This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s February 2023 marathons including race descriptions and recommendations. You can find the full 2023 marathon / ultra calendar here.
A summary of your choices is below:
There are 19 confirmed marathons (and no ultras) this February. The only race on the first weekend is the Meerkat in Kimberly which is a double-lapper this year. Marathons are few and far between in the Northern Cape but there are two on offer in February with Upington’s John Nugent joining the party in the middle of the month. This is probably the hardest marathon on the calendar to get to but trotting along the Orange River is worth the trip.
There are plenty of other flat (and fairly flat) options in February including Kloppers in Bloemfontein (the dead centre of South Africa), Aurum Klerksdorp, Sasol Secunda, CDM Polokwane, Bielie Mielie in Reitz, Ethekwini’s Best of the Best and Edenvale. For those who want an early taste of the first part of the Two Oceans route, the Cape Peninsula Marathon gives you 41 kilometers of pancakes before a couple of nasty speed bumps to the finish at the Simon’s Town naval base.
Both downhill options are on the same weekend. The Cango Marathon is back in Oudtshoorn after an absence of a few years and East London’s Buffs Marathon is a popular qualifier. If you’re looking for a February road trip marathon I’d recommend heading towards the eSwatini border and running the TWK Assegaai Marathon for some brilliant support tables and small town hospitality.
Those who want something more meaty can sink their teeth into the Aquelle Joburg North City, Hillcrest, Battlefields or Phobians Pretoria Marathon. These races all have plenty of uphills to get your legs ready for the longer stuff.
The Bhekizizwe Joseph Shabalala Marathon is the only new race on the calendar but “buyer beware” – despite having a fancy website they did not reply to my enquiries (which is a red flag and usually correlates with race day issues) and I have been told by someone in the know that the organisers are “very unprofessional”.
Click to enlarge or collapse sections.
February
Vodacom Meerkat Marathon (Sat 04 Feb): Confirmed
| Race Description | The flat 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. You can 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. |
| Detailed Report | Meerkat Marathon (The One With A Presidential Sendoff): http://runningmann.co.za/2019/03/02/meerkat-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 04 February 2023 |
| Location | Kimberley, NC |
| Start Venue | Windhoek Draught Park, Kimberley |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/events/404353618359718 |
| Contact Details | kbyroadrunners@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/78596-meerkat-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | Friday 27 January 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R250 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 50 entries); Goodie Bag (first 350 entries) |
| Late entries | Yes – |
| Title sponsor | Vodacom https://www.vodacom.co.za/ |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 100 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 266 |
Kloppers Marathon (Sat 11 Feb): Confirmed
| 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. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 11 February 2023 |
| Location | Bloemfontein, FS |
| Start Venue | Bloemfontein Achilles Sports Centre, Att Horak Avenue |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | http://kloppersrun.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | info@kloppers.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://entries.evententry.co.za/events/78708-kloppers-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | R220 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | Yes (No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | Kloppers www.kloppers.co.za |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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/ |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 200 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Bhekizizwe Joseph Shabalala Marathon (Sat 11 Feb): Confirmed
| Race Description | A new point-to-point race run from Watersmeet to Ladysmith. The race honours the legacy of the late Ladysmith Black Mambazo leader Dr Joseph Shabalala. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 11 February 2023 |
| Location | Watersmeet-Ladysmith, KZN |
| Start Venue | Kirkintulloch Primary School, Embuzweni |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://www.bjsmarathon.com/ |
| Contact Details | info@bjsmarathon.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1521058194 |
| Pre-entries Close | Thursday 09 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R300 |
| Included Extras | ? |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | ? |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 350 (3.5h) drive south on the N3 |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | – |
| Normal Finishers | N/A |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Aquelle Joburg North City Marathon (Sun 12 Feb): Confirmed
| Race Description | Find you true north with RunZone AC’s excellent single lap route around Joburg’s shady northern suburbs. An undulating circular route that has been designed for speed. A course where the climbs are gentle and the downhills are generous – and you get to run the “flat part” of Northcliff. |
