The Running Mann’s Guide to November & December 2023 Marathons
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This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s November and December 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:
Click to expand.
November kicks off with two of the most popular marathons in the country, Kaapsehoop and Soweto. The latter is back with a new sponsor, African Bank, and is the best way to tour the historic township of Soweto. However, for those that want something different, it’s highly recommended to consider the Bonkolo Marathon in Komani (formerly Queenstown). This is a lowkey event through the beautiful Eastern Cape countryside.
The following weekend, you can run amongst the purple rain in Pretoria at the Jacaranda City Marathon or run up the donkey pass that packs a big donkey punch at Sani Stagger (don’t forget your passport if you want a beer at the highest pub in Africa just over the Lesotho border). On the Sunday there is a brand-new event with the vibrant Cheetahs Athletic Club organizing a self-titled marathon.
Mid-month has the Magoebaskloof Plunge – probably the toughest “downhill” marathon in the country (most of the drop happens over a few kilometres down the Magoesbaskloof Pass as you move from the highveld to the lowveld) but the views and hospitality are worth the trip to Tzaneen. The Bluff Marathon is also back on cards for the KZN crowd.
November’s final weekend has three great options. The Winelands Marathon in the Stellenbosch region provides an excellent excuse to spend the rest of the weekend sampling the viticulture of the region whilst those who prefer coastal marathons should take a trip to Witsand for Die Vlakte Marathon. The third option is the Drakensburg Marathon (formerly Josiah Gumede) which is a picturesque out-and-back marathon from Bergville that is organized by Barry Holland (of 49 Comrades finishes fame).
There are currently just three confirmed December marathons. The first two are in the Eastern Cape with the 1City Marathon in Gqeberha on the 2nd and the inaugural Mdantsane Marathon just outside of East London one week later. Mdantsane is the second largest township in South Africa (after Soweto) and the Real Gijimas ultra (which traverses the same territory) is the toughest 50k in the country so expect some hills!
The final December marathon is another inaugural event on the 27th at the Elias Resort just outside of Makhado (formerly Louis Trichardt). For those that want to work off their Christmas dinner and get a head start on their new year’s resolutions this might be worth a trip north.
Full details of all these events below…
November
Kaapsehoop Marathon (Sat 04 Nov): Confirmed
Race Description
A fast, downhill qualifier amongst the wild horses in the village of Kaapsehoop to the finish at the Mbombela Stadium. An easy route and excellent organisation have resulted in this becoming one of the biggest marathons in South Africa as many runners look to get a secure their Two Oceans and Comrades seedings before the running season concludes.
Detailed Report
Kaapsehoop Marathon (The Sub-3 Quest): http://runningmann.co.za/2021/11/03/kaapsehoop-marathon/
Mbombela is the stepping stone to the world-famous Kruger National Park – self-drive or splash out on a private lodge; Various Tourist attractions around town including Lowveld Botanical Garden and the Mafunyane Waterpark; Take a drive to gaze through God’s Window.
Normal Finishers
+/- 4000
Route Elevation (total climbing)
528
The Kaapsehoop Marathon is very much a downhill race, but there are still a few challenging uphills.The race is point-to-point between Kaapsehoop and Nelspruit, with loops at the start and in the middle to make up the marathon distance.Getting ready to go on a misty morning in Kaapsehoop.Life was great in the first 10 kilometres.Kirsten, heading back to the safety of the tar.One has to dig deep to run a sub-3 marathon.Photo credit lowvelder.co.za)
Bonkolo Marathon (Sat 04 Nov): Confirmed
Race Description
A circular route from the Bonkolo Dam. Route description from organiser, “Marathon runners head out towards Aloe Grove and then meet up with the half marathon back at the Bonkolo Dam. Runners head back towards town into Blue Rise, around the Berry Dam and through parts of top town. Runners are faced with the mountain starting at 25km and taking them all the way to Sunnyside before they make their way back to the Bonkolo Dam via Hangklip Road, Kingsway and Livingstone Road. The never-ending Livingstone road towards the SPCA and the dam wall is arguably the most demanding section of the race. This is where a strong mind is needed to overcome the tiredness of the body, but the runners are soon rewarded with the sight of the finish at the Bonkolo Dam.”
