This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s July and August 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 life after Comrades with a good selection of marathons over July and August.
For those that use Comrades as a training run, there’s the Washie 100 Miler (the oldest road 100 miler in the world), The Icon’s Journey 103k (celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela) and the Cape Town Festival of Running 100k and 50k in July as well as the Dawn 2 Dusk 100 mile and 12-hour race in August.
All three marathon options in July are held in the Western Cape and are fantastic. Knysna Forest has already taken place but the end of the month sees the Beaufort West Kanniedood marathon in the Karoo desert and the PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon. The latter has not taken place since Covid and I’m really happy to see its return as it’s one of my favourites (and a great excuse to spend a weekend in Riebeek Kasteel or Riebeek Wes).
August is quieter with some cancelled marathons (the second oldest marathon in the country, the Amathole, is cancelled because road conditions in the area are so bad) but there are two good options at the end of the month.
The first is the Blouberg Marathon along the Cape coastline which returns after a successful debut in 2022. The second is a brand new event, the Red Star Marathon, which is just an hour outside Joburg running laps around the 4.1km Red Star racetrack in Delmas. Whilst one might be skeptical of a circuit marathon, the sponsors are going all out with the race and it promises to be a fun, safe and fast low-fuss marathon.
July
Knysna Forest Marathon (Sat 08 Jul): Confirmed
| Race Description | The Garden Route is without doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world and this is one of the best marathons in the country. Go deep into the indigenous Knysna Forest, conquer some massive hills and shatter your quads on the crushing downhills before a flat finish around the lagoon. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 08 July 2023 |
| Location | Knysna, WC |
| Start Venue | Glebe – Knysna |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://knysnaforestmarathon.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | admin@knysnaforestmarathon.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | Closed |
| Pre-entries Close | Closed |
| Entry Fee | R240 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | Spar |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 1,250km (12h) drive or 2h flight to George (R1,000 – R3,000 return) and 70km (1h) drive. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | Knysna is a fabulous holiday destination that has won South African town of the year on several occasions. Check out http://www.visitknysna.co.za/ for the vast variety of options. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 689 |
Arthur Creswell Memorial 52k Ultra (Sat 08 Jul): Cancelled
| Race Description | The race offers 52 countryside kilometres through northern Kwazulu Natal with enthusiastic support tables organised by the local community. Remember your warm top for the icy start in Bergville and your suntan lotion once the sun comes up – it’s a long, hot slog to Ladysmith. Those who enjoy a challenge (and a good view) will appreciate the stretch from 12 to 18km up Child’s Hill – the highest point on the route. Luckily the organisers leave the rest of this hill’s family out of it as you drop and undulate all the way home. To keep you on your toes, there is a tricky dirt road section towards the end of the route. The Bergville ultra features as the cornerstone of many KZN runner’s Comrades training plans. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 08 July 2023 |
| Location | Bergville-Ladysmith, KZN |
| Start Venue | Bergville Municipal Offices |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | http://www.ladysmithathleticsclub.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | lacracesecretary@gmail.com |
| Distance | 52 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | ? (Late entries R350; No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes (10th finish) |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 350km (3h30) drive south down the N3 |
| Accommodation Options | Hunter Lodge 036 637 2359 Farquhar Lodge 036 631 0847 Peaches and Cream 036 631 0954 Durnford Lodge 036 637 2828 Bokmakierie 036 637 8403 Boer ‘n Brit 078 376 5179 Platrand Lodge 036 631 0204 |
| What else to do there? | There are plenty of historical sites and family orientated holiday resorts around Ladysmith. The Nambiti Private Game Reserve has a number of good value lodges for those who want to unwind after their ultra. And of course you can always use the race as an excuse to explore magnificent Midlands. https://midlandsmeander.co.za/ |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 471 |
Cape Town Festival 100k Ultra (Fri 14 Jul): Confirmed
| Race Description | “From the start the on the Sea Point Promenade, runners are treated to beautiful coastal views as they make their way towards the Sea Point Swimming Pool, then looping back towards the Lighthouse, where they turn to complete the loop at the Promenade.” “Our event is the Festival of Running, we are the only race Western Cape that offers a variety of events. Although the 50km and 100km is our iconic events we also offer a 5x5km relay and on the Sunday we are hosting another popular 21km event. Our local Ultra Marathon event attracted a few international runners.”. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 15 July 2023 |
