dusty and fairly flat.
  2. After an absence of several year’s, the False Bay 50k is back offering a trip along the Cape coastline from Kleinmond to Betty’s Bay.
  3. Bruintjieshoogte is the oldest ultra in the Eastern Cape, a hidden gem on the race calendar and one I would highly recommend that all runners add to their running CV. The route is a tough 25km climb out of Somerset East to the top of the Bruintjieshoogte and then back again.

On the marathon front, you’ve got what I make as the two easiest marathons in South Africa.

  1. The old Elands Valley returns as the TRAC4 Elands Marathon. This is a downhill quadcrusher from Waterval Boven to Ngodwana but, runners beware, the second half is a lot ‘flatter’ than the first.
  2. The Tony Viljoen Masters Marathon at the end of the month is pure, unadulterated running erotica. With gentle downhills from 600m to sea-level in the Buffalo City, it’s the easiest marathon I’ve ever done.

Your fast and flat double-lapper options are:

  1. The MiWay Wally Hayward Marathon which promises to be the biggest post-Covid running event in Gauteng. With great organisation and an excellent runners’ vibe, I always enjoy crossing the Jukskei to run the Wally.
  2. The Potties Marathon is a pleasant combination of town and country running in Mokpane (formerly Potgietersrus).

Other marathons worth checking out are:

  1. The Great Lake Marathon which is a small field, undulating, out-and-back route in rural Mpumalanga – I did not know that South Africa had a lake district until I ran their inaugural event in 2019.
  2. The Tronox Marathon in northern Kwazulu Natal has been on my ‘to do’ list for a number of years and, if the travel budget, allows I’ll see if I can get to Empangeni for this out-and-back adventure through the sugar cane fields this year.
  3. The inaugural Midvaal Marathon is a pancake flat, circular, single-lap route through Meyerton, Golfpark, Henley on Klip, Daleside and Riversdal.

There are also two fairly new events in Kwazulu Natal – the Capital City Marathon (which replaces the exceptionally well organised Maritzburg Marathon) and the Durban International Marathon. Both these races had an official media launch but don’t reply to media enquiries so I can’t provide more information on them*. Completing the trilogy of KZN marathons that resolutely refuse to respond to enquiries is the Harry Gwala District Marathon – from what I can tell this is a point-to-point route in rural southern KZN.

* They have subsequently replied so race information has been confirmed and updated.

Late addition: Meerkat Marathon on 14 May. This is a flat single lap route around Kimberley – a good option for those that want to add a Northern Cape marathon to their running CV.

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!

Capital City Marathon

Photo from the old Maritzburg Marathon.
Race Date Sunday 01 May 2022
Start Venue Pietermaritzburg City Hall
Route Type Circular
Website https://capitalcity42.co.za/
Contact Details racedirector@capitalcity42.co.za
Distance Options 42\21\10
Online Entries https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1512946881
Pre-entries Close 15 April 2022
Title Sponsor None
Perm Numbers? Planned for future
Entry Fee R 320
Extras? ?
Late Entries? Yes (R100 extra on 29/30 April)
# of 2019/20 Finishers 1340
Race Description Touted in its inaugural year (2020) as the Marathon of Choice, the KZN Capital City Marathon makes its comeback on May Day. It’s a relatively flat one-lap route around Kwazulu Natal’s capital city that starts in front of the iconic City Hall and finishes a short distance away at the Umsunduzi Athletics Stadium.
Why Run It? With a start in front of the famous City Hall, this is a great opportunity for Comrades runners who want to mentally prepare themselves for 28 August.
How To Get There? 500km (5h) drive or fly to Durban and 100km (1h) drive from King Shaka.
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  CAPITAL-CITY-42-INFORMATION-Brochure
Profile  –

Seshego 50k

Race Date Sunday 01 May 2022
Start Venue Paledi Mall-Seshego Stadium, Polokwane
Route Type Point-to-point
Website https://www.seshegomarathon.org/
Contact Details Laban Kgomo – Marathon Administrator
082 958 4025
admin@seshegomarathon.org
Distance Options 50/21/10
Online Entries https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5539
Pre-entries Close 25 April 2022
Title Sponsor None
Perm Numbers? No
Entry Fee R 450
Extras? Shirt
Late Entries? No
# of 2019/20 Finishers N/A
Race Description This is the inaugural event – Limpopo marathons are usually hot and reasonably flat.
Why Run It? Run for a good cause – proceeds will be used will assist learners from underprivileged families who experience reading difficulties with reading glasses.
How To Get There? 325km (3h) drive due north on the N1.
Accommodation Options Check out Google for B&B and hotel options
What Else To Do There? http://polokwanetourism.co.za/
Race Flyer  Seshego Marathon – Online Entries Flyer – 2022 – Revised
Profile

MiWay Wally Hayward Marathon

Detailed Race Report: MiWay Wally Hayward Marathon (Can I be Frank with you?)

