This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s November and December marathons including race descriptions, recommendations and travel information.
A summary of all your choices is below:
There’s 10 confirmed and a further 3 possible marathons to see out 2022. Having run all of them (except for the new Cheetahs Marathon in Mthatha and 1City in Gqeberha), I can confirm that there are some real stunners.
Sani Stagger is one of the toughest marathons out there – entries are already closed for this year’s event but this is a race you want on your bucket list. Kaapsehoop is on the other end of the difficulty scale and is a good option for those wanting an early qualifier. Magoeba Plunge is another downhill option and a great small town event – but most of the downhill is a real plummet so this race is not as easy as it sounds.
Jacaranda gives you the option of catching the tail end of Pretoria’s purple patch whilst Soweto gives you very little trees or shade but plenty of township vibe. If Prison to Prison takes place, this is lovely Western Cape marathon that worth making a trip down south for.
The last weekend of November sees the popular Winelands Marathon – the route is through the most boring part of the winelands but does provide an excellent excuse for a weekend of running and wine tasting. If you fancy running past ostrich farms and slowly dropping to a seaside finish then Vlakte is a race you want to do. You might even catch a lucky break and spot a whale in Witsand while you savour a post marathon beer.
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!
Uniwisp Kaapsehoop Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Kaapsehoop Marathon (The Sub-3 Quest)
| Race Date | Saturday 05 November 2022 |
| Start Venue | Kaapsehoop-Mbombela stadium |
| 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://www.entryninja.com/events/78025-2022-kaapsehoop |
| Pre-entries Close | Closed |
| Title Sponsor | UNIWISP GROUP https://www.uniwisp.co.za/ |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 380 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 4786 |
| 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 Two Oceans and Comrades seedings before the 2022 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 to gaze through God’s Window. |
| Race Flyer | UNIWISP Kaapsehoop Marathon Entry Form 2022 |
| Profile |
Twizza Bonkolo Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Bonkolo Marathon (Warming up for a World Cup win)
| Race Date | Saturday 05 November 2022 |
| Start Venue | Bonkola Dam Queenstown |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/events/669824644366136/?active_tab=discussion |
| Contact Details | queenstownharriers@gmail.com ; bong@rutronics.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21 |
| Online Entries | https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-hpFIpURoX16TPVBmLDiz3x-0suvPd4WY-LbRezabrtP02A/viewform |
| Pre-entries Close | 04 November 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | Twizza http://www.twizza.co.za/ |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 220 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes (No race day entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 114 |
| 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 | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | Relax at the dam afterwards. |
| Race Flyer |   |
| Profile |
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Soweto Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Soweto Marathon (Ubuntu for the average middle-class white guy)
| Race Date | Sunday 06 November 2022 |
| 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=5656 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 432 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 9274 |
| 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 the few single lap marathons in Gauteng and by far 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 beat 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 | |
| Profile |   |
Jacaranda City Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Jacaranda Marathon (Purple Rain in Pretoria)
| Race Date | Saturday 12 November 2022 |
| Start Venue | Rietondale Park, Pretoria |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Website | https://www.sportsvendo.co.za/jacaranda-city-challenge |
| Contact Details | data@sportsvendo.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5737 |
| Pre-entries Close | 03 November 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 358 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 1837 |
| Race Description | A double-lapper timed to capture the capital city’s famous Jacaranda trees in full bloom. Flat by Tshwane standards (hilly by anywhere else’s standards). If purple is your favourite colour this is the race for you. The race is undergoing a rebirth with a completely new route. Here is the description from the race director, “The 42,2km will be a double lap race that includes “quick • kilometres” where running/walking will be without strain, a couple of “slow poisons” where athletes will have to keep their focus on the job at hand and short steep climbs that will bring a challenge or two into the experience.” |
| Why Run It? | Your chance to see purple rain in real life at the only Gauteng marathon north of the Jukskei in the second half of the year. |
| How To Get There? | 75km (1h) drive north |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | http://www.tshwanetourism.com/ |
| Race Flyer | Jacaranda-Entry-Form-006a-Print-Singles-002 |
| Profile | 
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Sani Stagger Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 12 November 2022 |
| 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 | https://roag.org/series/33 |
| Pre-entries Close | Closed |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No but badges given to runners who complete 5/10/15 Staggers |
| Entry Fee | R 490 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 265 |
| 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. |
| Why Run It? | This is the most expensive standard 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 | |
| Profile |
Cheetahs Mthatha Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 13 November 2022 |
| Start Venue | Mthatha |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | – |
| Contact Details | manqoyigogo@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://entrytickets.net/cheetahs |
| Pre-entries Close | 06 November 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | Tyeks Security |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 200 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 1,000 entries) |
