This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s June marathons and ultras including race descriptions, recommendations and travel information.
There’s a paltry ten options for the road running enthusiast this June which is surprising since this should be a peak Comrades training month.
A summary of all your choices is below:
The majority of your options are on the first weekend. Those looking for an ultra can run 52k in the Free State at Bloemfontein’s SWASAP ultra or the Prince Mangosuthu ultra from Nqutu to Dundee in rural northern Kwazulu Natal. Your two marathon options are the flat CDM Polokwane marathon or the tough but beautiful Threshhold Hillcrest Marathon in Durban.
It’s just Om Die Dam and Ermelo’s TWK Highveld Marathon on the second weekend in June. Om Die Dam is back to the classic 50k counterclockwise loop around the Haartbeespoort Dam. The organisers split the 21k and ultra over different weekends so hopefully traffic to the start will be a lot better this year.
The second half of the month is dominated by Gauteng marathons. There is the fast-and-flat option of Sedibeng Marathon in Vereeniging on Youth Day, the Edenvale Marathon a few days later and then Run Zone’s inaugural Autumn Chase Marathon on the last weekend.
Rounding off the month is another inaugural race, the City of Mbombela Marathon, which is an undulating route from Barberton to Mbombela.
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!
SWASAP 52k
| Race Date | Saturday 04 June 2022 |
| Start Venue | Bloemfontein Achilles Sports Centre, Att Horak Avenue |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | http://bfnachilles.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | bloemachilles@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 52\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5649 |
| Pre-entries Close | 02 June 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | SWASAP |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 282 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes (No race day entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 97 |
| Race Description | Route moderate with hills. |
| Why Run It? | Get an ultra done in the Free State. |
| 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 | 2022 IBL Swasap Race Flyer |
| Profile | Route Description Swasap Ultra 52 Km |
CDM Polokwane Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 04 June 2022 |
| Start Venue | Rugby B & C fields Polokwane |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | https://polokwaneathleticclub.co.za |
| Contact Details | polokwaneac@yahoo.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5642 |
| Pre-entries Close | 31 May 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | Capricorn District Municipality https://www.cdm.org.za/ |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 282 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 300 |
| Race Description | A fast and flat route around Limpopo’s capital city. The route isn’t going to win any beauty competitions but is a good option as a qualifier for those in South Africa’s northern outreaches. The race strives to be the premium marathon in the area with a total prize purse of R150,000. |
| Why Run It? | – |
| 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 |  |
| Profile | – |
Threshhold Hillcrest Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Hillcrest Marathon (Code Brown on the Comrades route)
“Run the Hillcrest Marathon and find out kid!”
| Race Date | Sunday 05 June 2022 |
| Start Venue | Central Hillcrest |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Website | http://hillcrestvillagers.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | secretary@hillcrestvillagers.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21 |
| Online Entries | https://www.easyreg.co.za/select_registration_type?controller=registrations&event_id=284#_=_ |
| Pre-entries Close | 29 May 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | Threshhold https://www.threshhold.co.za/ |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 350 |
| Extras? | Shirt; Goodie Bag |
| Late Entries? | No (R30 cheaper if you enter before 22 May) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 1015 |
| Race Description | If you ever wondered what a real avenue of trees looks like, Hillcrest is the place to find out. Whilst Comrades slowly processes 20,000 runners through Kwazulu Natal’s colon, you get to see the fresher, unprocessed side of the suburbs during the Hillcrest Marathon. This is one of the most scenic city runs I’ve done and, whilst I am not one to rush into definitive statements, Hillcrest can definitely lay claim to being the most beautiful double-lap, urban marathon in South Africa. |
| Why Run It? | The route provides the astute runner an opportunity to get acquainted with the undulations and atmosphere they’ll encounter on their way down to Durban during Comrades later in the year. This year Threshhold will offer a spectator shuttle service. They will have 2 spectator hotspots on the course where they will set up their teams with coffee, food etc for spectators. They will then offer free shuttle buses to ferry spectators around so that they can see their runners multiple times on the course. |