Race Date Monday 02 May 2022
Start Venue Centurion Rugby Club
Route Type Double-lapper
Website http://wally.co.za/
Contact Details info@wally.co.za
Distance Options 42\21\10
Online Entries https://www.active.com/centurion/running/distance-running-races/miway-wally-hayward-marathon-2022
Pre-entries Close 15 April 2022
Title Sponsor Miway www.miway.co.za
Perm Numbers? No
Entry Fee R 300
Extras? TBC
Late Entries? TBC
# of 2019/20 Finishers 3853
Race Description  “The Wally” is named after the legendary Wally Hayward who won five Comrades from five attempts (1930, 50, 51, 53, 54) before returning as a 79-year old in 1998 (finishing in 9h44) and 1999 (10h50 and the oldest ever finisher). This is one of the most festive races on the calendar as Gauteng runners flock to Centurion to do some roadwork on Workers’ Day

The two-lap route starts with some gentle climbs through leafy suburbs and finishes with easy downhills on wide open roads. As race sponsor, MiWay pull out all the stops to make this a memorable run (I understand that they have something very special planned for the 2022 event).

Why Run It? The best way to celebrate Workers’ Day is to run 42km around the leafy suburbs of Centurion..
Check out the highlights video from a previous race: https://youtu.be/YE0ezex3LGk
How To Get There? The start is 55km (45mins) north of central Joburg with many access points but allow for race day traffic.
Accommodation Options https://www.wally.co.za/accommodation
What Else To Do There? http://www.tshwanetourism.com/
Race Flyer  See website
Profile

A two-lap tour of Centurion’s finest highways. A couple of pulls but no real hills along the way.

TRACN4 Elands Marathon

Race Date Saturday 07 May 2022
Start Venue Waterval-Boven-Ngodwana, Mpu
Route Type Point-to-point
Website https://www.tracn4.co.za/#/trackeventsElandsMarathon
Contact Details bethbloch@gmail.com / 082 801 3600
Distance Options 42\21\10
Online Entries https://www.entryninja.com/events/77553-tracn4-elands
Pre-entries Close 02 May 2022
Title Sponsor Trans African Concessions (TRAC)
Perm Numbers? No
Entry Fee R 280
Extras? None
Late Entries? No
# of 2019/20 Finishers N/A
Race Description This a point-to-point downhill flyer along a scenic route for those looking for an easy qualifier or to upgrade their Comrades seeding.
Why Run It? The return of one of the most popular out of town marathons. The race sponsor also manages the road the marathon is run on – ensuring a safe and secure running experience with full road closures.
How To Get There? 260km (3h) drive east on the N12 and N4.
Accommodation Options Accommodation options listed at: https://www.entryninja.com/events/77553-tracn4-elands
Accommodation at Emgweya (Waterval Boven) and Kaapsehoop, At Fortis Malaga Hotel and all of the lodges along the N4 bewteen and start point Emgwenya and Ngodwana.
Buscor, another of our sponsors will provide the busses that will take runners from the end, Ngodwana to the starts of the 42 – Emgwenya or 21 Fortis Malaga Hotel.
https://www.sa-venues.com/accommodation/watervalboven.php
What Else To Do There? This is a popular and beautiful destination for a weekend away – with autumn being the prime time to enjoy the scenery. Run and then make a holiday of it to recover in the Slowveld.
Race Flyer  –
Profile  –

Potties Marathon

Detailed Race Report: Potties Marathon Photies (A Pictorial Report from the South African Bushveld)

Race Date Saturday 07 May 2022
Start Venue Vleissentraal, Mokopane
Route Type Double-lapper
Website
Contact Details ntsakoaubrey@icloud.com / 076 422 4486
Distance Options 42\32\21\10\5
Online Entries https://www.entryninja.com/events/77684-potties-5-in-1-road-race
Pre-entries Close 05 May 2022
Title Sponsor 0
Perm Numbers? No
Entry Fee R 200
Extras?
Late Entries? Yes (R20 extra for late entries; No race day entries)
# of 2019/20 Finishers 136
Race Description An interesting double-lapper (you don’t get too many of those) on a flat route that includes a bit of dirt road running along some game farms. If you like experiencing town and country on the same run this is a good one to do. I always thought this race was in Potchefstroom but it takes its name from the former name of Mokopane – Potgietersrus – which was the town’s name when the race started.
Why Run It? A fast and friendly marathon that boasts being “the cheapest race in the north” – and your entry fee also usually includes a great goodie bag.
How To Get There? 270km (2h30) drive due north on the N1
Accommodation Options Check out Google for B&B and hotel options
What Else To Do There? http://www.discoversouthafrica.co.za/leisure/mokopane-tourism/
Race Flyer  
Profile  –

