This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s April 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’s 8 ultras and 11 marathons confirmed on the April running menu. The month kicks off with some flat runs: Mall of the North (which is my favourite Polokwane marathon), Ermelo’s Highveld Marathon, the renamed Balwin Properties Marathon (previously the Dolphin Coast) and the Irene 48k (which is a triple-lap run these days).
Graeme Block has grabbed the Easter weekend slot that Two Oceans vacated with the inaugural aQuelle 48k. This should be an excellent option for those staying in Gauteng for the long weekend – and you can follow you ultra up with a 32km and 20km RunZone club runs to complete the Easter 100.
Oceans is now in the middle of April but those looking for an excellent out-of-town marathon should take a trip to Tzaneen for the Galaxy Bingo Wolfpack Marathon. I ran their inaugural event in 2021 and can highly recommend the event (they’d love to see you there!).
The fourth weekend in April has four options: TRACN4 Elands (one of the easiest marathons in the country), another Polokwane marathon, the inaugural Tshwane North 50k Ultra and the return on the Rising Sun Chatsworth Freedom 52k Ultra which has been absent for several years. You also have the option of heading to the Vaal Triangle for the Sedibeng Marathon on Freedom Day.
Things get really busy on the last weekend with no less that 7 options all around the country for those looking to run a last minute Comrades qualifier or seeding upgrade. My pick would be the Outeniqua Marathon from George to Wilderness in the Garden Route – this is one of the most beautiful marathons I’ve run.
Other marathons on offer are the inaugural Titaniums Marathon in Bloemfontein, the uMhlathuze Crocs (formerly Tronox) Marathon in Empangeni and the Township Marathon in Johannesburg (another welcome returnee after an absence of several years).
There are also plenty of ultra options with a chance to run 50k along the N12 from Potch to Klerksdorp, 52k from Nquthu to Newcastle at the Prince Mangosuthu Ultra or 50k from Mankweng to Seshego Township in Limpopo.
Click to enlarge or collapse sections.
April Marathons & Ultras
Mall of the North Marathon (Sat 01 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | Polokwane races are normally hot and not particularly interesting. However, this race bucks the trend and is the best I’ve done in Limpopo’s largest city. An out and back route that takes you almost immediately from the mall parking lot into pristine African savannah and keeps you there for over 40km. |
| Detailed Report | Mall Of The North Marathon (The Pick of Polokwane): http://runningmann.co.za/2018/05/01/mall-of-the-north-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 01 April 2023 |
| Location | Polokwane, Lim |
| Start Venue | Mall of the North |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | www.polokwaneathleticclub.co.za |
| Contact Details | polokwaneac@yahoo.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5974 |
| Pre-entries Close | Thursday 23 March 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R294 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (online entries) |
| Late entries | Yes – |
| Title sponsor | Mall of the North www.mallofthenorth.co.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 | +/- 500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Highveld Marathon (Sat 01 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | Your stock, standard small town marathon through the Mpumalanga agricultural and mining town (and surrounding countryside) of Ermelo. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 01 April 2023 |
| Location | Ermelo, Mpu |
| Start Venue | Body Strong Fitness Gym, Ermelo |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | – |
| Contact Details | andriespk@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/78846-highveld-4-in1-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | Saturday 25 March 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R250 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | Yes – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 300 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 449 |
Potato Pride Wilge Marathon (Sat 01 Apr): Unconfirmed
| Race Description | The is an out-and-back course with most of the route being run on good quality dirt road along the banks of the picturesque Wilge River. There’s a drop down to the river early on and a steep climb back into town at the end but, other than that, it’s flat and scenic. Be aware that running next to the river can be freezing cold until the sun warms things up. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 01 April 2023 |
| Location | Frankfort, FS |
| Start Venue | Gj Human Sportgronde |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | ? |
| Contact Details | Saturday 00 January 1900 |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | ? |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | Potato Pride |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 150km (1h30) drive south down the N3 |
| Accommodation Options | See attachment |