| Detailed Report | Joburg North City Marathon (The new kid on the Block): http://runningmann.co.za/2022/02/23/joburg-north-city-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 12 February 2023 |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gau |
| Start Venue | Delta Park, Jhb |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/JoburgNorthCityMarathon/ |
| Contact Details | race@runzone.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5828 |
| Pre-entries Close | Wednesday 08 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R305 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | No (R30 less for no medal) |
| Title sponsor | Aquelle |
| Permanent Numbers | Planned for future |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 10km north of the city centre |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | – |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 539 |
Hillcrest Marathon (Sun 12 Feb): Confirmed
| Race Description | If you ever wondered what a real avenue of trees looks like, Hillcrest is the place to find out. 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. 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. |
| Detailed Report | Hillcrest Marathon (Code Brown on the Comrades route): http://runningmann.co.za/2020/03/13/hillcrest-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 12 February 2023 |
| Location | Hillcrest, KZN |
| Start Venue | Central Hillcrest |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | http://hillcrestvillagers.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | secretary@hillcrestvillagers.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1521014854 |
| Pre-entries Close | Sunday 05 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R360 |
| Included Extras | Shirt; Goodie Bag |
| Late entries | No (R30 cheaper if you enter before 29 Jan) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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 |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 1000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 450m |
Jeppe Marathon (Sun 12 Feb): Cancelled
| Race Description | One of the highlights on the Joburg running calendar. Sadly, this race lost its sponsor in 2018 but have continued to give a fabulous experience to runners as thousands of athletes hurtle around Bedfordview and Edenvale. Local businesses try to outdo each other by putting on the most impressive hydration station. Some runners think this course is tough (but they are wrong and need to get out more). Although there are one or two short, sharp steep pulls, most of the climbing is gentle – the highest-lowest point elevation difference is just 76m. You also do most of the hard work on the first half of the lap, hit the highest point (1672m) and then fly home from Gillooly’s Farm to the finish (1596m). You just need to remember to leave a little in the tank for a nasty pull in the last kilometre. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 12 February 2023 |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gau |
| Start Venue | Saheti School Senderwood |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | https://jeppemarathon.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | info@jeppemarathon.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 1000 entrants) |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 11km from central Jhb but race day traffic is very congested so allow extra time. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | Enjoy the post-race activities and atmosphere at one of the best finish venues in the country. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 2000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 402 |
Aurum Klerksdorp Marathon (Sun 12 Feb): Confirmed
| 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 traffic. 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 successfully been battling the joint scourge of HIV and TB for the past 20 years. |
| Detailed Report | Klerksdorp Marathon (You Shouldn’t Judge A Town By Its Main Road): http://runningmann.co.za/2019/03/10/klerksdorp-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 12 February 2023 |
| Location | Klerksdorp, NW |
| Start Venue | Hoerskool Wesvalia, Klerksdorp |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | https://klerksdorpmarathonclub.com / FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/klerksdorpmarathon/ |
| Contact Details | klerksdorpmarathon@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/78434-klerksdorp-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | Sunday 05 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R200 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 200 entries) |
| Late entries | Yes (R50 extra for late entries; no race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | The Aurum Institute https://www.auruminstitute.org/ |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 170km (2h) drive along the N12. |
| Accommodation Options | Recommended Options: Bateleur Guesthouse (Special rate and 2pm checkout for athletes) — Petro White, 0787938338 / 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 |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 200 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 286 |
Sasol Secunda Marathon (Sat 18 Feb): Confirmed
| 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 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. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 18 February 2023 |
| Location | Secunda, Mpu |
| Start Venue | Sasol Recreation Club, Nelson Mandela Drive, Secunda |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | – |
