This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s May and June 2024 marathons including race descriptions and recommendations. You can find the full 2024 marathon / ultra calendar here.
A summary of your choices is below:
May Options
Those looking for a last minute Comrades qualifier or seeding upgrade have six options at the beginning of May.
Workers’ Day sees the MiWay Wally Hayward Marathon (one of the most festive races on the calendar) as well as the Buffalo City Marathon in East London.
The first weekend of May has a couple of new marathons, the Gazamed 4-in-1 in Giyani and the Lemo Mall Marathon in Bloemfontein. Ultra options are the N12 50k which is run from Potch to Klerksdorp this year and the Prince Mangosuthu 52k from Nqutu to Dundee.
Those looking to run a May marathon outside the Comrades qualification window can take a trip to Limpopo for the Nzhelele Valley Tayron Tshitaudzi Memorial Marathon on the 18th.
June Options
Comrades dominates the June calendar and all eyes (and most feet) will be on the road between Durban and Pietermaritzburg on the 9th of June.
The Big 5 Marathon on the 15th of June is run around the Entabeni Private Game Reserve. This is organized by a tour company but South Africans are able to get entries if there are spaces available (you need to contact them directly to get pricing and availability).
The final June marathon is Knysna Forest which moves from their traditional July slot. This is now conveniently timed over my daughters’ mid-term break so it looks we’ll be planning a Garden Route holiday in June.
What I’m planning to run
My provisional plans are Buffalo City, N12 Ultra and Knysna Forest.
See you on the road!
Below are full details of each race as well as flyers, photos and route profiles (where available).
Click to enlarge or collapse sections.
May
MiWay Wally Hayward Marathon (Wed 1 May): Confirmed
| Race Description | “The Wally” is named after the legendary Wally Hayward who won five Comrades from five attempts (1930, 50, 51, 53, 54) before returning as a 79-year old in 1998 (finishing in 9h44) and 1999 (10h50 and the oldest ever finisher at the time). This is one of the most festive races on the calendar as Gauteng runners flock to Centurion to do some roadwork on Workers’ Day The two-lap route starts with some gentle climbs through leafy suburbs and finishes with easy downhills on wide open roads. As race sponsor, MiWay pull out all the stops to make this a memorable run. 2023 has a new route to avoid some sinkholes – the good news is that the last 11km of each lap is essentially one long, gentle downhill. The race will also be recorded and broadcast on SuperSport about a week after the event. |
| Detailed Report | MiWay Wally Hayward Marathon (Can I be Frank with you?): http://runningmann.co.za/2019/08/10/wally-hayward-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Wednesday 01 May 2024 |
| Location | Centurion, Gau |
| Start Venue | Centurion Rugby Club |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | http://wally.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | info@wally.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.wally.co.za/run-in-2024 |
| Pre-entries Close | Monday 15 April 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R300 |
| Included Extras | Free photo booths and some very exciting other activations on the day |
| Late entries | Only if not sold out (10% extra from 1 March) |
| Title sponsor | Miway www.miway.co.za |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | The start is 55km (45mins) north of central Joburg with many access points but allow for race day traffic. |
| Accommodation Options | https://www.wally.co.za/accommodation |
| What else to do there? | http://www.tshwanetourism.com/ |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 4000 |
| Which year was the race started? | 1976 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 46 |
| Cutoff time | 5h30 |
| First prize value | 15000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 264 |
Buffalo City Marathon (Wed 1 May): Confirmed
| Race Description | Point to point Marathon on the R102, adjacent to the N2 from Berlin to East London, Eastern Cape. Passes through three Buffalo City towns: Berlin, Mdatsane and finishes in East London. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Wednesday 01 May 2024 |
| Location | Berlin-East London, EC |
| Start Venue | Cambridge Police Park, East London |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | – |
| Contact Details | vuyostoto.vs@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | www.entrytickets.net/buffalocitymarathon |
| Pre-entries Close | Saturday 27 April 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R320 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 300 entries) |
| Late entries | Yes (Late entries close 30 Apr) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 1,000km (10h) drive or 1h30 flight to East London (R1,000 – R2,000 return) and 50km (1h) drive. |
| Accommodation Options | Stay at one of the beachfront hotels (Windsor Cabanas, Regent, ICC, Osner, Garden Court) or book a room at one of the many B&B in the area. |
| What else to do there? | Explore the local beaches – good for swimming, surfing, fishing or just relaxing; Some excellent private game reserves are closeby to see Africa’s big game by land as well as whales and sharks by boat. Check out https://www.eastlondon.org.za/tourism.html for more. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 300 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2023 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 1 |
