This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s October 2023 marathons and ultras including race descriptions and recommendations. You can find the full 2023 marathon / ultra calendar here.
A summary of your choices is below:
There are just six confirmed marathon options in October (and I would consider all the others as unlikely to take place at this stage).
If you want to include a marathon over the first weekend in October, you’ll need to head to Shikhumba Village in rural Limpopo for their reasonably flat out-and-back event.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon dominates the October calendar. Billed as Africa’s Major, the race is now an aspirant Abbott’s World Marathon Major and only has a few hundred entries left – so get yours in before they sell out.
For those who fancy a quieter marathon that weekend, I can highly recommend the Tony Viljoen Masters Marathon in East London – which I also make as the easiest marathon in the country.
The final weekend sees the out-and-back Letsgo Potch! Marathon, the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon (which will be on an adjusted route this year as road damage from the floods has still not been repaired) and a 48km ultra option with the Run 4 Cancer in Polokwane.
Full details of all these events below…
October
Shikhumba Filling Marathon (Sat 07 Oct): Confirmed
| Race Description | A well organised event through the villages of rural Limpopo. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 07 October 2023 |
| Location | Shikhumba Village, Lim |
| Start Venue | Shikhuma Filling Station |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | http://www.shikhumbamarathon.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | shikhumbamarathon@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=6113 |
| Pre-entries Close | Monday 18 September 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R326 |
| Included Extras | Dri-fit Shirt (first 500 entries) |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | Shikhumba Filling Station https://www.facebook.com/Shikhumba-Filling-Station-445199285684891/ |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 500km (5h30) drive north east |
| Accommodation Options | Recommended by organiser: Xiska Guest House; Mashamba Country Lodge; Kulani Country Lodge |
| What else to do there? | The race is on the doorstep of the Kruger National Park so take some time out on safari after the marathon or enjoy a rich cultural experience at Baleni Rest Camp (just 5km away). |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 100 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 221 |
Clarens Golden Gate Marathon (Sat 07 Oct): Cancelled
| Race Description | A hilly but beautiful out-and-back course through the stunning Golden Gate Highlands National Park (the whole route is on tar). This is the inaugural running of the event. |
| Detailed Report | Golden Gate Marathon (The National Park run): http://runningmann.co.za/2019/12/07/golden-gate-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 07 October 2023 |
| Location | Clarens, FS |
| Start Venue | Glen Reenen Restcamp, Golden Gate National Park |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | N/A |
| Contact Details | maluti.run@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? | 300km (3h15 drive) south |
| Accommodation Options | Recommended by the organisers: Mountain Odyssey – 058 256 1480/1173 & www.infoclarens.com |
| What else to do there? | Clarens is a small town with plenty of charm and quaint shops. The Maluti Mountains surround the town providing scenic options like horseriding, quad biking, hiking, river rafting, bushman paintings and dinosaur trails. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is also nearby. |
| Normal Finishers | 0 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
![By Marco Schmidt [1] - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1484911](https://runningmann.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Golden_Gate_MS2004_Bild1320.jpg)
Township to Township Marathon (Sun 08 Oct): Unconfirmed
| Race Description | Nothing known about this marathon. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 08 October 2023 |
| Location | Umlazi, KZN |
| Start Venue | Umlazi, KZN |
| Route Type | ? |
| Race Website | ? |
| Contact Details | sihle.shange@ymail.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? | ? |
| Accommodation Options | ? |
| What else to do there? | ? |
| Normal Finishers | N/A |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Wasbank Marathon (Sun 08 Oct): Unconfirmed
| Race Description | Nothing known about this marathon. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 08 October 2023 |
| Location | Sigweje High School |
| Start Venue | Sigweje High School |
| Route Type | ? |
| Race Website | ? |
| Contact Details | wasbankac@gmail.com ; sifiso.nzuza60@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? | ? |
| Accommodation Options | ? |
| What else to do there? | ? |
| Normal Finishers | N/A |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon (Sun 15 Oct): Confirmed