| Contact Details | admin@sasolmarathonclub.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/78586-sasol-secunda |
| Pre-entries Close | Monday 13 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R270 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 300 entries) |
| Late entries | Yes – |
| Title sponsor | Sasol https://www.sasol.com/ |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 353 |
BestMed TUKS Marathon (Sat 18 Feb): Half marathon only
| Race Description | If you thought single-lap races were extinct in Pretoria you’d be wrong – they returned in 2018 with the inaugural Tuks Marathon. The University of Pretoria is one of the country’s leading institutes of higher learning – and enrolling in this course will involve stringent tests and rigorous examinations over a tough route that crams almost every hill in Pretoria into one marathon. However, those who do graduate after 42.2 gruelling kilometres, know that they’ve earned a quality undergraduate degree – and are on the fast-track to honours at Comrades. The good news is that your tertiary education isn’t complete without a party or two – and this race offers festive tables as well as musicians and bands along the way to ensure that there is a bit of playtime amongst all the hill work. |
| Detailed Report | Tuks Marathon (Earning your undergraduate degree the hard way): http://runningmann.co.za/2019/03/17/tuks-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 18 February 2023 |
| Location | Pretoria, Gau |
| Start Venue | Hillcrest Sports Campus, University of Pretoria |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://www.up.ac.za/athletics/home |
| Contact Details | Saturday 00 January 1900 |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | ? |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | Bestmed www.bestmed.co.za/ |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 75km (1h) but allow extra time for traffic. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | http://www.tshwanetourism.com/ |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 1000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 685 |
John Nugent Marathon (Sat 18 Feb): Confirmed
| Race Description | John Nugent was a prominent Upington optometrist who died of cancer 2014. He dedicated his life to eye-care in the region and his legacy is continued by his son with the John Nugent Marathon. All funds raised from the race are donated to the John Nugent Memorial Eye Care Foundation, a NPO that provides funding for Eye disease screening programs and funding for sight saving procedures. The two-lap route provides the best of Upington with stretches along the Orange River, vineyards, pecan orchards and scenic suburbs. Bring your all surface shoes because you’ll be running on farm roads, jeep tracks and tarmac. Although this is a flat course, there is a nasty heartbreak hill towards the end of each lap to make sure you earn your unique medal which is in the format of a pair of spectacles. This is officially the hardest marathon to get to in the country: A 9-hour+ drive from all South Africa’s major cities or a very expensive once-a-day flight on SA Airlink. However, if you want to say you’ve run all over South Africa you need to notch up a marathon in all 19 athletics provinces – and this is the perfect opportunity to do so in the North Western Cape region. |
| Detailed Report | John Nugent Marathon (Upington: The Final Frontier): http://runningmann.co.za/2019/04/07/john-nugent-marathon-upington/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 18 February 2023 |
| Location | Upington, NC |
| Start Venue | Desert Palace Casino, Upington |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/johnnugentmemorial/ |
| Contact Details | russellnugent@me.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.energylabrunning.com/john-nugent-memorial-runs/ |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | R350 |
| Included Extras | ? |
| Late entries | ? (R100 extra for race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 800km (8-9h drive) or very expensive 1h30 flight (over R6,000) |
| Accommodation Options | Stay at the start: Desert Palace Hotel https://www.desertpalace.co.za/ or check out Google for B&B options |
| What else to do there? | The race is sponsored and hosted by the Desert Palace Hotel and Casino which offers plenty of on-site entertainment. Other activities in Upington include sampling the local wines at Orange River Cellars followed by a sunset cruise on the Orange River. The spectacular Augrabies Waterfalls (and national park) are just 120km away. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 30 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 268 |
Potties Marathon (Sat 18 Feb): Cancelled
| 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. |
| Detailed Report | Potties Marathon Photies (A Pictorial Report from the South African Bushveld): http://runningmann.co.za/2018/02/21/potties-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 18 February 2023 |
| Location | Mokopane, Lim |
| Start Venue | Vleissentraal, Mokopane |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | – |
| Contact Details | andrea@krugerboek.co.za; ntsakoaubrey@icloud.com / 076 422 4486 |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | ? (R20 extra for late entries; No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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/ |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 200 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Zabalaza Marathon (Sun 19 Feb): Unconfirmed
