This article provides detailed information on all South Africa’s October 2025 marathons including race descriptions and recommendations. You can find the full 2025 marathon / ultra calendar here.
A summary of your choices is below:
October is a slow month on the running calendar with only seven confirmed marathons.
Those looking for a village marathon should check out the Shikhumba Marathon in the northern extremities of Limpopo on the first weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed this out-and-back race but look out for Dead Donkey Hill. The Saturday also sees a new entrant with Vryheid adding the Prof. Otty Nxumalo Marathon to the calendar.
Unless you suffer from coulrophobia, the single lap Midvaal Madmac Marathon in Randvaal is highly recommended. The race is hosted by the Meyerton Athletic Club on the site of the old Boswell Wilkie Circus and they have plenty of fun lined up with a canon to get you going and clowns all over the route to keep you going. Just be careful that you don’t feel drained and bump into Pennywise.
Run on an actively used motorsport racetrack, the Red Star Marathon in Delmas is your only option on the second weekend. The route comprises circuits of the racetrack. Each lap is 4km and, with 13 turns to contend with, will allow you to perfect your cornering technique. The finish straight is 800m allowing you to open the throttle and give it some gas. With just 12m of elevation per lap this is one of the flattest marathons available. You can stay overnight at the racetrack or it’s an easy 1 hour drive on the morning from Johannesburg.
The third weekend is dominated by the aspirant World Marathon Major, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. With a sellout field, the event looks to further extend its status as the premier marathon in Africa.
October is rounded off with two excellent options. On Saturday you have the LetsGo Potch! Marathon which is a fast and flat double lapper through the university town that takes you around the dam and through the army base.
Sunday’s option is the circular Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon. This race has a route profile like the jawline of a ragged-tooth shark – you can expect plenty of hills and humidity on this coastal course.
Below are full details of each race as well as flyers, photos and route profiles (where available).
Click to enlarge or collapse sections.
October
Shikhumba Filling Marathon (4-Oct): Confirmed
| Race Description | This marathon in the north-eastern extremities of Limpopo requires plenty of effort and logistical planning to get to the start line. However, once the gun fires the route is simplicity itself. You run straight along the road to Giyani for 21.1 kilometres, turn around and then run home. Other than a few untarred village roads, there are not even any intersections to distract the Shikhumba marathon runner. The scenery is your typical lowveld vista of thorny trees and dusty shrubbery whilst the route is genuinely gentle undulations with a total climbing elevation of 326m. There were a few curious villagers gawking at the crazy people running in the heat but the main spectators were free range chickens, goats, donkeys and cows. |
| Detailed Report | Shikhumba Marathon (Back in the saddle up Dead Donkey Hill): https://runningmann.co.za/2023/10/19/shikhumba-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 04 October 2025 |
| 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=7147 |
| Pre-entries Close | Tuesday 30 September 2025 |
| Entry Fee | R326 |
| Included Extras | Dri-fit Shirt (first 300 entries) |
| Late entries | Yes (No race day 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2018 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 5 |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | 2500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 326 |
Prof. Otty Nxumalo Marathon (4-Oct): Confirmed
| Race Description | From the organisers, “The race route will take you on a tour of the Vryheid town, under Abaqulusi Municipality. Whether you run in a group or you prefer a solitary run, this race will definitely give you enjoyable time on the road. Within the 1st kilometre, you will experience the scenery of the Klipfontein dam. The route offers a balance between climbs and downs as you navigate the town of Vryheid, making your way back to Inkamana Abbey.” |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 04 October 2025 |
| Location | Vryheid, KZN |
| Start Venue | Inkamana Abbey, Melmoth Road |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | – |
| Contact Details | enquiries@inkamanaathleticsclub.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=7214 |
| Pre-entries Close | Friday 26 September 2025 |
| Entry Fee | R315 |
| Included Extras | T-shirt and Goodie bag |
| Late entries | Yes (R30 extra for late entries) |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 400km (4h) drive south east |
| Accommodation Options | Check out Google for B&B and hotel options |
| What else to do there? | Khambula battlefield, Vryheid golf club, Route 33 farmstall, Hlobane battlefield, Klipfontein bird sanctuary, Ithala game reserve, Dlinza forest nature reserve, Fort Durnford museum |
| Normal Finishers | N/A |
| Which year was the race started? | 2025 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 0 |
| Cutoff time | 6h30 |
| First prize value | 16000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 440 |
Midvaal MADMAC Marathon (5-Oct): Confirmed
| Race Description | A picturesque single-lap route with a few out -and-back sections. The race venue is the site of the old Boswell Wilkie Circus showgrounds and the race takes on a clown theme. The start features a Suikerbosrand sunrise and the Suikerbosrand mountains provide a well shaded and cool second half through Valley Settlements. Meyerton Athletics Club always have plenty up their sleeves to ensure that it is a very enjoyable race. Route and GPX downloads: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2658102?units=km |
| Detailed Report | MadMac Marathon (a cure for coulrophobia): https://runningmann.co.za/2024/11/09/madmac-marathon-a-cure-for-coulrophobia/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 05 October 2025 |
| Location | Randvaal, Gau |
| Start Venue | Cafe du Cirque, Randvaal, Gau https://goo.gl/maps/d9iC6Zeega9Hw37S9 |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | www.facebook.com/midvaalmadmac |
| Contact Details | midvaalmadmac@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://racepass.com/za/races/midvaal-madmac |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | R330 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 500 entries); Goodie Bag (first 1000 race pack collections) |