| Location | Sea Point, Cape Town, WC |
| Start Venue | Sea Point Pavilion |
| Route Type | Circuit |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/capetownfestivalofrunning |
| Contact Details | info@hewatac.co.za |
| Distance | 100 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=6097 |
| Pre-entries Close | Thursday 13 July 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R408 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | Yes (R308 for 50km) |
| Title sponsor | City of Cape Town |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | Fly to Cape Town; 20km drive from the airport to the Waterfront. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | Cape Town is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Check out https://myciti.org.za/en/home/ for options. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Washie 100 miler Ultra (Fri 28 Jul): Confirmed
| Race Description | The oldest road 100 miler in the world. The Washie is a rite of passage for East London long distance runners. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Friday 28 July 2023 |
| Location | Cathcart-East London, EC |
| Start Venue | Cathcart Golf Club- EL |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://washie100miler.com/ |
| Contact Details | info@washie100miler.co.za |
| Distance | 161 |
| Online Entries | https://washie100miler.com/ |
| Pre-entries Close | Tuesday 25 July 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R1,500 |
| Included Extras | Tracksuit Top (novices) |
| Late entries | ? (R1200 for previous finishers) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes |
| How to get there from Joburg? | Fly to East London; 1h25 (130km) drive to Cathcart |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | Stunning Indian Ocean beaches, game reserves, great pubs and restaurants with river or beach views to die for! Check out https://www.eastlondon.org.za/tourism.html for more. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 100 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 2510 |
Beaufort West Kanniedood Marathon (Sat 29 Jul): Confirmed
| Race Description | Your chance to run a marathon in the Karoo Desert. This is a flat, out-and-back route that starts and finishes on Karoo National Park. One of the more difficult races to get to but it promises a fantastic experience once you are there. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 29 July 2023 |
| Location | Beaufort West, WC |
| Start Venue | Rustdene Sports Complex |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | http://www.aswd.co.za/event/beaufort-west-marathon-2/ |
| Contact Details | ngwanatholenong@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://entrytickets.net/beaufortwest |
| Pre-entries Close | Tuesday 25 July 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R120 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | Yes (R20 extra for late entries; No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | Beaufort West Municipality https://www.beaufortwestmun.co.za/ |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 950km (9h) drive south along the N1 or fly to Cape Town and 450km (4h) drive. |
| Accommodation Options | Beaufort-Wes Tourism Centre Tel; 023 415 1488 |
| What else to do there? | Explore the natural beauty of the Karoo National Park, go on a traditional donkey cart ride and visit the Chris Barnard Museum (Barnard was the first doctor to successfully perform a human-to-human heart transplant and was born and raised in Beaufort West). |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 30 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon (Sat 29 Jul): Confirmed
| Race Description | The race starts and finishes at the PPC Cement Factory to the contrasting backdrop of Dickensian industrial machinery and pristine vineyards. The race explores the local towns of Riebeek Wes and Riebeek Kasteel – two of the oldest in the country. All the while one admires the unspoilt mountains in the distance before getting more closely acquainted with the Kasteelberg, Porseleinberg and Bothmaskloofpas over the second two thirds of the race (the latter two providing monster climbs that give the Bergmarathon its name). Once into the countryside, the views are stunning. This is a course that liberally dishes out the rewards to her diligent runners and the wonderful vista of the Riebeek Valley from the top of the Bothmaskloofpas is worth the entry fee alone. |
| Detailed Report | PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon (a win-win-win Winelands scenario): http://runningmann.co.za/2018/09/15/riebeekbergmarathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 29 July 2023 |
| Location | Riebeek Wes, WC |
| Start Venue | PPC Plant, Riebeek Wes |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://www.ppc.africa/ |
| Contact Details | ppcrbm@ppc.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5980 |
