This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s July and August 2024 marathons including race descriptions and recommendations. You can find the full 2024 marathon / ultra calendar here.
A summary of your choices is below:
July Options
July is for the ‘long’ ultra enthusiastic only. With the Cape Town Festival 50k being cancelled due to the floods, it is only the Washie 100 miler (the oldest road 100 miler in the world) and the Icon’s Journey 103k in the Eastern Cape on offer.
August Options
August is another quiet month although there are a few more options. There’s a brand new event in East London – the Nedbank Coastal Marathon at the start of the month which looks to be a scenic out-and-back route.
If you’re looking for a great weekend away amongst vineyards and olive groves, the PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon in the middle of the month is a must do. The marathon takes place between the towns of Riebeek Kasteel or Riebeek Wes and has tough but super-scenic mountain pass to conquer.
Those looking for a Western Cape double-header can follow this up with the Blouberg Marathon whilst those on the highveld who need to get their fix will have to wait for the last day of the month and run circles around the Gerrit Maritz High School in Pretoria at the Dawn 2 Dusk which has 160m, 80k and 12h options.
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.
July
Cape Town Festival 50k Ultra (Sat 13 Jul): Cancelled
| 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 13 July 2024 |
| 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 | 50 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=6607 |
| Pre-entries Close | Thursday 11 July 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R358 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | ? |
| Title sponsor | None |
| 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2001 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 23 |
| Cutoff time | 10h |
| First prize value | 2000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Washie 100 miler Ultra (Fri 19 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 19 July 2024 |
| 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 | 160 |
| Online Entries | https://washie100miler.com/ |
| Pre-entries Close | Sunday 07 July 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R1,700 |
| Included Extras | Tracksuit Top (novices) |
| Late entries | No (R1300 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | 1977 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 45 |
| Cutoff time | 26h |
| First prize value | 0 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 2510 |
The Icon’s Journey 103k Ultra (Sun 21 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 21 July 2024 |
| 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-2024 |
| Pre-entries Close | Sunday 30 June 2024 |
| 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2018 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 5 |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
August
Nedbank Coastal Marathon Marathon (Sun 04 Aug): Confirmed
| Race Description | A new out-and-back marathon along the East London coastline. The race starts at the Gearge Randell High School and proceeds onto Settlers Way, which eventually becomes the R72, heading towards Kidds Beach. The turnaround point is before the steep downhill leading to the Kidds Beach turnoff where the promises to be a good vibe with local sponsor Blue-Corp arranging a DJ station at the halfway mark. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Sunday 04 August 2024 |
| Location | East London, EC |
| Start Venue | George Randell High School, West bank, East London |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/nedbankrcel (Facebook club page) / https://www.facebook.com/events/1171427317390425 (Facebook event page) |
| Contact Details | nedbankrcel@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://racepass.com/za/races/coastal-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | Wednesday 31 July 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R300 |
| Included Extras | Finisher treats to all participants from race sponsors Bavaria, ThirstiWater and FutureLife. |
| Late entries | Yes (R50 extra for late entries; No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | Nedbank |
| 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&Bin 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 | N/A |
| Which year was the race started? | 2024 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 0 |
| Cutoff time | 6h |
| First prize value | 3000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 405 |
Amathole Marathon (Sun 4 Aug): Cancelled
Memel Ultra Ultra (Fri 9 Aug): Cancelled
PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon (Sat 17 Aug): 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 17 August 2024 |
| 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=6539 |
| Pre-entries Close | Thursday 08 August 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R294 |
| 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | ? |
| How many previous events have been held? | 35 |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 761 |
Intercare Blouberg Marathon (Sat 24 Aug): Confirmed
| Race Description | A flat, beautiful and scenic route along the Blouberg and Melkbos beach front. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 24 August 2024 |
| 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/80306-intercare-blouberg-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | Sunday 18 August 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R280 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | No – |
| Title sponsor | Intercare |
| 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2022 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 2 |
| Cutoff time | 6h00 |
| First prize value | 2500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 132 |
Dawn 2 Dusk Ultra (Fri 30 Aug): Confirmed
| Race Description | Circuit race for those that like that sort of thing. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Friday 30 August 2024 |
| 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=6604 |
| Pre-entries Close | Wednesday 31 July 2024 |
| Entry Fee | R644 |
| Included Extras | Jacket for novice finishers |
| 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 | +/- 20 |
| Which year was the race started? | ? |
| How many previous events have been held? | ? |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Beaufort West Kanniedood Marathon (Sat 31 Aug): Half marathon only
| 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 31 August 2024 |
| 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 | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | ? (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 |
| Which year was the race started? | ? |
| How many previous events have been held? | ? |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
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