Durban International Marathon

Race Date Sunday 08 May 2022
Start Venue Prospection Road-Moses Mabhida, KZN
Route Type Point-to-point
Website https://durbanmarathon.co.za/
Contact Details racedirector@durbanmarathon.co.za
Distance Options 42\10
Online Entries https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1512835880
Pre-entries Close 30 April 2022
Title Sponsor None
Perm Numbers? ?
Entry Fee R 320
Extras? ?
Late Entries? No
# of 2019/20 Finishers N/A
Race Description ?
Why Run It? ?
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  Durban-International-Marathon-Flyer-Design
Profile  –

Bruintjieshoogte 50k

Detailed Race Report: Marathon Addict? Guilty As Charged! (My 100th Unique Marathon At Bruintjieshoogte)

Termite mounds dominate the foreground during the Bruintjieshoogte 50k.
Race Date Saturday 14 May 2022
Start Venue Gill Primary School, Somerset East
Route Type Out-and-back
Website
Contact Details henrico.marais@gmail.com; ronette@gbggroup.co.za, bruintjieshoogte@gmail.com
Distance Options 50\25\15\5
Online Entries
Pre-entries Close 10 May 2022
Title Sponsor African Wildlife Artistry africanwildlifeartistry.co.za Eyona Meats
Perm Numbers? Yes (10th finish)
Entry Fee R 200
Extras?
Late Entries? No
# of 2019/20 Finishers 156
Race Description A 25km climb out of Somerset East to the top of the Bruintjieshoogte and then back again is the recipe for another great South African 50km ultra. The oldest ultra in the Eastern Cape is a hidden gem on the race calendar and one I would recommend all runners add to their running CV. Top tip: Take some time to unwind afterwards in the awesome Addo Elephant National Park – and practice your game spotting skills along the route keeping a lookout for kudu, gemsbok and the majestic sable.
Why Run It? A quality 50km race surrounded by the beautiful Eastern Cape landscape. One of the real hidden gems on the race calendar. A race all runners should make the effort to run at least once.
How To Get There? 1,050km (11h) drive or a 1h30 flight (approx R1,500) and 200km (2h) drive to Somerset East..
Accommodation Options Gill Primary Hostel:  Tel: 042 243 2997/084 556 1249
Bellevue Hostel – Eddy Sims 082 333 7630
Various guest houses: www.somerset-east.co.za/listings/accommodation
What Else To Do There? The Walter Battiss Art Museum, Fly Fishing, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding, Hunting. Visit  www.somerset-east.co.za for more info.
Race Flyer  BRUINTJIESHOOGTE MARATHON 2022 ENTRY FORM
Profile

A tale of two halves – if you 3D printed the profile you could definitely hurt someone with the output.

Meerkat Marathon

Detailed Race Report: Meerkat Marathon (The One With A Presidential Sendoff)

Race Date Saturday 14 May 2022
Start Venue Windhoek Draught Park, Kimberley
Route Type Circular
Website https://www.facebook.com/events/404353618359718
Contact Details kbyroadrunners@gmail.com
Distance Options 42\21\10\5
Online Entries https://www.evententry.co.za/?espresso_events=meerkat-marathon-14-may-2022
Pre-entries Close 11 May 2022
Title Sponsor Vodacom https://www.vodacom.co.za/
Perm Numbers? No
Entry Fee R 250
Extras? Win a Diamond in the post-race lucky draw
Late Entries? No
# of 2019/20 Finishers 133
Race Description The flat, circular route provides a great on foot tour of some of Kimberley’s historic sites like the Big Hole, Rhodes Memorial (with canons and other artefacts from the Anglo Boer War), the Northern Cape houses of parliament and the Star of the West (the oldest pub in South Africa). The scenery over the route varies a great deal and provides a cosmopolitan perspective of suburbia, township, industrial and country life in and around the city. A carnival-like atmosphere awaits all finishers at Bishops Old Boys’ sports fields line where all participants enjoy a complimentary hamburger.
Why Run It? Have a beer at the oldest pub in South Africa – the Star of the West – before, after or during or your marathon. If your legs are too tired after the race, you can always try the Halfway House – the first drive-in pub in South Africa.
How To Get There? 500km (5h) drive or 1h flight (approx R2,000 return)
Accommodation Options Check out Google for B&B options
What Else To Do There? Go digging for diamonds at the ‘Big Hole’ complex; Check out the historic battlefields as well as various memorials and museums; Have a beer at the Star of the West – the oldest pub in South Africa. There are also a few game viewing options within close driving distance.
Race Flyer
Profile
Route map.