| Race Description | For South Africans, this is your chance to experience a big city marathon without having to foot a big city travel bill. For international runners, this is your chance to plan a holiday in South Africa’s tourist mecca whilst enjoying a fantastic, world-class marathon experience. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is classified as Africa’s Major and 2023 will see its second year as an Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate. The super-speedy course boasts the fastest official marathon times run on South African soil. The early nerves are calmed by the cool sea breeze on the Atlantic Seaboard whilst the exuberant sounds of excited runner chit-chat harmonise to the beat of the crashing waves as one heads towards the V&A Waterfront. Route highlights include a tour of the city, where a cosmopolitan mix of modern skyscrapers and iconic historical landmarks like the Mount Nelson Hotel, South African National Gallery, South African Holocaust Museum, St Mary’s Cathedral, Houses of Parliament, City Gardens, City Hall, District Six and the Castle of Good Hope provide a visual extravaganza whilst Signal Hill watches over your progress. The middle section traverses the southern suburbs which includes running past Groote Schuur Hospital (where Dr. Chris Barnard performed the world’s first human to human heart transplant) and you can catch a glimpse of the hallowed turf of Newlands Cricket Ground before heading back towards the city centre. You also get to enjoy a quick detour around Rondebosch Common – providing a chance to appreciate some critically endangered biodiversity as you loop around one of the last surviving pockets of Cape Flats Sand Fynbos. This area is home many top academic and sporting schools – and the route passes several of these outstanding institutions including the finest boys’ school in the country, Rondebosch. In the interests of gender neutrality, it’s appropriate to mention some of the great girls’ and co-ed schools passed along the route like Rustenberg, Westerford, San Souci, Groote Schuur and Bishops Diocesan College. The incredible panorama of Table Mountain, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, provides a constant backdrop over your journey whilst the noise, support and entertainment steadily increases along the Sea Point Promenade and all the way back to the finish line at the DHL Stadium. |
| Detailed Report | Cape Town Marathon (Give trees a chance): http://runningmann.co.za/2021/09/11/cape-town-marathon-moving-forest/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 15 October 2023 |
| Location | Cape Town, WC |
| Start Venue | Fritz Sonnenburg Road, Cape Town, WC |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://www.capetownmarathon.com/ |
| Contact Details | raceoffice@capetownmarathon.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://capetownmarathon.howler.co.za/events/sanlam-cape-town-marathon-2023-c180/tickets |
| Pre-entries Close | Saturday 30 September 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R480 |
| Included Extras | Shirt; Goodie Bag |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | Sanlam www.sanlam.co.za |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes (10 finishes) |
| How to get there from Joburg? | Fly to Cape Town; 20km drive from the airport to the Waterfront. |
| Accommodation Options | Southern Sun Waterfront is race hotel, Southern Sun offer special packages to runners https://capetownmarathon.com/travel/ |
| What else to do there? | Cape Town is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Check out travel information on race website (https://www.capetownmarathon.com/travel/travel-tourism/) and the Cape Town Tourism site (https://www.capetown.travel/) for options. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 9000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 179 |
Tony Viljoen Masters Marathon (Sun 15 Oct): Confirmed
| Race Description | Tony Viljoen Masters Marathon is pure, unadulterated marathon running erotica. Nothing but feathers, tender caresses and light tickles; A gentle frolic as you tenderly work your way down from an altitude of 600m to a sea-level climax. The route follows the N6 for 95% of the race and there is absolutely no kink at all until the 40km mark when you veer into the suburbs. This marathon is light petting, PG-rated first base action all the way. There are no quad crushing downhills – just a long, gradual, tantric drop to home base (and a very soft landing) at Feathers in Beacon Bay. There are a couple of minor uphills along the way but nothing that will leave any marks or bruises the next day. No safe words required. This is a race that treats you well, is guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face and will respect you the next morning. I make this the easiest marathon in the country. |
| Detailed Report | Tony Viljoen Masters Marathon (Pure unadulterated running erotica): http://runningmann.co.za/2019/10/13/tony-viljoen-masters-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 15 October 2023 |
| Location | Macleantown-Beacon Bay, EC |
| Start Venue | N6 Cobongo |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/bordermastersathletics/ |
| Contact Details | oatley@cis.za.net |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://entrytickets.net/masters |
| Pre-entries Close | Sunday 08 October 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R180 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | Yes (R20 extra for late entries; No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | NFB Private Wealth Management |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | Fly to East London; 50km (45m) drive to Macleantown |
| Accommodation Options | Search accommodation sites for Beacon Bay if you would like to stay very close to the finish, but there are many great overnight stays close by in Nahoon, Stirling, Selborne all within 10 minutes. |