| How To Get There? | 550km (5h30) drive or 1h flight to Durban and 60km drive from King Shaka Airport. |
| Accommodation Options | www.warrens.co.za / www.eagleslandingbnb.co.za / www.yorkhousebnb.co.za / www.rivendell.co.za / www.valleylodge.net |
| What Else To Do There? | In the immediate vicinity there are great tourist options like Phezulu Safari Park, Tala Private Game Reserve, 1000 Hills Tourist Route, Shongweni Farmers Market, Umgeni Steam Railway, Inanda Dam, Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, Giba Gorge MTB and Trail Run Park and Restaurant, Shongweni and 1,000 Hills Park Runs |
| Race Flyer | 20220307_Hillcrest Marathon Entry Form_final |
| Profile |
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Prince Mangosuthu 52k
Detailed Race Report: Prince Mangosuthu Ultra (The Dundee double)
| Race Date | Sunday 05 June 2022 |
| Start Venue | Umagazi Secondary School, Nquthu, KZN |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/groups/823926617668517/user/100063701852974/ |
| Contact Details | Siyabonga: 083 377 8959 / Skhumbuzo: 072 046 7803 |
| Distance Options | 52\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1514643121 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Title Sponsor | Umzinyathi District Municipality |
| Perm Numbers? | Planned for future |
| Entry Fee | R 200 |
| Extras? | Shirt |
| Late Entries? | ? |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 116 |
| Race Description | A point-to-point ultra from Nqutu to Dundee in northern KZN. The first 18 kilometres are an easy downhill that drops one from around 1,400m to below 1,100m. This lulls one into a false sense of security until you hit the bottom of the Buffalo River Valley. From that point onward it’s hard work, with plenty of climbing as you bob up and down all the way to Dundee. |
| Why Run It? | A small field ultra with big prize money for the speedsters. |
| How To Get There? | 370km (4h drive) south east |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | Do a tour of the historic battlefields area. |
| Race Flyer |  |
| Profile |
|
Om Die Dam 50k
Detailed Race Report: Om Die Dam: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
| Race Date | Saturday 11 June 2022 |
| Start Venue | Hartbeespoort Holiday Resort 5, Old Rustenburg Road, Hartbeespoort |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | http://www.omdiedamultra.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | info@omdiedamultra.co.za |
| Distance Options | 50\21 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/77692-om-die-dam-ultra |
| Pre-entries Close | 21 May 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | Yes (10th finish) |
| Entry Fee | R 650 |
| Extras? | Shirt (entries before 8 May) |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 3171 |
| Race Description | Like the name says, this ultra is one long lap around the Hartbeespoort Dam. The route is back to its traditional anti-clockwise direction in 2022 which means the classic climb of Saartjies Nek greets you at the 38km mark. This is a tough route with continual undulations.
Om Die Dam Gold has been awarded Gold Label status by the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) enabling the speedsters to use the race to qualify for the 50k World Championships. Om Die Dam is one of South Africa’s big five ultras and 50km of hard road around Hartbeespoort Dam are just what your legs need to prepare for Comrades. |
| Why Run It? | Enjoy the spectacular views on offer as you run over the Hartbeespoort Dam wall early on but the real highlight of this race is Saartjies Nek at 38km. Legend has it that Saartjie was a wicked witch who now haunts the pass (making this a real “hek’s nek”). Saartjie is indeed a nasty nymph who will haunt and taunt the weary ultra runner as you slowly drag yourself to the top of the Nek. Take your time to appreciate the effort the support tables put into this section – the road is lined with witch replicas who mock you with “mop messages” like “Saartjie sê goeiemore“, “Saartjie het jou” (Saartjie’s got you) and at the top “Saartjie sê sien jou volgende jaar” (Saarjie says see you next year). When I first ran the race, Saartjie could only speak Afrikaans but she has learnt a bit of English over the years – maybe she’ll also start speaking another of our 11 official languages in years to come! |
| How To Get There? | 80km (1h). Reduced events and entry numbers should make traffic better this year but in the past you had to leave by 3:30am to make the 6am start. Note from the organisers: “There will soon be updated detail directions from Gauteng to the venue on our website (since there are various routes available). Runners should familiarise them with the proposed routes and not use their GPSs only, since there will be road closures in Hartbeespoort on the morning of the race.” |
| Accommodation Options | https://kormorant.co.za/hartbeespoort-holiday/ and guesthouses listed on race site. |
| What Else To Do There? | Plenty to do in and around the dam – see www.goharties.co.za and https://kormorant.co.za/hartbeespoort-holiday/ for details. |
| Race Flyer |  |
| Profile |
|
TWK Agri Highveld Marathon
Note: Awaiting reply from organisers for confirmation of details and whether this is a brand new race or a rebranded Gert Sibande Marathon.
