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:
The ultras consist of three 50 kilometre choices:
- The Seshogo is a brand a point-to-point race in Polokwane – where the routes are normally hot, dusty and fairly flat.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- The Potties Marathon is a pleasant combination of town and country running in Mokpane (formerly Potgietersrus).
Other marathons worth checking out are:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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 |
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)
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 |
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 |
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
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 | |
Profile |
For the most up to date marathon information check out: https://www.roadrunning.co.za/
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