| Race Description | According to the organiser this is fast, undulating, double-lap route. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 19 February 2023 |
| Location | Cato Ridge, KZN |
| Start Venue | Cato Ridge Country Club |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | – |
| Contact Details | C 073 225 4146 / nonjabulo2.ndlovu@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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/ |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 30 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Cape Peninsula Marathon (Sun 19 Feb): Confirmed
| Race Description | A scenic point-to-point marathon from Green Point to Simon’s Town with plenty of running along the coastline. A fast, flat, easy marathon – unless the South Easter wind blows! |
| Detailed Report | Peninsula Marathon (Naval gazing in the Cape): http://runningmann.co.za/2022/03/18/peninsula-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 19 February 2023 |
| Location | Cape Town, WC |
| Start Venue | Green Point-Simon’s Town |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://www.topevents.co.za/event-list/ |
| Contact Details | info@topevents.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/78681-cape-peninsula-marathon-2023 |
| Pre-entries Close | Thursday 09 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R320 |
| Included Extras | None |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes (10th finish) |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 3000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 224 |
Groot Gat Marathon (Sun 19 Feb): Unconfirmed
| Race Description | The race takes its name from what is claimed to be the deepest hole excavated by hand – Kimberley’s ‘Groot Gat’ (or Big Hole) – and the relatively easy circular route that takes one through the Big Hole complex. There is a tricky off-road section through a working quarry to negotiate before one heads back into Kimberley. Much of the marshalling is done with the assistance of the residents of the Yonder Home for Mentally Impaired – a really nice touch and a great reason to give your marshals a friendly greeting. The race is organised by one of the oldest running clubs in the country, Kimberley Pirates, who gave birth to the truant child resident in Greenside. A “Groot Gat” marathon t-shirt is something to be worn with pride (and gets one many admiring looks). |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 19 February 2023 |
| Location | Kimberley, NC |
| Start Venue | Pirates Club, 30 Jacobus Smit Avenue |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | – |
| Contact Details | kimberleypirates@gmail.com; 0722799077 |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | Shirt |
| Late entries | ? (Late entries only for 21/10) |
| Title sponsor | Nashua / ITEC |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes (10th finish) |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 500km (5h) drive or 1h flight (approx R2,000 return) |
| Accommodation Options | Oleander Guest House (award winning 5 star); Ambassadors Lodge (300m from start-finish area); Hadida Guest House (affordable option 2.5km from start-finish area) |
| 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 100 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
CDM Polokwane Marathon (Sat 25 Feb): Confirmed
| 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. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 25 February 2023 |
| Location | Polokwane, Lim |
| Start Venue | Rugby B & C fields Polokwane |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://polokwaneathleticclub.co.za |
| Contact Details | polokwaneac@yahoo.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?sessionname=1d4ff439de26eab7f226427d1fe12c9a&id=5943 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | R294 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 1,000 entries) |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | Capricorn District Municipality https://www.cdm.org.za/ |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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/ |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 300 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 423 |
Battlefields Marathon (Sat 25 Feb): Confirmed
| 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 pristine Drakensburg views for the full 42.2 kilometres. Whilst this might not be the easiest marathon on the calendar, it’s great preparation for Comrades – every single person who used the race for as their Comrades qualifier finished the race in 2022. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 25 February 2023 |
| Location | Newcastle, KZN |
| Start Venue | Hutten Park Primary, 4 Rietbok Avenue, Newcastle |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | https://newcastleharriers.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | avilliers@hotmail.com ; tax@nnmail.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1523979134 |
| Pre-entries Close | Friday 17 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R250 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | Yes (R50 extra for late entries) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 300km (3h15 drive) south |
| Accommodation Options | Recommended by the organisers: Avalon Guest Manor & Garden Court Blackrock |
| What else to do there? | Do a tour of the historic battlefields area. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 100 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 652 |