| Race Date | Saturday 11 June 2022 |
| Start Venue | JJ van der Merwe Primary, Ermelo |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/groups/2765335270219564/ |
| Contact Details | andriespk@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJbk1tCQBRqGz2Hi46PwV52vN9_ndzErXR1jyU45C14H2Jpg/viewform |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Title Sponsor | TWK Agri |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 180 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes (R50 extra for late entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 314 |
| Race Description | Your stock, standard small town marathon through the Mpumalanga agricultural and mining town (and surrounding countryside) of Ermelo. |
| Why Run It? | – |
| How To Get There? | 210km (2h15) drive east on the N17. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | Check out the coal mines before they all disappear. |
| Race Flyer |  |
| Profile |
Sedibeng Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Sedibeng Marathon (Getting down & dirty in the Vaal Triangle)
| Race Date | Thursday 16 June 2022 |
| Start Venue | Vaal Show Grounds, Vereeniging |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | None |
| Contact Details | sedibeng.marathon@yahoo.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/77371-sedibeng-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | 30 May 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | Planned for future |
| Entry Fee | R 400 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 1,000 online entrants) |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 728 |
| Race Description | Running a marathon in the Vaal Triangle for the views, is like watching a porno for the storyline. This is a flat, single lap course amongst steel smelting plants, petro-chemical factories, coal fired power stations and electricity pylons. Vereeniging is all smoke and no mirrors but it does have its own charm – and I enjoyed running the inaugural event in 2019 and expect I’ll be back for more. |
| Why Run It? | For those that like their marathons flat, the Vaal Triangle is the place to find them. The race promises a festive finish inside the Vaal Show Grounds as well as a “Super awesome medal”. |
| How To Get There? | 65km (45m) south |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| 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 |  |
| Profile |
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Edenvale Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 19 June 2022 |
| Start Venue | Edenvale High School |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Website | https://randroadwarriors.co.za/edenvale-marathon/ |
| Contact Details | race@randroadwarriors.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\5 |
| Online Entries | https://peaktiming.co.za/entries |
| Pre-entries Close | 13 June 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | StaminoGro www.staminogro.com/ |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 280 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 2000 online entries) |
| Late Entries? | Yes (Late entries R50 extra; No race day entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 1732 |
| Race Description | This is your stock-standard fast-and-flat East Rand double-lapper. Comrades qualifiying times will be calculated mat-to-mat this year. |
| Why Run It? | A well organised, low fuss community organised marathon with all proceeds going to local charities. |
| How To Get There? | Edenvale is 15km east of central Joburg with many access points. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | – |
| Race Flyer |    |
| Profile | 2022 – EdenvaleM Race Route and Profile |
City of Mbombela Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 25 June 2022 |
| Start Venue | Barberton (Emjindi) Civic Centre |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://www.commarathonclub.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | commarathonclub@gmail.com; info@commarathonclub.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/77802-mbombela-4-in-1 |
| Pre-entries Close | 20 June 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | Old Mutual |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 300 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | N/A |
| Race Description | This is a new point-to-point race from Barberton to Mbombela. The course is undulating with an easy 5k downhill start before a long pull to the 15k mark. The big climb is just after the 22k mark for 6 kilometres. After that is mainly downhill to the finish. |
| Why Run It? | According to the organisers, “We are creating an awareness for tourist safety, as Mbombela is one of the leading tourist destination areas. The Motto of this marathon is “ Run Tourists’ Crime Free City”. We have a challenge of tourists being attacked in the City.” |
| How To Get There? | 350km (4h) east along the N4. |
| Accommodation Options | Many options on AirBNB, Lekkeslaap, Bookings.com. Road Lodge, Town Lodge, Nelspruit Lodge and Noma Nini Guesthouse all are less than 250m from the finish. |
| 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, Mafunyane Waterpark, Makhonjwa Mountain, Sudwala Curves, Three Rondavels, Gods Window, Bourke’s Luck Pot Holes, Mac-Mac Pools, Pilgrim’s Rest and Lone Creek Falls. |
| Race Flyer | CITY OF MBOMBELA 4 in 1 MARATHON- 25th JUNE 2022 |
| Profile | CITY OF MBOMBELA MARATHON route |
Autumn Chase Marathon
Note: Awaiting final details from organisers.
| Race Date | Sunday 26 June 2022 |
| Start Venue | Marks Park, Judith Road, Emmarentia |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | https://runzone.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | race@runzone.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5559 |
| Pre-entries Close | 22 June 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | ? |
| Entry Fee | R 436 |
| Extras? | None |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | N/A |
| Race Description | Single lap route around the north of Joburg. |
| Why Run It? | Following on from the exceptionally well organised Joburg North City Marathon, this is a second marathon organised by the RunZone team. |
| 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 | TBC |
| Profile | TBC |
For the most up to date marathon information check out: https://www.roadrunning.co.za/
Follow Running Mann:
Thank you very much . I did 3 marathons from your list. All that is left is to maitain the fitness and wait for comrades
Excellent job providing up to date information , your recommendations and tips are the best !