The route is very flat with the only sharp spikes being brief bridge crossings over a railway line or highway.

Harry Gwala District Marathon

Race Date Sunday 15 May 2022
Start Venue R612 Highflats – Umzimkhulu College
Route Type Point-to-point
Website
Contact Details Themba Gumede
tgumede@ubuhlebezwe.gov.za
072 948 8779
Distance Options 42\21\10
Online Entries https://www.eventtiming.info/entryonline.php?id=379
Pre-entries Close ?
Title Sponsor Harry Gwala Municipality www.harrygwaladm.gov.za/
Perm Numbers? No
Entry Fee R 300
Extras? Shirt
Late Entries? Yes (R50 extra for late entries)
# of 2019/20 Finishers 200
Race Description ?
Why Run It? ?
How To Get There? 600km (6h30). N3 to Pietermaritzburg and then head into the country or fly to King Shaka and 165km (2h) drive.
Accommodation Options ?
What Else To Do There? ?
Race Flyer  
Profile  –

False Bay 50k

Race Date Sunday 22 May 2022
Start Venue 0.00
Route Type Point-to-point
Website http://strandac.co.za/wp/valsbaai-50km/
Contact Details strandatletiekklub@gmail.com
Distance Options 50\10
Online Entries https://www.entryninja.com/events/77708-falsebay-50km
Pre-entries Close 11 May 2022
Title Sponsor None
Perm Numbers? Yes (10th finish)
Entry Fee R 284
Extras?
Late Entries? No
# of 2019/20 Finishers N/A
Race Description A point-to-point route from Kleinmond to Gordon’s Bay whilst hugging the Cape coastline along the R44 Claren’s Drive route. An ideal last long run before Comrades – and a great alternative for a Cape ultra for those not lucky enough to get a Two Oceans ballot entry.
Why Run It? 50 kilometres along the West Cape coastline – say no more!
How To Get There? 2h flight to Cape Town and 100km (1h20m) drive from the airport to Kleinmond.
Accommodation Options Check out Google for B&B and hotel options
What Else To Do There? https://kleinmondtourism.co.za/
https://gordonsbaytourism.com/
Race Flyer  –
Profile  

Great Lake Marathon

Detailed Race Report: Great Lake Marathon (Top secret marathon running)

Race Date Saturday 28 May 2022
Start Venue Chrissiesmeer Lodge
Route Type Out-and-back
Website
Contact Details yolanda.r@vodamail.co.za
Distance Options 42\21\10\5
Online Entries
Pre-entries Close
Title Sponsor None
Perm Numbers? No
Entry Fee R 180
Extras?
Late Entries? Yes
# of 2019/20 Finishers 45
Race Description This is a simple straight-line out-and-back route from Chrissiesmeer, an authentic one horse, 200 tractor town (most of the tractors belonging to Randall’s Ranch and Tractor Museum). On the way out there is a continual slow poison climb all the way to the eight kilometre mark, one speedbump between 15 and 17 kilometres and then, with the neighbouring town of Carolina in sight, a nasty little incline to the turnaround point. On the way home this translates as three kilometres of climbing to get to the 25k mark, which is shortly thereafter followed by a relentless seven kilometre pull to 34k. The good news is that you can cash in on your opening eight kilometre investment with a lovely long downhill finish.
Why Run It? With just 150 residents, Chrissiesmeer is the smallest town in South Africa to host a marathon – with the bonus that you can stay right at the start of the race.
How To Get There? 250km (3h) drive east
Accommodation Options Stay at the start: Lake Chrissiesmeer Lodge
What Else To Do There? Explore Mpumalanga’s grasslands and wetlands region. Go fishing, birding or frogging in the largest freshwater lake in South Africa, Lake Chrissie.
Race Flyer  
Profile  