Bielie Mielie Marathon (Sat 25 Feb): Confirmed
| Race Description | The people of Reitz have a bielie mielie and they know how to use it! 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. If you like your mielies buttered on both sides, stick around after the race to 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. Other activities include eiergooi (egg-tossing), mieliepit eet (competitive corn consumption), sakresies (sack races), trekkerband trek (tractor tyre pull) en baaldra (hay bale tossing). |
| Detailed Report | Bielie Mielie Marathon (Valentine’s Day in the Free State): http://runningmann.co.za/2020/03/21/bielie-mielie-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 25 February 2023 |
| Location | Reitz, FS |
| Start Venue | Bowls Club, Sarel Cilliers Street, Reitz |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | http://www.bieliemielie.co.za/index.php |
| Contact Details | hanneliec@vkb.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | http://www.bieliemielie.co.za/ |
| Pre-entries Close | Friday 10 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R220 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | Yes (R70 extra for late entries) |
| Title sponsor | Old Mutual Insure https://www.oldmutual.co.za/about/old-mutual-insure |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 215km (2h) drive south. |
| Accommodation Options | https://www.travelground.com/accommodation-in/reitz and https://www.sa-venues.com/accommodation/reitz and www.bieliemielie.co.za accomodation. |
| 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 100 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 618 |
TWK Assegaai Marathon (Sat 25 Feb): Confirmed
| Race Description | An excellent race close to the Swaziland border. The route is really simple – you run all the way to the Assegaai River and then you turn around and run back again. The first 8km provides a gentle climb and then you have a long gentle decline before a final plummet to the river. This means that the Assegaai stabs you in the back with lots of climbing over the second half. Local legend has it that if you drink from the Assegaai river, it will forever be in your blood. Local common sense has it that if you drink from the Assegaai river, you will have a severe case of explosive diarrhoea. The motto of the organising club is “Laat waai, Assegaai,” which translates as “Let loose, Assegaai.” – one glass of unfiltered river water and you’ll definitely be letting loose all over the place! The race entry is worth is just to experience the Charka support table – undoubtedly the best table I’ve ever had the pleasure of frequenting. Tables are every 2km along the route and compete for prestigious annual trophies. |
| Detailed Report | Assegaai Marathon (Can You Judge A Marathon By The Shirt?): http://runningmann.co.za/2018/02/25/assegaai-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 25 February 2023 |
| Location | Piet Retief, Mpu |
| Start Venue | Piet Retief Rugby Club |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/AssegaaiMC/ or @assegaaimarathonclub on Instagram |
| Contact Details | ilsevdl@ymail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/78566-twk-assegaai-3-in-1-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | Friday 24 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R200 |
| Included Extras | Gift (first 100 online entries) |
| Late entries | Yes (R50 extra for late entries) |
| Title sponsor | TWK www.twkagri.com/ |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 330km (4h) drive along the N17 and N2. |
| Accommodation Options | www.booking.com offers quite a number of reputable Piet Retief guest houses travelling runners can book for the weekend. |
| What else to do there? | http://www.mpumalanga.com/plan-your-trip/information-offices/grass-wetlands/piet-retief |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 200 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 482 |
Cango Marathon (Sat 25 Feb): Confirmed
| Race Description | A downhill marathon from the famous Cango Caves to the Infantry School in Oudtshoorn. A fast qualifier amongst wonderful mountainous scenery and farmland – look out for large flocks of ostriches along the way to Oudtshoorn. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 25 February 2023 |
| Location | Cango Caves-Oudtshoorn. WC |
| Start Venue | Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086833024612 |
| Contact Details | ernestviviers@outlook.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://entrytickets.net/cangomarathon |
| Pre-entries Close | Friday 27 January 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R300 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 1150km (11h+) drive. Recommend fly to George and 60km drive from there. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B options |
| What else to do there? | Explore the Cango Caves and the local ostrich farms. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 1000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Buffs Marathon (Sun 26 Feb): Confirmed
| 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. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 26 February 2023 |
| Location | East London, EC |
| Start Venue | N6 Mcleantown – Buffs club |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://www.buffaloroadrunners.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | Meta 0814874984 / metascott5001@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://entrytickets.net/buffs |