Fly to East London; 200km (2h30) drive to Queenstown
Accommodation Options
Check out Google for B&B and hotel options
What else to do there?
Relax at the dam afterwards.
Normal Finishers
+/- 100
Route Elevation (total climbing)
470
routeLeadPhoto credit Dean Venish Photography)Enjoying the exquisite Eastern Cape countryside.viewWith the Rugby World Cup final a couple of hours away, the support tables during the Bonkolo Marathon were in full swing. I asked these guys who was going to win. They answered correctly: Bokke!DamThe slow poison pull back up to the Bonkolo Dam.LonghillDustWhen you love the race shirt enough to run in 30 degree heat.Vuil Coke.Signing out from Komanis hot, dry and dusty Bonkolo Marathon.To rehash (or should that be retread) and old joke: Moeketsi Kabeli shows what being really tired at the end of a marathon looks like!
Soweto Marathon (Sun 05 Nov): Confirmed
Race Description
The best way to join the mile-high club: Run at an altitude of just over 1,600m and endure over 600m of climbing along the way with most of the hard work crammed into the last half of the race. This tough marathon is the best way to tour Johannesburg’s South Western Townships. This is the one of the few single lap marathons in Gauteng and by far the best way to tour Soweto. Get out your guidebook and look for the eight landmarks along the way: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Walter Sisulu Square, The Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Credo Mutwa Cultural Village, Morris Isaacson High School, June 16 Memorial Acre, Vilakazi Street and The Hector Pieterson Memorial. The event also offers a unique finish experience inside the iconic Calabash – which hosted the 2010 Soccer World Cup final. Crowd support is excellent as the local residents come out to cheer runners on. For overseas runners looking to tick off an African marathon with a unique ‘big city’ experience, this is the race I would recommend.
The start is 25km south west of central Joburg with many access points.
Accommodation Options
Soak up the township vibe by booking a room at the “Soweto Hotel” in Kliptown (where the Freedom Charter was signed / 3km from the race venue). Check out recommendations at: https://sowetomarathon.com/accommodation
What else to do there?
Book yourself onto a township tour or explore the many famous and significant sites in the vicinity like Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pietersen Memorial Museum.
Normal Finishers
+/- 8000
Route Elevation (total climbing)
579
Enjoy the vibe of Vilakazi Street – the only road in the world to house two Nobel Prize Winners Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu).You meet some cool people running marathons. This guy @Siya_Reliance aka #TownshipFarmer runs marathons with a sapling in his rucksack – and plants it at the end of the race!SoweezyVilakzai Street is always a highlight on the route. Names after Benedict Wallet Vilakazi (first black South African to receive a Ph.D. and the only street in the world home to two Nobel Laureates.
Jacaranda City Marathon (Sat 11 Nov): Confirmed
Race Description
Your chance to see purple rain in real life at the only Gauteng marathon north of the Jukskei in the second half of the year. A double-lapper timed to capture the capital city’s famous Jacaranda trees in full bloom. Flat by Tshwane standards (hilly by anywhere else’s standards). If purple is your favourite colour this is the race for you. The race is undergoing a rebirth with a completely new route. Here is the description from the race director, “The 42,2km will be a double lap race that includes “quick kilometres” where running/walking will be without strain, a couple of “slow poisons” where athletes will have to keep their focus on the job at hand and short steep climbs that will bring a challenge or two into the experience.”
Jacaranda Marathon route profile.Experience purple rain in Pretoria at the Jacaranda Marathon.I wasn’t the only one who started late (this is about 10 minutes after the official start).A dark, gloomy purple dawn greeted the runners in Pretoria.Purple blossoms everywhere.SuburbsFinish.
Sani Stagger Marathon (Sat 11 Nov): Confirmed
Race Description
Set amongst the Maloti Drakensberg World Heritage Site, this is one of the toughest but most scenic marathons in the country. The out-and-back route takes you from the foot of the iconic Sani Pass to the summit over a journey of 21 kilometres and a climb of 1,400m. The steady pull to the escapement culminates with the steepest section as a leg-shattering series a switchbacks lets you gaze down at the runners behind you before reaching the turnaround point just over the South African border post. Your reward along the way are brilliant views of the Drakensberg Mountains and, if you bring your passport, you can have a quick drink at the highest pub in Africa just over the Lesotho border (an altitude of 2,876m) before heading back down the old donkey pass. However, if you do forget your passport, there is a free Jack Black craft beer waiting for every finisher as they cross the line.