| What else to do there? | If anyone knows of anything worthwhile doing in Frankfort (other than running a marathon) please let me know. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 100 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Balwin Properties (formerly Dolphin Coast) Marathon (Sun 02 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | “Fast and beautiful” is a combination you’ll seldom find on South African marathon route descriptions – get to enjoy the best of both worlds at this marathon up and down the M4 Dolphin Coast highway. Enjoy great beach views on a fast course whilst the gentle sea breeze counteracts the Durban heat and humidity. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 02 April 2023 |
| Location | Durban, KZN |
| Start Venue | The Amphitheatre, Durban Promenade |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | https://dolphincoaststriders.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | barry@theroc.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1523012020 |
| Pre-entries Close | Monday 27 March 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R450 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 3500 entrants) |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | Balwin Properties |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 600km (6h30) drive or fly to King Shaka and 20km (20m) drive. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | Relax on the north coast beaches or check out the many Durban tourist options. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 3000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Irene Ultra 48k Ultra (Sun 02 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | This is one of only two ultras in Gauteng and is a low fuss, hassle-free Gauteng ultra that brands itself as “#THEQualifier for Comrades”. The race starts and finishes in the local agricultural grounds with the meat of the race run through the Irene and Midstream suburbs. The route has changed to a 3 x 16 km lapper to ensure the safety of the runners and has plenty of long, straight stretches for easy running. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 02 April 2023 |
| Location | Centurion, Gau |
| Start Venue | ARC Campus Irene |
| Route Type | Triple-lapper |
| Race Website | https://www.ireneultra.co.za |
| Contact Details | info@irenerunner.co.za |
| Distance | 48 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/78683-irene-ultra |
| Pre-entries Close | Sunday 26 March 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R350 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | The start is 50km (45mins) north of central Joburg with many access points but allow for race day traffic. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | Spend the day relaxing on Irene Farm (and depending on how fast you run you can enjoy a lovely breakfast or lunch on the tranquil grounds). After watching the cows on the farm you can see usually the Bulls in action later that afternoon at Loftus. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 3000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 433 |
aQuelle Zone 48k (Sat 08 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | Formerly the Autumn Chase Marathon. TBC |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 08 April 2023 |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gau |
| Start Venue | Delta Park, Standard Drive, Victory Park |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://runzone.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | race@runzone.co.za |
| Distance | 48 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5929 |
| Pre-entries Close | Wednesday 05 April 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R305 |
| Included Extras | None |
| Late entries | No (R30 extra for medal) |
| Title sponsor | aQuelle |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| 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 | +/- 1000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Great East Marathon (Sat 08 Apr): Unconfirmed
| Race Description | I ran the inaugural event in 2019 when there were just 18 finishers and really enjoyed it. There are no major hills but there are constant undulations making this quite a difficult route (total elevation is 723m). The scenery is spectacular over this circular route in rural Mpumalanga on the doorstep of the Kruger National Park. |
| Detailed Report | Great East Marathon (The Kruger Park run): http://runningmann.co.za/2019/05/07/great-east-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 08 April 2023 |
| Location | Hazyview, Mpu |
| Start Venue | Great East Sports Club |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | ? |
| Contact Details | tablets@mpg.gov.za; khumalomusa88@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? | 400km (4h30) drive east on the N4 past Mbombela. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options (Hazyview is the closest town) |
| What else to do there? | You’re just a kudu’s jump from the Kruger National Park so go an see some animals after the race. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 30 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 723 |
Galaxy Bingo Wolfpack Marathon (Sat 15 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | The route starts with a picturesque ten kilometre out-and-back along the R36 from the Merensky School. Once back at the school, the remaining 32 kilometres are essentially a big loop around the Tzaneen Dam. The route is described by locals as being “Relatively flat.” However, this is term that must be heard with caution in this part of the world where you can rise and fall between the Lowveld and the Highveld during a parkrun. The Wolfpack Marathon is relatively flat compared to the other marathons in the area in the same way that Scarlett Johansson is relatively flat when compared with Dolly Parton. |