Midvaal May Marathon

Race Date Sunday 29 May 2022
Start Venue Midvaal Sport & Conference Centre, Meyerton
Route Type Circular
Website http://www.midvaalmaymarathon.co.za/
Contact Details info@midvaalmaymarathon.co.za
Distance Options 42\21\10\6
Online Entries https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5602
Pre-entries Close 24 May 2022
Title Sponsor Midvaal Local Municipality
Perm Numbers? No
Entry Fee R 270
Extras? Shirt (first 1,000 online entries)
Late Entries? Yes
# of 2019/20 Finishers N/A
Race Description A circular, single-lap route through Meyerton, Golfpark, Henley on Klip, Daleside, Riversdal which includes a couple of crossing of the Klipriver.
Why Run It? Take part in the Inaugural race organised by the friendly and passionate people of Midvaal. Fast and flat single lapper. Run past the Oprah Winfrey Leadership academy and Midvaal Raceway – where Michael Schumacher still holds the course record.
How To Get There? 50km (40mins) south
Accommodation Options Check out Google for B&B and hotel options as well as https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=329634169158362&id=100063353432288&sfnsn=scwspmo for an up to date list.
What Else To Do There? Enjoy an afternoon at the Vaal Dam or check out https://www.vaalmeander.co.za/ for other options.
Race Flyer Midvaal May Marathon 2022 Flyer V3 FINAL 20220414 C 3
Profile

Tronox Marathon

A great day out with the family Photo supplied).
Race Date Sunday 29 May 2022
Start Venue Addison Park Empangeni
Route Type Out-and-back
Website https://www.umhlathuze-ac.co.za/crocs-rock/uac-race-events
Contact Details info@umhlathuze-ac.co.za
Distance Options 42\21\10
Online Entries https://www.entryninja.com/events/77704-marathon-and-fun-run
Pre-entries Close 21 May 2022
Title Sponsor Tronox https://www.tronox.com/
Perm Numbers? No
Entry Fee R 300
Extras?
Late Entries? Yes (R100 extra for race day entries)
# of 2019/20 Finishers 183
Race Description  By popular demand, the race is back to the traditional out-and-back route through the sugar cane fields. The scenic route combines tar and off-road running over a course that will test your endurance. Northern Natal can be very hot, but the refreshment tables are always well stocked with ice-cold Coke and water. Marathon runners are ensured a balanced diet over the route with barrels of bananas (which grow like weeds in this part of the world) as well as potatoes and oranges.
Why Run It? For the bipodal (who enjoy a bit of running in the rough), you get the best of both tar and trail on this course.
How To Get There? 600km (7h) drive or fly to Durban and 150km (1h30) drive from King Shaka along the N2.
Accommodation Options Check out Google for B&B and hotel options
What Else To Do There? Take a short drive to Richard’s Bay to go whale watching or explore one of the many game reserves and national heritage sites (like St. Lucia and Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Park) that are all within an hour’s drive.
Race Flyer  Tronox Flyer final 2022
Profile  

Tony Viljoen Masters Marathon

Detailed Race Report: Tony Viljoen Masters Marathon (Pure unadulterated running erotica)

Race Date Sunday 29 May 2022
Start Venue N6 Cobongo
Route Type Point-to-point
Website https://www.facebook.com/bordermastersathletics/
Contact Details oatley@cis.za.net
Distance Options 42
Online Entries https://entrytickets.net/masters
Pre-entries Close 25 May
Title Sponsor NFB Private Wealth Management
Perm Numbers? No
Entry Fee R180
Extras?
Late Entries? No
# of 2019/20 Finishers 705
Race Description Tony Viljoen Masters Marathon is pure, unadulterated marathon running erotica. Nothing but feathers, tender caresses and light tickles; A gentle frolic as you tenderly work your way down from an altitude of 600m to a sea-level climax. The route follows the N6 for 95% of the race and there is absolutely no kink at all until the 40km mark when you veer into the suburbs.
This marathon is light petting, PG-rated first base action all the way. There are no quad crushing downhills – just a long, gradual, tantric drop to home base (and a very soft landing) at Feathers in Beacon Bay. There are a couple of minor uphills along the way but nothing that will leave any marks or bruises the next day. No safe words required. This is a race that treats you well, is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face and will respect you the next morning.
Why Run It? I make this the easiest marathon in the country.
How To Get There? Fly to East London; 50km (45m) drive to Macleantown
Accommodation Options Search accommodation sites for Beacon Bay if you would like to stay very close to the finish, but there are many great overnight stays close by in Nahoon, Stirling, Selborne all within 10 minutes.
What Else To Do There? Stunning Indian Ocean beaches, game reserves, great pubs and restaurants with river or beach views to die for!  Check out https://www.eastlondon.org.za/tourism.html for more.
Race Flyer
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For the most up to date marathon information check out: https://www.roadrunning.co.za/ 

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