| Pre-entries Close | Monday 17 July 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R208 |
| Included Extras | Goodie bag |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | PPC Ltd (www.ppc.africa) |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes |
| How to get there from Joburg? | Fly to Cape Town; 100km drive from the airport to Riebeek Wes/Kasteel. |
| Accommodation Options | http://www.riebeekvalley.info/ |
| What else to do there? | The Riebeek Valley is a great place to spend a weekend and explore. Sample local wines, olives and craft beer after exploring the beautiful surrounds. Excellent restaurants too. This is the perfect location for the romantic marathon runner. See: http://www.riebeekvalley.info/ for more. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 300 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 761 |
The Icon’s Journey 103k Ultra (Sun 30 Jul): Confirmed
| Race Description | From the race website, “The Icon’s Journey Marathon vision was inspired by President Nelson Mandela’s journey of growing up in the rural villages of the former Transkei homeland to becoming a Global Icon. In the physical event participants in South Africa’s longest 1 day running event have a unique opportunity to trace Madiba’s footprints from where he was born, grew up, went to school and is laid to rest. A unique heritage and tourism route where participants have an opportunity to also touch the birth places of some of South Africa’s Iconic freedom fighters namely Chris Hani, Walter Sisulu, Dr. A.B Xuma, Mama Albertina Sisulu, King Sabata Dalindyebo and General Bantu Holomisa.” |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 30 July 2023 |
| Location | Clarkebury-Mthatha, EC |
| Start Venue | Nelson Mandela Museum, Bhunga Building, Mthatha |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://www.theiconsjourneymarathon.com/ |
| Contact Details | iconsinfo@theiconsjourneymarathon.com |
| Distance | 103 |
| Online Entries | https://www.theiconsjourneymarathon.com/event-details/103km-run-202 3 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | R800 |
| Included Extras | Shirt |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 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. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 50 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
August
Amathole Marathon (Sun 06 Aug): Cancelled
“The race is not going ahead due to poor road conditions that are a risk to runner safety & traffic disruption.”
| Race Description | After departing Stutterheim there are 24km hilly kilometres before enjoying many downhills (and a few undulations) to the finish in King William’s Town. This is the second oldest marathon in South Africa. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 06 August 2023 |
| Location | Stutterheim-King Williams Town, EC |
| Start Venue | Stutterheim |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | N/A |
| Contact Details | pongomasv5251@gmail.com; borderathletics@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 250 entries) |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | Fly to East London; 100km (1h15) drive to Stutterheim |
| Accommodation Options | Contact Daan Louw, 083 449 2991 or 082 575 3394 or email konopka@iafrica.com |
| What else to do there? | Private game reserves, surfing, fishing, hiking. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 300 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Memel Ultra (Wed 09 Aug): Cancelled
| Race Description | A lowkey 51.2km race from Memel (the coldest town in the Free State) to Newcastle in Kwazulu Natal. The race is run along the along the historic Battlefields Route and provides breath-taking views once the early morning fog lifts. Expect great support tables and plenty of small-town hospitality along the way. Although the race starts over 1,700m above sea level and finishes around 1,200m, there is by no means an ‘easy ultra’. There are plenty of climbs along the way – and you’ll warm up quickly from your sub-zero start with a 17km climb to Botha’s Pass before dropping into Kwazulu Natal. |
| Detailed Report | Blood Buddy Ultra (The Legacy of a Schoolboy Dare): http://runningmann.co.za/2018/09/28/blood-buddy-ultra/ |
| Race Date | Wednesday 09 August 2023 |
| Location | Memel, FS-Newcastle, KZN |
| Start Venue | Memel NG Kerk |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://www.memelwalk.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | info@champ.co.za |
| Distance | 51.2 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | ? |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | ITEC Newcastle |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes (5 finishes) |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 300km (3h15 drive) south |
| Accommodation Options | Recommended by the organisers: www.tramonto.co.za ( Keyword Champ) www.avalonguestmanor.co.za |
| What else to do there? | Do a tour of the historic battlefields area. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 100 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 549 |
Wellington Marathon (Sat 12 Aug): Cancelled
“This race”This event was planned before Covid as a fundraiser for a school in Wellington. They decided not to host the event after Covid.”