| 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 | +/- 500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 197 |
Fred Morrison Marathon (Sun 15 Oct): Half Marathon Only
Great Kolomela Iron Ore Marathon (Sat 21 Oct): Unconfirmed
| Race Description | Nothing known about this marathon. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 21 October 2023 |
| Location | Postmasburg, NC |
| Start Venue | Postmasburg, NC |
| Route Type | ? |
| Race Website | ? |
| Contact Details | Bonolo.Maruping@angloamerican.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? | 650km (7h) drive or 1h flight to Kimberley + 200km (2h) drive |
| Accommodation Options | Saturday 00 January 1900 |
| What else to do there? | ? |
| Normal Finishers | N/A |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Letsgo Potch! Marathon (Sat 28 Oct): Confirmed
| Race Description | Nothing known about this marathon. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 28 October 2023 |
| Location | Potchefstroom, NW |
| Start Venue | Shofar Christian Church, 9 Gerrit Decker Street, Potchefstroom |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/letsgopotch/ |
| Contact Details | potchefstroom@shofaronline.org |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/79140-letsgo-potch-marathon-2023 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | R280 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| 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? | ? |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 50 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 254 |
Umzila Ka Tambo Marathon (Sat 28 Oct): Unconfirmed
| Race Description | Nothing known about this marathon. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 28 October 2023 |
| Location | Zikhuba Junction-Bizana, EC |
| Start Venue | OR Tambo Cultural Village, Bizana |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | – |
| Contact Details | noxie.layita@ecsrac.gov.za |
| 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? | 800km (8h15) drive to Durban and then down the South Coast or fly to Durban and 220km (2h40) drive. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | ? |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 50 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Run 4 Cancer Ultra Marathon (Sat 28 Oct): Confirmed
| Race Description | Your entry includes a bus ticket to the start at Stevens Lumber Mills near Haenertsburg and follows the R71 all the way to the finish at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. Proceeds from the run are used to create awareness and support those suffering with and affected by Cancer. |
| Detailed Report | Run4Cancer Ultra (Sex, Politics & Religion in Limpopo): http://runningmann.co.za/2020/01/26/run4cancer-ultra/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 28 October 2023 |
| Location | Polokwane, Lim |
| Start Venue | New Peter Mokaba Stadium |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/SARun4CancerUltraMarathon/ |
| Contact Details | sarun4cancer@gmail.com |
| Distance | 48 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=6150 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | R411 |
| Included Extras | Dri-fit Shirt (first 1,000 entries) |
| Late 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; Nearby hotels include Park Inn Hotel 0.5km away, Town Lodge 4.5km away, Meropa Hotel 4.5km away |
| What else to do there? | Attractions in town in the Polokwane Bird and Reptile Park and Bakone Malapa Open Air Museum; A short drive takes you to the beauty of the Magoebaskloof hiking trails; Or put on your game face and visit the Kruger or Mapungubwe National Parks. See http://polokwanetourism.co.za/ for more. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 300 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 551 |
Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon (Sun 29 Oct): Confirmed
| Race Description | With a profile like the jaw of a ragged-tooth shark, this is 42 Kilometres of unrelenting undulations along Kwazulu Natal’s south coast from Scottburgh to Amanzimtoti. If the hills don’t get you the humidity will. |
| Detailed Report | Sapphire Coast Marathon (Delayed Planes, Delayed Trains & Marathon Running): http://runningmann.co.za/2018/12/02/sapphire-coast-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 29 October 2023 |
| Location | Amanzimtoti, KZN |
| Start Venue | Amanzimtoti Athletic Club |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://www.totiac.co.za/Events/ |
| Contact Details | toti.ac.treasurer@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.eventtiming.info/entryonline.php?id=499 |
| Pre-entries Close | Sunday 22 October 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R350 |
| Included Extras | Goodie Bag; Shirt (enter before 5 Oct) |
| Late entries | Yes (R30 extra for late entries; No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | Goss & Balfe https://www.gossbalfe.co.za/ |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 600km (6h) drive or fly to Durban and 60km (40m) drive from King Shaka along the N2. |
| 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) | ? |
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Hopefully somebody in Athletics South Africa have noticed and are doing something about marathons being cancelled left right and center. Getting confirmation of an actual 42km race is as rare as a pangolin sighting, while nothing is being done to save our beloved but endangered marathon race day.