| Detailed Report | (The runt of the litter at) The Wolfpack Warriors Marathon: http://runningmann.co.za/2021/10/29/wolfpack-warriors-marathon-tzaneen/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 15 April 2023 |
| Location | Tzaneen, Lim |
| Start Venue | Merensky School |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/Warriors-Wolfpack-Marathon-4-in-1-102960192094644 |
| Contact Details | tracey@warriors.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5605 |
| Pre-entries Close | Wednesday 12 April 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R252 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 500 entries); Goodie Bag |
| Late entries | Yes (16h00 – 19h00 day before race) |
| Title sponsor | Galaxy Bingo Gaming & Entertainment |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 400km (4h30) drive mostly along the N1. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 30 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 593 |
Total Sports Two Oceans 56k Ultra (Sat 15 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | Enjoy 56 magnificent kilometres around the Cape Peninsula. The second largest ultra in the world and my own personal favourite (I’m looking forward to my 19th voyage in 2023). After a flat first half through Cape Town’s southern suburbs and alongside the Indian Ocean, you get to climb one of the most beautiful passes in the world, Chapman’s Peak Drive. A drop into Hout Bay gets you to the marathon mark and this is followed by 4km of extreme nastiness called Constantia Nek. The last 10km are mainly downhill with a few bumps along the way until you reach the best finish straight in the country at the University of Cape Town. |
| Detailed Report | Two Oceans (A Love Letter To My Favourite Ultra): http://runningmann.co.za/2018/04/25/two-oceans-ultra-love-letter/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 15 April 2023 |
| Location | Cape Town, WC |
| Start Venue | Main Road Newlands, Cape Town |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/events/ultra-marathon/ |
| Contact Details | info@twooceansmarathon.org.za (and follow updates on website and social media) |
| Distance | 56 |
| Online Entries | https://admin.twooceansmarathon.org.za/Identify.aspx?ErrNo=6210 |
| Pre-entries Close | Closed |
| Entry Fee | R735 |
| Included Extras | Shirt; Goodie Bag |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | Total Sports https://www.totalsports.co.za/home |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes (10th finish) |
| How to get there from Joburg? | Fly to Cape Town; 20km drive from the airport to Newlands. |
| Accommodation Options | Book your accommodation at any of the Tsogo Sun Hotels, the official travel partner, in Cape Town and surrounds. |
| What else to do there? | As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, and the leading events and festivals city in the world, Cape Town has much to offer both locals and international visitors during the Two Oceans Marathon race week. Check out https://myciti.org.za/en/home/ for options. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 9000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 607 |
Nquthu Marathon (Sun 16 Apr): Unconfirmed
| Race Description | Nothing known about this marathon. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 16 April 2023 |
| Location | Nquthu, KZN |
| Start Venue | GG Agriculture |
| Route Type | ? |
| Race Website | ? |
| Contact Details | C 073 397 9358 B 072 290 4063 kenethshange033@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | ? |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | ? |
| How to get there from Joburg? | ? |
| Accommodation Options | ? |
| What else to do there? | ? |
| Normal Finishers | N/A |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
TRACN4 Elands Marathon (Sat 22 Apr): Confirmed
| 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. The race sponsor also manages the road the marathon is run on – ensuring a safe and secure running experience with full road closures. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 22 April 2023 |
| Location | Ngodwana, Mpu |
| Start Venue | Waterval-Boven-Ngodwana, Mpu |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | www.elandsmarathon.co.za |
| Contact Details | bethbloch@gmail.com / 082 801 3600 |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://entries.prontocs.co.za/RaceEvents/Details/1 |
| Pre-entries Close | Monday 03 April 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R400 |
| Included Extras | Bus ticket to start |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | Trans African Concessions (TRAC) |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 260km (3h) drive east on the N12 and N4. |
| Accommodation Options | See race website. |
| 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 1000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 161 |
Polokwane City Marathon (Sat 22 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | Flat circular route around Polokwane City |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 22 April 2023 |
| Location | Polokwane, Lim |
| Start Venue | Peter Mokaba Stadium |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | www.polokwaneathleticclub.co.za |
