This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s July marathons and ultras including race descriptions, recommendations and travel information.
It’s slim pickings in July with just ten confirmed marathons and ultras at the time of writing.
A summary of all your choices is below:
With Comrades moving to August, July is a bit of a weird month. Comrades used to provide a good training run for the hardcore superhumans out there who want to go into triple digits. However, now all three road 100+ kilometre events are in July making Comrades seem like an expensive fun run.
The longest and most prestigious of these is the Washie 100 miler from Cathcart to East London from 16 to 17 July. The Washie is the oldest road 100 miler in the world and is run under the full moon – further highlighting the derivation of “lunatic” from the word “lunar”.
The Icons 103k on the 10th is the longest single day run in South Africa. It follows the boyhood steps of Nelson Mandela around the Eastern Cape. The race distance is calculated from Madiba’s birthdate so it’s best to work this one into your calendar before the year-on-year inflation gets out of hand. The final triple digit run in July is the Cape Town Festival of Running 100k on the 16th which is a 5k loop around Sea Point (and there’s the option to just do 20 laps for a 50k if you feel like a short ultra).
Most of your other options are crammed into the first two weekends to make the deadline for Comrades qualification and seeding upgrades. The first weekend sees the Dolphin Coast Marathon (formerly Deloitte) which is now an out and back run from Durban’s amphitheatre, the Benoni Northerns Marathon which is a flat double lapper on the highveld and the Gooderson Leisure Willem Boshoff Marathon which looks like an excellent small field out of town option in Vryheid.
One of my favourite marathons, Knysna Forest, is on the 9th but is already sold out so you’ll have to wait until next year to explore the Garden Route’s indigenous forests. Another great race, the Arthur Creswell 52k Ultra, from Bergville to Ladysmith is on the same date. This is an excellent option for those looking for a well organised long run to toughen up their legs. Your last marathon distance chance to qualify for Comrades is on the 10th at the inaugural Blouberg Marathon – a circular route with plenty of beachfront running.
Things go dead quiet until the end of the month when you’ve got two options. The inaugural North West Province N12 Ultra is 50 kilometres along the N12 from Potchefstroom to Klerksdorp. This is a pretty dire stretch of road to drive along so I can only imagine (and may well find out first hand) what it’s like to run along. The other is the Beaufort West Kanniedood Marathon which I have not yet run but is on the “to do” list – the Karoo landscape can provide a spectacular running backdrop.
If you’re wondering about the header photo, that’s from the inaugural Timbavati Traverse held last year: a 45-kilometre trail run through the unfenced private game reserve famous for their white lions and fantastic leopard sightings. I received an invite to this year’s event which will be run on 9 July. Naturally, I gratefully snapped this opportunity up. Entries have closed but I’d definitely recommend getting onto their mailing list for the 2023 event: events@timbavati.co.za
The Timbavati Traverse is a fundraising group run (as opposed to a competitive race), aimed at raising money for anti-poaching support and upliftment of the local community. The 45k ultra trail run is split into a fast group and a slow group and there is also a half marathon option. Check out their website https://timbavatitraverse.co.za/ and follow them on social media: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube.
If you’d like to contribute to Timbavati conservation and community upliftment you can do so here: https://www.givengain.com/e/timbavati-traverse-2022/
Detailed Information
All race information, links, flyers and travel guidance* verified with race organisers (unless otherwise noted).
* For practical reasons, all directions are from central Johannesburg as (1) the majority of runners are Gauteng based, (2) I live in Johannesburg and (3) whilst all roads might lead to Rome, all roads in South Africa lead away from Johannesburg!