| Late Entries? | Yes (No race day entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | NA |
| Race Description | New marathon starting on the 42km east along the N2 highway and running into Mthatha. |
| Why Run It? | – |
| How To Get There? | Expensive flight into Mthatha or Fly to East London & 230km (3h15) drive to Mthatha |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | Visit Nelson Mandela’s home and the Nelson Mandela Museum or use as a base to explore the beautiful Transkei landscape. |
| Race Flyer | CheetahsMthatha |
| Profile | |
The Magoebaskloof Plunge Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Magoeba Plunge Marathon (the Limpopo rollercoaster)
| Race Date | Saturday 19 November 2022 |
| Start Venue | Plein Street, Haenertsburg |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | – |
| Contact Details | Deneys Barry | 082 802 1870 |
| Distance Options | 42\17 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5755 |
| Pre-entries Close | 14 November |
| Title Sponsor | Rotary Haenertsburg |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 328 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes (16-19 Nov) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 398 |
| 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 on the calendar 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 & 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 |   |
| Profile |
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Sportsmans Warehouse Winelands Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 26 November 2022 |
| Start Venue | Eikestad Primary School Stellenbosch |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | – |
| Contact Details | info@topevents.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.topevents.co.za/event/sportsmans-warehouse-winelands-marathon-2022/ |
| Pre-entries Close | 13 November 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | Sportsmans Warehouse https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/ |
| Perm Numbers? | Yes |
| Entry Fee | R 220 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 1509 |
| 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 | |
| Profile |
Die Vlakte Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 26 November 2022 |
| Start Venue | Heidelberg High |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://langebergathletics.co.za/vlakte-marathon/ |
| Contact Details | langebergathletics@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://entrytickets.net/vlakte |
| Pre-entries Close | 21 November 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 120 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes (Late entries R20 extra) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 307 |
| 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.
It’s the 20th edition of the race with a brand new medal and shirt. |
| 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 |    |
| Profile |  |
Drakensburg Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Drakensburg Marathon (Escaping Black Friday in the Drakensberg)
| Race Date | Saturday 26 November 2022 |
| Start Venue | Bergville Sports Centre |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/DrakensbergExtra/ |
| Contact Details | barry@theroc.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://www.eventtiming.info/entryonline.php?id=117 |
| Pre-entries Close | 22 November 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 250 |
| Extras? | Shirt |
| Late Entries? | ? |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 203 |
| Race Description | This marathon was formerly known as the Josiah Gumede Marathon. It is now and out-and-back from Bergville to the Woodstock Dam. It’s an attractive route that traverses through the beautiful rural Kwazulu Natal countryside, around the Woodstock Dam and past many villages, villagers and free-range livestock all to the backdrop of the majestic Drakensberg mountain range. |
| Why Run It? | Make a weekend of it in the beautiful Drakensburg. |
| 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 | |
| Profile |  |
Nelson Mandela Bay 1City Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 03 December 2022 |
| Start Venue | Fairview Racecourse, Gqeberha |
| Route Type | Circular (with an out-and-back section) |
| Website | www.epathletics.co.za |
| Contact Details | epa@pe.co.za; irene@pe.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1518573324 |
| Pre-entries Close | 29 Nov |
| Title Sponsor | Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality |
| Perm Numbers? | no |
| Entry Fee | R 200 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes (Fri and Sat morning of race weekend) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 515 |
| Race Description | The first 18km are run in a loop with the half marathoners, after which there is a long out and back section, The highest point of the course is reached at the 25.5km mark and the total ascent/descent is 273m/274m respectively.
For out of town runners, there is a bus service to and from Kings Beach to the start/finish. |
| Why Run It? | Well organized event with good water stations and a great finish venue with lots of space for club gazebos. |
| How To Get There? | Fly to Gqeberha and 30km (30m) drive or 1,050km (11h) drive |
| Accommodation Options | There are a number of great hotels along the promenade for various budgets including The Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, The Radisson Blu Hotel, The Garden Court Hotel and the Courtyard Hotel. There are also well priced B&B options a short drive from the beach. |
| What Else To Do There? | The Eastern Cape brands itself is ‘the adventure capital of South Africa’. Activities include big 5 game viewing, the longest zipline in SA, great blue flag beaches and sand boarding. Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) has earned the nickname, ‘The Friendly City’ for its incredible hospitality. |
| Race Flyer | 1City Entry form |
| Profile |  |
Prison to Prison Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Prison to Prison Marathon (The Breede Valley Jailbreak)
Awaiting confirmation that this race will take place.
Heroes Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Heroes Marathon, Mthatha (Back2Back Marathon Weekend)
Awaiting confirmation that this race will take place.
Cancelled Marathons
Bela Bela Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Bela-Bela Marathon (Boiling point in Limpopo)
Music Marathon
Detailed Race Report: Music Marathon (Running in the Dead Centre of South Africa)
PetroSA Marathon
Detailed Race Report: PetroSA Marathon (Fossil fuel in Mossel Bay)