| Contact Details | Saturday 00 January 1900 |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5952 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | R294 |
| Included Extras | Limited Shirts |
| Late entries | Yes (No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| 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) | ? |
Kovsie Runners Marathon (Sat 22 Apr): Unconfirmed
| Race Description | Nothing known about this marathon. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 22 April 2023 |
| Location | Bloemfontein, FS |
| Start Venue | Pretty Gardens |
| Route Type | ? |
| Race Website | ? |
| Contact Details | rufusbotha@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | ? |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | ? |
| Permanent Numbers | ? |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 400km (4h) drive due south on the N1. |
| Accommodation Options | Saturday 00 January 1900 |
| What else to do there? | Saturday 00 January 1900 |
| Normal Finishers | N/A |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Selati Pongola Sugar Cane Marathon (Sat 22 Apr): Unconfirmed
| Race Description | The route is flat and easy through the sugar cane fields of northern Kwazulu Natal. You can expect great hospitality, excellent support tables, a jam packed goodie bag and one of the best medals of any race (a 80mm “hanging sugarcane man”). You won’t often hear me saying, “This is a double-lap marathon worth travelling for.” but I am happy to make an exception for Pongola. |
| Detailed Report | Pongola Marathon (The Zululand Sugar Rush): http://runningmann.co.za/2019/07/22/pongola-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 22 April 2023 |
| Location | Pongola, KZN |
| Start Venue | Pongola Caravan Park |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/pongolaac/ |
| Contact Details | pongolaac@outlook.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 300 entries); Goodie Bag (first 300-400 entries) |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | Selati https://www.rclfoods.com/selati / Uphongolo Municipality http://www.uphongolo.gov.za/Official_Site/ |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 425km (4h45) drive east along the N17 and N2. |
| Accommodation Options | TBC |
| What else to do there? | Various game viewing and tourist activities: https://www.sa-venues.com/destinations/kwazulunatal/pongola/attractions/ Recommended by the organisers: www.bivanedam.co.za |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 100 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Tshwane North Ultra Ultra (Sat 22 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | From the organisers, “Tshwane North Ultra (TNU) is a new initiative to host an official 50km and 21km road running event aiming at the streets of North of Tshwane on the vicinity of the Magalies Mountains. It passes through the beautiful landmarks of Pretoria North and West as it creates a circular map of the northern and southern Magaliesberg mountain range via Hornsnek road starting at Akasia Community Hall and going down to the bottom of Wonderboom and coming back to the finish via Berg Avenue. This initiative which is being put together as a collaborative effort between Atteridgeville Athletics Club, Addicted to Life Multisports & Lifestyle Club and Madoko Athletics Club was borne out of the need to support both elites and social runners in the Tshwane North area.” |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 22 April 2023 |
| Location | Pretoria, Gau |
| Start Venue | Akasia Community Hall |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/Thecombatrun/ |
| Contact Details | training@madoko.co.za ; RMahasha@gmail.co.za |
| Distance | 50 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?sessionname=1a5877ebb0f0387306eeb4089b1064a4&id=5932 |
| Pre-entries Close | Thursday 20 April 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R485 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (entries before 3 March) |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 70km (1h) drive |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | Tshwane North Ultra is situated within a 25km radius of the Union Building, Haartesbees Cable Way, Cullinan Diamond Mine, Pilanesberg Nature Reserve and many other attractions surrounding Magalies Mountains. |
| Normal Finishers | N/A |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 510 |
Rising Sun Chatsworth Freedom 52k Ultra (Sun 23 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | Only the rash and reckless walk the streets of Chatsworth – but only the incredibly brave run 52km around her streets. This is a race that earns you serious street cred. The Chatsworth Freedom Ultra was started to commemorate the end of apartheid and dawn of democracy in South Africa – and has been going strong ever since. You get to cover almost every street in Chatsworth as you wind and grind up and down their undulating terrain. With long stretches along the Higginson Highway, this is a route that tests your mind and well as your legs – making this an ideal Comrades preparation run (Stephen Muzhingi has won the race twice and followed both victories up with a Comrades triumph). The route is something between circular and a double-lapper as there are several repeat sections. The highlight of the route comes towards the end – four shaded, scenic kilometres through the Silverglen Nature Reserve. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 23 April 2023 |