Dolphin Coast Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 03 July 2022 |
| Start Venue | The Amphitheatre, Durban Promenade |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Website | https://dolphincoaststriders.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | 083 299 1412 |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=5584 / https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1507312674 / Manual entries at Pick n Pay via Webtickets |
| Pre-entries Close | 27 June 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 400 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 5200 entrants) |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 3186 |
| Race Description | Enjoy great beach views on a fast course whilst the gentle sea breeze counteracts the Durban heat and humidity (although with a July race date this year you should escape both). |
| Why Run It? | “Fast and beautiful” is a combination you’ll seldom find on South African marathon route descriptions – get to enjoy the best of both worlds at this marathon. |
| How To Get There? | 600km (6h30) drive or fly to King Shaka and 20km (20m) drive. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | Relax on the north coast beaches or check out the many Durban tourist options. |
| Race Flyer | – |
| Profile | Routes_H-Deloitte Route 2020 |
BNAC Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 03 July 2022 |
| Start Venue | Benoni Northerns Club |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Website | https://bnac.co.za/bnacmarathon / https://www.facebook.com/benoninorthernsmarathon |
| Contact Details | races@bnac.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/77529-benoni-northerns-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | 26 June 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | KwikScaff |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 317 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes (Late entries R50 extra; No race day entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 1482 |
| Race Description | The route is a fast and flat double-lapper through Northmead, Rynfield and the beautiful Ebotse golf estate (for those who got their fill of Benoni earlier in the year at Johnson Crane, this route is completely different). There’s plenty of shade along the way making this an ideal route to test your legs and improve your seeding before Comrades. This year there is just a standard marathon and no ultra option. |
| Why Run It? | This is the last Comrades qualifier in Gauteng before the qualifying period ends on 12 July. If you want to improve your seeding for Comrades, this is your final chance. The Benoni Northerns Marathon – previously Robor Scaffolding Marathon and before that, Slowmag Marathon – is organised by one of South Africa’s largest running traditional athletics clubs. They’ve a marathon event for over three decades so they know what runners want, from a great route to well stocked refreshment tables and friendly marshals. |
| How To Get There? | The start is 40km (30mins) east of central Joburg with many access points but allow for race day traffic. |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What Else To Do There? | Benoni is known for their golf courses and lakes. A lunch overlooking one of the lakes is a good way to unwind after your marathon followed by a visit to the local golf club where you might be lucky enough to catch a bout of the EFC ‘Dad Fight’ league. https://www.sport24.co.za/Golf/benoni-golf-club-apologises-after-bar-fight-video-goes-viral-20190305 |
| Race Flyer | BNAC Marathon 2022 12042022
|
| Profile |  |
Gooderson Leisure Willem Boshoff Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 03 July 2022 |
| Start Venue | Gooderson Leisure Natal Spa |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/Vryheid-Athletic-Club-157730327588734/ |
| Contact Details | C 064 007 3924 melissascheepers33@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | – |
| Pre-entries Close | 27 June 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | Gooderson Leisure https://www.goodersonleisure.co.za/ |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 250 |
| Extras? | Free resort entry for runners (R50 for supporters) |
| Late Entries? | Yes (R100 extra for late entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 39 |
| Race Description | Enjoy a serene start and finish amongst the natural beauty of the Gooderson resort. The out-and-back route has a few good pulls but I am told there is more climbing on the way out than the way back. The race also promises beautiful scenery, friendly locals and well stocked water tables along the way. |
| Why Run It? | Put the natural healing powers of the hot springs to the test after the marathon and give your legs a good soaking. |
| How To Get There? | 400km (4h) drive south east |
| Accommodation Options | Special rates for runners, two nights minimum: “Guests will need to book with us directly (adminspa@gooderson.co.za) and mention that they are coming for the marathon in order to qualify for these rates |
| What Else To Do There? | A great weekend away at Gooderson’s with activities like hot springs, a water park, spa, paintball, quad bikes and various other sporting and nature options. |
| Race Flyer |   |
| Profile | – |
Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon
Unfortunately the race is cancelled in 2022 due to unsafe road conditions after the floods.
Detailed Race Report: Sapphire Coast Marathon (Delayed Planes, Delayed Trains & Marathon Running)
Knysna Forest Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 09 July 2022 |
| Start Venue | Glebe – Knysna |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://knysnamarathonclub.com/forest-marathon/ |
| Contact Details | forestmarathonknysna@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.knysnamarathonclubportal.co.za/forest |
| Pre-entries Close | Sold out |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | Yes |
| Entry Fee | R 230 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 692 |
| Race Description | This is one of the best marathons in the country. Go deep into the indigenous Knysna Forest, conquer some massive hills and shatter you quads on the crushing downhills before a flat finish around the lagoon. |
| Why Run It? | The Garden Route is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world to run a marathon. |
| How To Get There? | 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. |
| Race Flyer | KnysnaForest2022-race-info-and-rules-3 |
| Profile |  |
Arthur Creswell Memorial 52k
| Race Date | Saturday 09 July 2022 |
| Start Venue | Bergville Municipal Offices |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | http://www.ladysmithathleticsclub.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | lacracesecretary@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 52\21[\10 |
| Online Entries | https://www.eventtiming.info/entryonline.php?id=502 |
| Pre-entries Close | 01 July 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | Yes (10th finish) |
| Entry Fee | R 300 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No (Late entries R350; No race day entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 497 |
| 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. |
| Why Run It? | Run one of the oldest ultra marathons in South Africa (the race turns 55 this year). For those who’ve never gone passed the marathon distance, this is an excellent race at which to pop the ultra cherry: Once you get to the marathon mark you can enjoy you first foray into ultra distance with 10km of (largely) gentle downhill all the way to the Ladysmith AC clubhouse. |
| How To Get There? | 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/ |
| Race Flyer | |
| Profile | See flyer |
Blouberg Marathon
| Race Date | Sunday 10 July 2022 |
| Start Venue | Table Bay Mall |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Website | https://www.bloubergmarathon.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | chairman@westcoastac.co.za; captain@westcoastac.co.za |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/77748-blouberg-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | 01 July 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | Planned for future |
| Entry Fee | R 230 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | N/A |
| Race Description | A flat, beautiful and scenic route along the Blouberg and Melkbos beach front. |
| Why Run It? | Run the first ever marathon in Blouberg and the last Comrades qualifier in the country. |
| How To Get There? | 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. |
| Race Flyer | Blouberg Marathon Flyer (3) |
| Profile |  |
The Icon’s Journey 103k
| Race Date | Sunday 10 July 2022 |
| Start Venue | Nelson Mandela Museum, Bhunga Building, Mthatha |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://www.theiconsjourneymarathon.com/ |
| Contact Details | iconsinfo@theiconsjourneymarathon.com |
| Distance Options | 100\35\13\7 |
| Online Entries | https://www.theiconsjourneymarathon.com/event-details/103km-run |
| Pre-entries Close | 30 June 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | ? |
| Entry Fee | R 700 |
| Extras? | Shirt, Cap |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 70 |
| 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.” |
| Why Run It? | The race distance is calculated by subtracting the current year from the year that Nelson Mandela was born so it increases by one kilometre every year. Run it now to beat the annual inflationary increase! |
| How To Get There? | 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. |
| Race Flyer |   |
| Profile |   |
Cape Town Festival 100k
Note: Facebook page has an “Entries opening soon” message from a few week’s ago but no response from organisers to my enquiries.