The race is based close to the village of Underberg which is the gateway to the Southern Drakensberg. There are a number of activities available including Fly-Fishing, San Rock Art, Hiking Trails, Trips up Sani Pass, Mountain Biking.
Normal Finishers
+/- 200
Route Elevation (total climbing)
1400
The top of the Sani Pass provides and opportunity to look down on the slower runners.The highest, steepest and meanest mountain pass in South Africa = a great place to run a marathon (Photo supplied).Heading up there? Doesnt look so bad from down here!The half marathon field waiting to be unleashed at the top of the Sani Pass much more fun to go the full .
OFM Music Marathon (Sat 11 Nov): Cancelled
Race Description
Run around the Tempe Military Base before exploring Bloemfontein’s northern and eastern extremities while regular musical interludes keep you entertained. If you thought Bloemfontein was flat this marathon will change your perception.
Anyone who tells you Bloemfontein is flat is a liar.Route map.The sights that dominate the route.StartSoldiersSigning out from the Music Marathon in Bloemfontein. Look out for the next report, #200 at the Josiah Gumede Marathon in Bergville.War on WaterHeinz Wickler still has a music career in Bloemfontein.A found a fontein but no bloeme in Bloemfontein.The turnaround point of the northern out and back section is the entrance to the Free State National Botanical Gardens.Running passed my B&B – appropriately called ‘Castle With A View’.The support tables provided colourful distractions and musical interludes for the runners.My pick of the tables was the Guns N Roses.An honourable discharge after finishing Marathon #199.The Tempe Military Base is decorated with old tanks. Here a Eland 90mm points the way.
Cheetahs Mthatha Marathon (Sun 12 Nov): Confirmed
Race Description
New marathon starting on the 42km east along the N2 highway and running into Mthatha.
The Magoebaskloof Plunge Marathon (Sat 18 Nov): Confirmed
Race Description
Description from the organiser, “Race starts the historic town of Haenertsburg which nestles below the massive Iron Crown Mountain, a few minor straights and curves to the famous cemetery where many people picnic with sundowners and then down to the R71. Here you will follow a lovely undulating route, alongside plantations, Clearwater’s Cove Corner, Stanford College Dip, Blueberry Hill and then finally the top of Magoebaskloof Pass as you arrive at the Houtbosdorp turnoff. Follow the R71, with a few gentle bends and the descent becomes a little more interesting the pass leads from the highveld down the escarpment to the sub-tropical Lowveld, dropping about 600m over a distance of just 6km. Warriors Corner is probably the tightest as you charge headlong down the pass. Tree lined with amazing views down the valley towards Tzaneen. Once through the hairpin bends and the famous lookout point, where some may be tempted to stop for a selfie, you take the gentler corners downward towards the bottom of the Pass. A nice gentle level run and then a few sneaky little uphills for interest sake until you arrive at the Allesbeste Padstal. Quick right turn and down over the twin bridges, up onto the R36 for a moment and right into Anneke Avenue. Downhill all the way into Aqua Avenue past the Tzaneen Dam and the home straight into the Tzaneen Showgrounds. Magoebaskloof Pass is the 20th steepest pass in the country.”
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.
A rollercoaster of a route between Haenertsburg and Tzaneen.This is how it feels exactly one minute before your dream becomes a reality.“Will there be watermelon?”Enjoying the gentle drop into Tzaneen there was of course another nasty uphill around the corner).Who knows what sights I missed in the mist.Fine dining at the support tables.Haenertsburg is a quaint, arty town that has no restaurants but plenty of bistros.Signing out from the Mageoba Plunge Marathon. Look out for the next race report – I’ll be jumping ahead to Fish Hoek’s Red Hill Marathon.The Magoeba Plunge Marathon brought out the big guns for Comrades & Oceans qualification cut-offs both runners in picture made it in time).