| Pre-entries Close | Sunday 19 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R260 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 500 entries) |
| Late entries | No (R20 extra for manual entries) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes (10th finish) |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 1000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 317 |
Ethekwini Best of Best Marathon (Sun 26 Feb): Confirmed
| 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. This race is much better organised than the Durban City Marathon which follows a similar route. |
| Detailed Report | Best of the Best Marathon (Surviving Shark country): http://runningmann.co.za/2022/04/26/best-of-the-best-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 26 February 2023 |
| Location | Durban, KZN |
| Start Venue | Kings Park Stadium, Durban |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | http://www.bestofthebestmarathon.co.za |
| Contact Details | ama.ravens@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1520927653 |
| Pre-entries Close | Monday 20 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R350 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (pre-entries) |
| Late entries | Yes – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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/ |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 1000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 567 |
Phobians Pretoria Marathon (Sun 26 Feb): Confirmed
| 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. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 26 February 2023 |
| Location | Pretoria, Gau |
| Start Venue | Pretoria High School Old Boys Club, Hofmeyr Park 378 Queens Crescent, Lynnwood |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | Phobians – Athletics Club |
| Contact Details | info@phobians.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/78453-pretoria-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | Tuesday 21 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R340 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 1,000 entries) |
| Late entries | Yes (R50 extra for late entries) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 75km (1h) but allow extra time for traffic. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | http://www.tshwanetourism.com/ |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 3000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 653 |
Capital City Marathon (Sun 26 Feb): Confirmed
| Race Description | Touted in its inaugural year (2020) as the Marathon of Choice, this is 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. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 26 February 2023 |
| Location | Pietermaritzburg, KZN |
| Start Venue | Pietermaritzburg City Hall |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://capitalcity42.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | racedirector@capitalcity42.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1520315051 |
| Pre-entries Close | Saturday 18 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R378 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (pre-entries) |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | Planned for future |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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/ |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 1000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Edenvale Marathon (Sun 26 Feb): Confirmed
| Race Description | This is your stock-standard fast-and-flat East Rand double-lapper. A well organised, low fuss community organised marathon with all proceeds going to local charities. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 26 February 2023 |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gau |
| Start Venue | Edenvale High School |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | https://randroadwarriors.co.za/edenvale-marathon/ |
| Contact Details | race@randroadwarriors.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5912 |
| Pre-entries Close | Friday 17 February 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R280 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | ? (Late entries R50 extra; No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | StaminoGro www.staminogro.com/ |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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? | – |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 2000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 412 |
2023 marathons, Assegaai Marathon, Battlefields Marathon, Best of Best Marathon, Bhekizizwe Joseph Shabalala Marathon, Bielie Mielie Marathon, Bloemfontein Marathon, Buffs Marathon, Cango Marathon, Cape Peninsula Marathon, Capital City Marathon, CDM Polokwane Marathon, Comrades qualifiers, East London Marathon, Edenvale Marathon, Ethekwini Best of Best Marathon, Ethekwini Marathon, February marathons, Groot Gat Marathon, Hillcrest Marathon, Jeppe Marathon, Joburg North City Marathon, John Nugent Marathon, Kimberley Marathon, Klerksdorp Marathon, Kloppers Marathon, marathon, marathons, Meerkat Marathon, Mielie Marathon, Newcastle Marathon, Oudtshoorn Marathon, Peninsula Marathon, Phobians Marathon, Phobians Pretoria Marathon, Piet Retief Marathon, Potties Marathon, Pretoria Marathon, qualifier marathons, Reitz Marathon, Sasol Secunda Marathon, Secunda Marathon, South African marathons, Tuks Marathon, Two Oceans qualifiers, Upington Marathon, Zabalaza Marathon
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