| Race Date | Saturday 16 July 2022 |
| Start Venue | Sea Point Pavilion |
| Route Type | Circuit |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/capetownfestivalofrunning |
| Contact Details | hewatathleticclub@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 100\50 |
| Online Entries | 0 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Extras? | ? |
| Late Entries? | Yes |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 505 |
| 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.” |
| Why Run It? | ? |
| How To Get There? | 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. |
| Race Flyer | |
| Profile |
Washie 100 miler
| Race Date | Saturday 16 July 2022 |
| Start Venue | Cathcart Golf Club- EL |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://www.washie100miler.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | washieentries@gmail.com; info@washie100miler.co.za |
| Distance Options | 160 |
| Online Entries | https://www.buffaloroadrunners.co.za/entries/ |
| Pre-entries Close | 12 July 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | None |
| Perm Numbers? | Yes |
| Entry Fee | R 1,200 |
| Extras? | Tracksuit Top (novices & perm numbers) |
| Late Entries? | No (R1000 for previous finishers) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 94 |
| Race Description | One of the few road 100 milers in the world. The Washie is a right of passage for East London long distance runners. |
| Why Run It? | If you find Comrades too easy upgrade to a 100 miler. |
| How To Get There? | 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. |
| Race Flyer |   |
| Profile |  |
North West Province N12 Ultra
| Race Date | Saturday 30 July 2022 |
| Start Venue | Matlosana Recreation Centre, Klerksdorp |
| Route Type | Point-to-point |
| Website | https://www.nwn12ultra.co.za/ |
| Contact Details | info@nwn12ultra.co.za |
| Distance Options | 50\21\10\5 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entrytime.com/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=6960 |
| Pre-entries Close | 30 July 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | – |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 265 |
| Extras? | Shirt (first 2,000 entries) |
| Late Entries? | No |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | N/A |
| Race Description | ? |
| Why Run It? | ? |
| How To Get There? | 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 |
| Race Flyer | |
| Profile |
Beaufort West Kanniedood Marathon
| Race Date | Saturday 30 July 2022 |
| Start Venue | Rustdene Sports Complex |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Website | http://www.aswd.co.za/event/beaufort-west-marathon-2/ |
| Contact Details | ngwanatholenong@gmail.com |
| Distance Options | 42\21\10 |
| Online Entries | https://entrytickets.net/beaufortwest |
| Pre-entries Close | 26 July 2022 |
| Title Sponsor | Beaufort West Municipality https://www.beaufortwestmun.co.za/ |
| Perm Numbers? | No |
| Entry Fee | R 170 |
| Extras? | – |
| Late Entries? | Yes (R20 extra for late entries; No race day entries) |
| # of 2019/20 Finishers | 23 |
| 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. It has just gone onto my bucket list and is likely to feature in my 2020 running plans. |
| Why Run It? | Experience the loneliness of the long distance runner whilst taking in the unique beauty of the Karoo Desert. Just ten runners – all men – completed the marathon last year. You’ll need to run a 2:40 marathon to win the men’s race but just need to finish a desert marathon to become the women’s champion. |
| How To Get There? | 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). |
| Race Flyer |    |
| Profile | – |
Other cancelled / postponed races.
The following races were originally listed in the race calendar.
Bay Ultra (See the Lighthouse at the End of an Ultra) – No information online and no response from the listed organisers so one can assume this race is cancelled:
Golden Gate Marathon (The National Park run) – Confirmed with race organisers that the race will happen on 1 October.
For the most up to date marathon information check out: https://www.roadrunning.co.za/
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