Home Connect Bluff Marathon (Sun 19 Nov): Confirmed
Race Description
The double-lap route is known as one of the toughest in Durban. The race starts at the Bluff clubhouse before a scenic stroll along Marine Drive. The ocean views distract you from the hard work your legs are enduring. After rounding the outskirts of the Tara Road refinery you head back up Bluff Road for the second lap.
Detailed Report
-: –
Race Date
Sunday 19 November 2023
Location
Durban, KZN
Start Venue
Fynnlands Combined Sports Club, 55 Smith Drive, Bluff
600km (6h) drive or fly to Durban and 45km (40m) drive from King Shaka along the N2.
Accommodation Options
Check out Google for B&B and hotel options. Bluff has some amazing local B&B’s as we are part of SODURBA (Durban South Tourism). The Echo Park is situated within 5k of the race venue, with various other sea facing accommodation available on route (you may even get to see some whales).
What else to do there?
Plenty of tourist options in and around Durban: http://visitdurban.travel/. The Durban CBD is 15 minutes by car, with uShaka Marine World and North/South Pier as your destination.
This marathon was formerly known as the Josiah Gumede Marathon. It is now and out-and-back from Bergville to the Woodstock Dam. It’s an attractive route that traverses through the beautiful rural Kwazulu Natal countryside, around the Woodstock Dam and past many villages, villagers and free-range livestock all to the backdrop of the majestic Drakensberg mountain range.
Not much to do in Bergville itself but there are plenty of Drakensberg resorts closeby and of course you can always use the race as an excuse to explore magnificent Midlands. https://midlandsmeander.co.za/
Route profile.A route that is nestled into the foothills of the spectacular Drakensberg mountain range.StartA unique site near the start – the old aeroplane or helifish.A loo with a view and no queue.The Woodstock Dam provides company to the lonely runner for much of the route.CowsSome of the views and livestock along the route.
Die Vlakte Marathon (Sat 25 Nov): Confirmed
Race Description
This is a lovely lowkey marathon from Heidelberg to the beach at Witsand in the Western Cape. Starting at 100m above sea-level, you get all your climbing done over the first 10km (and reach an altitude of 200m) before gently dropping down to the ocean at Witsand. Much of the route goes past farms with curious ostriches providing support.
Enjoy a marathon in and around the beautiful and historic town of Stellenbosch. This is the most famous wine growing region of South Africa and Helderberg Harriers deliver a Methode Cap Classique Marathon amongst the historic buildings and vineyards that characterise the region. The relatively flat circular route has enough undulations to keep life interesting and a special music and entertainment zone in the last ten kilometres will push you through to the finish at Eikestad Primary School grounds.
Fly to Cape Town; 40km drive from the airport to the Stellenbosch.
Accommodation Options
Take a look at: www.visit-stellenbosch.com and www.stellenbosch.travel
What else to do there?
Great dining and better wining in the historical town of Stellenbosch. The only difficulty is choosing which of the wine farms to visit for a tasting tour. Plenty of other attractions as well, check out www.visit-stellenbosch.com or www.stellenbosch.travel for more options and activities.
Normal Finishers
+/- 2000
Route Elevation (total climbing)
459
Mzansi AC 3-in-1 Marathon (Sat 25 Nov): Unconfirmed
Zone-2-Zone Marathon (Sat 25 Nov): Half Marathon Only
Race Description
Nothing known about this marathon.
Detailed Report
-: –
Race Date
Saturday 25 November 2023
Location
?, Lim
Start Venue
Letsitele
Route Type
?
Race Website
?
Contact Details
conrides@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)
?
December
Prison to Prison Marathon (Sat 02 Dec): Cancelled
Race Description
This marathon, run through the largest wine growing region in the country is a great way to end the year. The race starts and finishes inside the grounds of the maximum security Brandvlei Prison near Worcester. The route begins with a tour of the prison grounds before heading along the Brandvlei (“Burning Marsh”) Dam – so called because of hot springs that cause smoke on the water every morning. The rest of the route passes picturesque vineyards and farms before heading back to prison along the dam. Although you are constantly surrounded by mountains, the route itself is fairly flat.