| Cutoff time | 6h |
| First prize value | 10000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 257 |
Lemo Mall Mangaung Marathon (Sat 4 May): Confirmed
| Race Description | The route passes Pelonomi Regional Hospital, Maphikela house as well as the National Womens Monument. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 04 May 2024 |
| Location | Bloemfontein, FS |
| Start Venue | Sun Windmill Casino, Bloemfontein |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://lemomarathon.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | cctac2021@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1542699964 |
| Pre-entries Close | Tuesday 30 April 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R250 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 500 online entries) |
| Late entries | ? (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 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2024 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 0 |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 278 |
Gazamed 4-in-1 Marathon (Sat 4 May): Confirmed
| Race Description | Nothing known about this marathon. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 04 May 2024 |
| Location | Giyani Stadium, Lim |
| Start Venue | Giyani Stadium, Giyani |
| Route Type | ? |
| Race Website | – |
| Contact Details | ? |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=6399 |
| Pre-entries Close | Tuesday 30 April 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R326 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | ? |
| Title sponsor | Gazamed Pharmacy |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 500km (5h30) drive north east |
| Accommodation Options | ? |
| 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 | N/A |
| Which year was the race started? | 2024 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 0 |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
North West N12 Ultra (Sat 4 May): 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 04 May 2024 |
| 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=6486 |
| Pre-entries Close | Friday 03 May 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R326 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (entries before 10 April) |
| 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2022 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 2 |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 229 |
Kimberley Marathon (Sat 4 May): Doubtful
| Race Description | Nothing known about this marathon. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 04 May 2024 |
| Location | Kimberley, NC |
| Start Venue | Yorkshire Cricket Group |
| Route Type | ? |
| Race Website | ? |
| Contact Details | ? |
| 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? | 500km (5h) drive or 1h flight to Kimberley |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B options. Camping sites are available at the De Aar High school grounds. Contact person. Mine Olivier 0716890938. |
| What else to do there? | Go digging for diamonds at the ‘Big Hole’ complex; Check out the historic battlefields as well as various memorials and museums; Have a beer at the Star of the West – the oldest pub in South Africa. There are also a few game viewing options within close driving distance. |
| Normal Finishers | N/A |
| Which year was the race started? | 2024 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 0 |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
False Bay 50k Ultra (Sun 5 May): Cancelled
| Race Description | A point-to-point route from Kleinmond to Gordon’s Bay that hugs the Cape coastline along the R44 Claren’s Drive route. An ideal last long run before Comrades – and a great alternative for a Cape ultra for those not lucky enough to get a Two Oceans ballot entry. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 05 May 2024 |
| Location | Kleinmond-Betty’s Bay, WC |
| Start Venue | Gordon’s Bay Primary School, Kleinmond |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | http://strandac.co.za/wp/valsbaai-50km/ |
| Contact Details | strandatletiekklub@gmail.com |
| Distance | 50 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | Kia |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes (10th finish) |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 2h flight to Cape Town and 100km (1h20m) drive from the airport to Kleinmond. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | https://kleinmondtourism.co.za/ https://gordonsbaytourism.com/ |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 500 |
| Which year was the race started? | ? |
| How many previous events have been held? | 7 |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 472 |
Prince Mangosuthu 52k Ultra (Sun 5 May): 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 05 May 2024 |
| 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/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1543674896 |
| Pre-entries Close | Wednesday 01 May 2024 |
| 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2019 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 4 |
| Cutoff time | 7h |
| First prize value | 100000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 700 |
Nzhelele Valley Tayron Tshitaudzi Memorial Marathon (Sat 18 May): Confirmed