| Location | Durban, KZN |
| Start Venue | Chatsworth Stadium |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | http://chatsworthathletic.co.za/rising-sun-chatsworth-freedom-marathon/about-the-freedom-marathon/ |
| Contact Details | info@chatsworthathletic.co.za |
| Distance | 52 |
| Online Entries | https://www.eventtiming.info/entryonline.php?id=440 |
| Pre-entries Close | Sunday 16 April 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R300 |
| Included Extras | Shirt |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | Rising Sun http://risingsunchatsworth.co.za/ |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 600km (6h) drive or 1h flight to Durban and 55km drive from King Shaka Airport. |
| Accommodation Options | Options close to the start: The Hotel Savera; Kams Lodge. Or check out Google for B&B and hotel options around Durban. |
| What else to do there? | Take a look at some of the magnificent local temples, relax on nearby beaches or check out the many Durban tourist options. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 1000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Sedibeng Marathon (Thu 27 Apr): Confirmed
| 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. |
| Detailed Report | Sedibeng Marathon (Getting down & dirty in the Vaal Triangle): http://runningmann.co.za/2020/04/26/sedibeng-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Thursday 27 April 2023 |
| Location | Vereeniging, Gau |
| Start Venue | Vaal Show Grounds, Vereeniging |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | None |
| Contact Details | sedibeng.marathonass@yahoo.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/78466-sedibeng-marathon-2023 |
| Pre-entries Close | Thursday 20 April 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R250 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | Yes (late entry only at Sportmans Warehouse 25th and 26th April) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | Planned for future |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 423 |
Outeniqua Marathon (Sat 29 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | If this is not on your bucket list add it now. A superb small field marathon in the heart of the Garden Route. The route combines trail, tar and dirt road as you navigate the ancient roads cut into the Tsitsikamma forest between George and Wilderness. Expect hills, dams, lakes, lagoons, stunning sea views and indigenous forests. |
| Detailed Report | Outeniqua Marathon (The One I Almost Missed): http://runningmann.co.za/2018/05/26/outeniqua-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 29 April 2023 |
| Location | George-Wilderness, WC |
| Start Venue | George Sports Club – George |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/groups/162468160447018/ |
| Contact Details | eileen@kettererlaw.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://entrytickets.net/outeniqua |
| Pre-entries Close | Tuesday 25 April 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R160 |
| Included Extras | Bus ticket |
| Late entries | Yes (R20 extra for late entries; No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | Grasshoppers https://grasshoppers.co.za/ |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes (10th finish) |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 1,200km (12h) drive or 2h flight to George (R1,000 – R3,000 return). |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | Wilderness is a brilliant family holiday destination, check out https://www.wilderness-info.co.za/town or take a holiday in any of the nearby Garden Route towns. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 200 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 506 |
North West N12 Ultra (Sat 29 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | Point to point ultra along the N12 from Klerksdorp to Potch. The inaugural event in 2022 had some organisational issues. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 29 April 2023 |
| Location | Klerksdorp-Potch, NW |
| Start Venue | Matlosana Recreation Centre, Klerksdorp |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://www.nwn12ultra.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | info@nwn12ultra.co.za |
| Distance | 50 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5911 |
| Pre-entries Close | Thursday 31 March 2022 |
| Entry Fee | R300 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | N12 |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 170km (2h) drive along the N12. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| 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 | +/- 500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 229 |
Titaniums Marathon Marathon (Sat 29 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | A new double-lap marathon is Bloemfontein. With a total elevation gain of 261m this looks like a fairly flat route. |
| Detailed Report | : |
| Race Date | Saturday 29 April 2023 |
| Location | Bloemfontein, FS |
| Start Venue | Sun Windmill Casino, Bloemfontein |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/C2TitaniumsAC/ |
| Contact Details | cctac2021@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | Opens 27 March |
| Pre-entries Close | Monday 24 April 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R250 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | Yes (No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| 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 | N/A |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 261 |