Route mapPrison to Prison Marathon Route ProfileOver 400 runners line up for the Prison to Prison Marathon.blahGet your ducks or geese) in a row and book your flights for the 2019 Prison to Prison MarathonA holiday resort or a maximum security prison?Old school results board.Signing out from the Prison to Prison Marathon. Look out for the first 2019 report – the Mielie Marathon in Welkom.FinishSigning out from Bergville. Look out for the next report from the Prison to Prison Marathon in Worcester.Running past pristine vineyards during the Prison to Prison Marathon.
Nelson Mandela Bay 1City Marathon (Sat 02 Dec): Confirmed
Race Description
The first 18km are run in a loop with the half marathoners, after which there is a long out and back section, The highest point of the course is reached at the 25.5km mark and the total ascent/descent is 273m/274m respectively.
Fly to Gqeberha and 30km (30m) drive or 1,050km (11h) drive
Accommodation Options
There are a number of great hotels along the promenade for various budgets including The Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, The Radisson Blu Hotel, The Garden Court Hotel and the Courtyard Hotel. There are also well priced B&B options a short drive from the beach.
What else to do there?
The Eastern Cape brands itself is ‘the adventure capital of South Africa’. Activities include big 5 game viewing, the longest zipline in SA, great blue flag beaches and sand boarding. Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) has earned the nickname, ‘The Friendly City’ for its incredible hospitality.
From the organizer, “The First 10km are run outside of Mdantsane to allow overview of Location area, then it will pass famous Mdantsane City Mall, Passing Mgxaji House (Famous Boxing Legends). The race will pass along entrance of Mdantsane, Yako Garage, going through Mdantsane Police Station, Ekoneni Butchery, Dr Rubusana College, Jeff Plac, passing Cecilia Makiwane. This race is 398m Elevation, it is a very hilly race with a lot of down hills, cramps will be a major factor. Around 30km the race is more flat and enjoyable, runners to be careful of the last hill to Sasol Garage. The Race covers most of our beautiful township and runners will enjoy the scenery as they receive support from the community. We will also pass on former IBF Boxer Zolani Tete House at NU 12, with the view of Egyton Bus Boycott and Massacre. 10km and 5KM races will start 45min later to allow traffic and marathon runners to clear, the shorter distances accommodate young athletes and 5km Fun Run for Families to enjoy this race also. All Walkers are also welcomed to participate on 10km and 5km Races. The total ascent/descent is 396m/398m respectively. For out of town runners, there is accommodation around Mdantsane and all vehicles to be parked inside the Stadium where the finish is.”
Fly to East London; 30km (45m) drive to Mdantsane or 100km (10h) drive
Accommodation Options
There are a number of great hotels along the esplanade and in Mdantsane promenade for various budgets including Premier Hotel ICC, Kennaway Hotel, Garden Court Hotel. There are also well priced B&B options a short drive from the City Center. Otherwise check out Google for B&B and hotels in the East London.
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
N/A
Route Elevation (total climbing)
791
Heroes / Madiba’s Last Route Marathon (Sat 16 Dec): Cancelled
Race Description
Formerly Heroes Marathon. This is a friendly, relaxed, point-to-point race from Mthatha airport to Qunu (pronounced [ˈk͡ǃuːnu]) – which is where Nelson Mandela grew up and is buried. The race route traces some of the steps the great man walked in the past. The first part of the route is from the airport back into Mthatha town and then you have a brutal climb as you head out along the N2 towards Qunu. Although you’re running along the national road, there are plenty of traffic police present ensuring that the runners are safe and the drivers calm.
Heroes Marathon Route Profile – some brutal climbing!Apprehensive ahead of marathon #2 of the weekend.Almost complete – the last stretch to Qunu.Friendly running bus.Free range chicken shopping – Mthatha Style. R30 ($2) a chicken (cheep, cheep!).
Orcas Ultra Ultra (Sun 17 Dec): Unconfirmed
Race Description
Nothing known about this marathon.
Detailed Report
-: –
Race Date
Sunday 17 December 2023
Location
Durban, KZN
Start Venue
Inanda Dam
Route Type
?
Race Website
?`
Contact Details
prodkhumalo@gmail.com; sihle.shange@ymail.com
Distance
50
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)
?
Elias Resort Nzhelele Valley Marathon (Wed 27 Dec): Confirmed