Dawn 2 Dusk Ultra (Fri 25 Aug): Confirmed
| Race Description | Circuit race for those that like that sort of thing. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Friday 25 August 2023 |
| Location | Pretoria, Gau |
| Start Venue | Gerrit Maritz High School |
| Route Type | Circuit |
| Race Website | http://www.akasiaathleticsclub.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | gerrie.s@mweb.co.za |
| Distance | 160 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=6083 |
| Pre-entries Close | Saturday 15 July 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R608 |
| Included Extras | Green jacket for novices |
| Late entries | ? (R500 for 80km) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 80km (1h) drive but allow extra time for congestion. |
| Accommodation Options | Plenty of options in Pretoria. |
| What else to do there? | – |
| Normal Finishers | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Northridge Mall Marathon (Sat 26 Aug): Confirmed
| Race Description | Nothing known about this marathon |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 26 August 2023 |
| Location | Bloemfontein, FS |
| Start Venue | Northridge Mall |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | http://bloemachilles.co.za/races/ |
| Contact Details | info@bloemachilles.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://entries.evententry.co.za/events/79319-northridge-mall-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | 23 Aug |
| 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) | ? |
Red Star Marathon (Sat 26 Aug): Confirmed
| Race Description | The marathon is run on an actively used motorsport racetrack. Each lap is 4km and, 13 turns, will allowing you to perfect your cornering technique. The finish straight is a 800m allowing you to open the throttle and give it some gas. With just 12m of elevation per lap this looks to be a fast route. The facility offers secure parking in the facility grounds, Accommodation on site, Restaurant, Bar, Swimming pool, Kiddies Entertainment area, Ablutions and showers, Shop and Fuel Station on site. Route profile: www.redstarraceway.co.za/index_htm_files/Red Star Marathon_2.mp4 Want to optimise for speed? Here’s a track “ride through” on a bike (although runners will be going anti-clockwise): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14bOIsaYZrg&t=4s |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 26 August 2023 |
| Location | Delmas, Mpu |
| Start Venue | Red Star Raceway |
| Route Type | Circuit |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093076516720 |
| Contact Details | marketing@redstarraceway.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=6084 |
| Pre-entries Close | Tuesday 15 August 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R400 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 100 entries) |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | Red Star Raceway |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 75km (1h) drive east on N12 |
| Accommodation Options | https://www.redstarraceway.co.za/accommodation.htm |
| What else to do there? | https://www.mpumalanga.com/places-to-go/cosmos-country/delmas; https://www.redstarraceway.co.za/calendar.htm |
| Normal Finishers | N/A |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 120 |
Blouberg Marathon (Sun 27 Aug): Confirmed
| Race Description | A flat, beautiful and scenic route along the Blouberg and Melkbos beach front. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 27 August 2023 |
| Location | Blouberg, WC |
| Start Venue | Table Bay Mall |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://westcoastathleticclub.co.za/blouberg-marathon/ |
| Contact Details | racerep@westcoastathleticclub.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/79086-blouberg-marathon-2023 |
| Pre-entries Close | Friday 18 August 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R260 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | Planned for future |
| How to get there from Joburg? | Fly to Cape Town; 40km drive |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | Cape Town is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Check out https://myciti.org.za/en/home/ for options. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 1000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 132 |
Follow Running Mann:
Pity about the Arthur Cresswell .Maybe lack of support and sponsorship to blame.In the seventies and eighties,fields of two to three thousand runners were common.Maybe the end of another iconic ultra.
Thanks for the useful overview, as always.
There is also a 42k and 80k trail event in Hartbeespoort on 26 August: https://www.hartiestrailexperience.co.za/event-details-registration/harties-loop-race
Yes the Arthur Cresswell was a great easy qualifier. They need to change the date to make it a Comrades qualifier.
Thank you sir