Prince Mangosuthu 52k Ultra (Sun 30 Apr): Confirmed
| 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. |
| Detailed Report | Prince Mangosuthu Ultra (The Dundee double): http://runningmann.co.za/2019/09/08/prince-mangosuthu-ultra/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 30 April 2023 |
| Location | Nqutu-Dundee, KZN |
| Start Venue | Umagazi Secondary School, Nquthu, KZN |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/groups/823926617668517/user/100063701852974/ |
| Contact Details | Kenneth 0733979358; Samu 0722904063; Khulu 0714138907 |
| Distance | 52 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/ |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | R200 |
| Included Extras | Shirt |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | Umzinyathi District Municipality |
| Permanent Numbers | no |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 300 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 700 |
Sol Plaatjie Memorial Marathon (Sun 30 Apr): Unconfirmed
| Race Description | Nothing known about this marathon. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 30 April 2023 |
| Location | Bethlehem, FS |
| Start Venue | Bethlehem Show Grounds |
| Route Type | ? |
| Race Website | ? |
| Contact Details | malutimultisport@vodamail.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | ? |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | ? |
| Permanent Numbers | ? |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 270km (3h drive) south |
| Accommodation Options | Saturday 00 January 1900 |
| What else to do there? | Saturday 00 January 1900 |
| Normal Finishers | N/A |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Township Marathon (Sun 30 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | I’ve not run the course since it became a double-lapper but understand that it is fast and flat with lots of community participation. The race promises a unique township vibe and post-race entertainment. The route takes in several points of interest and historic sites like Walter Sisulu Square where the Freedom Charter was signed in 1955. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 30 April 2023 |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gau |
| Start Venue | Eldorado Park Stadium. Cuming Road, Eldorado Park |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/TownshipMarathon/ |
| Contact Details | townshipmarathon@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://peaktiming.co.za/entries |
| Pre-entries Close | Monday 10 April 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R450 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 2500 entries) |
| Late entries | ? (Late entries additional R100) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | Eldorado Park is 20km 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). |
| 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Seshego 50k Ultra (Sun 30 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | A point to point ultra that starts on the R71 Mankweng to Polokwane. The first 22km takes you back towards Polokwane before veering left onto the N1 highway for an extended period of freeway running. You exit the N1 around the 34 kilometre mark on the southern outskirts of Polokwane. Seshego is on the north-western periphery of the city so you’ve got 16 kilometres through industrial areas and suburbs to conquer before you can earn your finish. |
| Detailed Report | Seshego Marathon (Signing out from Polokwane): http://runningmann.co.za/2022/06/18/seshego-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 30 April 2023 |
| Location | Polokwane, Lim |
| Start Venue | Paledi Mall-Seshego Stadium, Polokwane |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://www.seshegomarathon.org/ |
| Contact Details | Phateng Kgomo – Marketing and Communications 082 958 4025 admin@seshegomarathon.org |
| Distance | 50 |
| Online Entries | http://onreg.com/seshego2023 |
| Pre-entries Close | Saturday 22 April 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R485 |
| Included Extras | Bus ticket to start |
| Late entries | Yes (No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| 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) | 374 |
uMhlathuze Crocs Marathon (Sun 30 Apr): Confirmed
| Race Description | By popular demand, the race is back to the traditional out-and-back route through the sugar cane fields. For the bipodal (who enjoy a bit of running in the rough), you get the best of both tar and trail on this course. 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. Note: This was formerly known as the Tronox Marathon. |
| Detailed Report | Tronox Marathon (The Empangeni sugar rush): http://runningmann.co.za/2022/08/07/tronox-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 30 April 2023 |
| Location | Empangeni, KZN |
| Start Venue | Addison Park Empangeni |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | https://www.umhlathuze-ac.co.za/crocs-rock/uac-race-events |
| Contact Details | info@umhlathuze-ac.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.eventtiming.info/ |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | R320 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | Yes (R100 extra for race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 200 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 539 |