| Race Description | Nzhelele Valley Marathon honours the late Lufuno Musingadi Tayron “Admin” Tshitaudziwho was born in Nzhelele. He was executive member of Zwakala AC, a running club in Pretoria and was actively involved in running and recruiting new athletes to the sport The route is undulating with a few good hills, starting from the township and taking one to the natural beauty of the Nzhelele Valley. River views and indigenous baobab trees along the route gives the race a natural breath of clean air. The turn around point is at the Nzhelele Dam. The Nzhelele River is named after the unique direction it flows. Unlike other rivers, it flows from east to west. The name Nzhelele means exactly that – upside down |
| Detailed Report | Elias Resort Marathon (Don’t they know it’s Christmas time at all?): https://runningmann.co.za/2024/02/20/elias-resort-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 18 May 2024 |
| Location | Makhado, Lim |
| Start Venue | Makhado CPD Centre, Biaba Township |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/groups/717944699654842 |
| Contact Details | mrudzma@yahoo.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.easyreg.co.za/select_registration_type?controller=registrations&event_id=425#_=_ |
| Pre-entries Close | Friday 10 May 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R350 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 1000 entries) |
| Late entries | Yes |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 500km (5h30) drive north east |
| Accommodation Options | https://www.theeliasresort.co.za/ |
| What else to do there? | Come explore the beautiful Nzhelele valley. Runners are invited to come enjoy our beautiful valley situated at the belly of Soutpansberg mountains. Places to visit : Dzata ruins, Kokwane footprints, Tswime breathing stone, Tshipise hot spring, Lake Fundudzi, Nzhelele dam, Verwoerd tunnels, Thathe Vondo and others. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 100 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2023 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 1 |
| Cutoff time | 6h |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 572 |
Galaxy Bingo Wolfpack Marathon (Sat 25 May): Cancelled
| 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 25 May 2024 |
| 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 | Saturday 00 January 1900 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 500 entries); Goodie Bag |
| Late entries | ? – |
| 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2021 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 2 |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 593 |
June
Comrades Marathon (Sun 9 Jun): Confirmed
| Race Description | 90 very hilly kilometres between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. |
| Detailed Report | Comrades Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Run: http://runningmann.co.za/2018/08/24/comrades-strangelove-2018/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 09 June 2024 |
| Location | Pietermaritzburg-Durban, KZN |
| Start Venue | Durban City Hall |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Race Website | https://comrades.com/ |
| Contact Details | info@comrades.com |
| Distance | 89 |
| Online Entries | Closed |
| Pre-entries Close | Monday 11 December 2023 |
| Entry Fee | R1,200 |
| Included Extras | Shirt, Goodie Bag |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes (10 finishes) |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 600km (6h) drive or 1h flight to Durban and 35km drive from King Shaka Airport. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | Plenty of tourist options in and around Durban: http://visitdurban.travel/ |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 16000 |
| Which year was the race started? | 1921 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 96 |
| Cutoff time | 12h |
| First prize value | 550000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 1881 |
Big 5 Marathon (Sat 15 Jun): Confirmed
| Race Description | A hilly but very beautiful and unique marathon experience in the Big 5 Entabeni Game Reserve. |
| Detailed Report | Big 5 Marathon (Entabeni Game Reserve): http://runningmann.co.za/2022/08/19/big-5-marathon-entabeni/ |
| Race Date | Monday 17 June 2024 |
| Location | Entabeni Reserve |
| Start Venue | Entabeni Game Reserve, Lim |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://big-five-marathon.com/ |
| Contact Details | info@adventure-marathon.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | Saturday 00 January 1900 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | ? |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 350km (4h) north along the N1. |
| Accommodation Options | Stay in one of the lodges within the reserve. |
| What else to do there? | Take some time off and enjoy seeing the wildlife you missed on your run from the comfort of guided game drive. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 100 |
| Which year was the race started? | ? |
| How many previous events have been held? | ? |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Knysna Forest Marathon (Sat 22 Jun): 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 22 June 2024 |
| 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 | https://www.entryninja.com/events/79587-knysna-forest-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | Tuesday 21 May 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R270 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | None |
| 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | ? |
| How many previous events have been held? | 38 |
| Cutoff time | 5h30 |
| First prize value | 7000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 689 |
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