| Late entries | Yes (R20 extra for entries from 31 Aug; No race day entries) |
| Title sponsor | Voltex & Midvaal Local Municipality |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 50km (40mins) south of Johannesburg via R59 (next to the highway – easy access) |
| Accommodation Options | https://midvaal.travel/places-to-stay/ Merchant Hotel and Henley on Klip options very close to the start. |
| What else to do there? | Stay behind for a lunch at Café du Cirque Restaurant or take a quick drive to Basslake Adventures or Swagga Craft brewery 5 min down the road or the multiple tasty restaurants in Henley on Klip (Molly’s Speakeasy, Taste Budz, 1908). When collecting your race pack on Friday or Saturday visit the state of the art Lynca Meats factory store, and enjoy their Bistro. Enjoy an afternoon at the Vaal Dam or check out https://www.vaalmeander.co.za/ for other options. |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 500 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2024 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 1 |
| Cutoff time | 6h30 |
| First prize value | 12000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 375 |
Fetakgomo Tubatse Marathon (11-Oct): Doubtful
Flyer (where available)
| Race Description | Fast and flat out-and-back route. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 11 October 2025 |
| Location | Steelpoort, Lim |
| Start Venue | Mapodile Stadium, Steelpoort |
| Route Type | Out-and-back |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/groups/717944699654842 |
| Contact Details | mrudzma@yahoo.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | Sunday 05 October 2025 |
| Entry Fee | R330 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 200 entries) |
| Late entries | Yes |
| Title sponsor | None |
| Permanent Numbers | No |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 300km (3h30 drive) north east |
| Accommodation Options | Plenty of options around Steelpoort and Burgerfort |
| What else to do there? | Close vicinity of Graskop and Sabie |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 30 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2024 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 1 |
| Cutoff time | 6h30 |
| First prize value | 2500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 220 |
Red Star Marathon (11 Oct): Confirmed
| Race Description | The marathon is run on an actively used motorsport racetrack. Each lap is 4km and, 13 turns, will allowing you to perfect your cornering technique. The finish straight is 800m allowing you to open the throttle and give it some gas. With just 12m of elevation per lap this looks to be a fast route. The facility offers secure parking in the facility grounds, Accommodation on site, Restaurant, Bar, Swimming pool, Kiddies Entertainment area, Ablutions and showers, Shop and Fuel Station on site. Route profile: www.redstarraceway.co.za/index_htm_files/Red Star Marathon_2.mp4 Want to optimise for speed? Here’s a track “ride through” on a bike (although runners will be going anti-clockwise): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14bOIsaYZrg&t=4s |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 11 October 2025 |
| Location | Delmas, Mpu |
| Start Venue | Red Star Raceway |
| Route Type | Circuit |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093076516720 |
| Contact Details | marketing@redstarraceway.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=7211 |
| Pre-entries Close | Friday 10 October 2025 |
| Entry Fee | R421 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | Yes – |
| Title sponsor | Red Star Raceway |
| Permanent Numbers | Yes |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 75km (1h) drive east on N12 |
| Accommodation Options | https://www.redstarraceway.co.za/accommodation.htm |
| What else to do there? | https://www.mpumalanga.com/places-to-go/cosmos-country/delmas; https://www.redstarraceway.co.za/calendar.htm |
| Normal Finishers | +/- 50 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2023 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 2 |
| Cutoff time | 6h00 |
| First prize value | 4500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 120 |
Township to Township Marathon (12-Oct): Doubtful
Coaldust Circuit Race Ultra (18-Oct): Date Confirmed
| Race Description | Circuit race for those that like that sort of thing. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 18 October 2025 |
| Location | eMalahleni, Mpu |
| Start Venue | Elkana Educational Centre |
| Route Type | Circuit |
| Race Website | ? |
| Contact Details | abiesmit@netactive.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | ? |
| Late entries | ? – |
| Title sponsor | ? |
| Permanent Numbers | ? |
| How to get there from Joburg? | 140km (1h30) drive along the N12 |
| Accommodation Options | – |
| What else to do there? | – |
| Normal Finishers | N/A |
| Which year was the race started? | ? |
| How many previous events have been held? | ? |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | ? |
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon (19-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): https://runningmann.co.za/2021/09/11/cape-town-marathon-moving-forest/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 19 October 2025 |
| 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-2025 |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | R620 |
| 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 | +/- 16000 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2012 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 12 |
| Cutoff time | 6h30 |
| First prize value | $25,000 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 179 |
Letsgo Potch! Marathon (25-Oct): Confirmed
| Race Description | A fast and flat double-lapper around the sporting and educational hub of Potchefstroom. |
| Detailed Report | LetsGo Potch Marathon (searching for pots, chefs & strooms): https://runningmann.co.za/2023/11/21/letsgo-potch-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 25 October 2025 |
| Location | Potchefstroom, NW |
| Start Venue | Shofar Christian Church, 9 Gerrit Decker Street, Potchefstroom |
| Route Type | Double-lapper |
| Race Website | https://www.facebook.com/letsgopotch/ |
| Contact Details | info@letsgosouthafrica.co.za |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://www.entryninja.com/events/82135-letsgo-potch-marathon-2025 |
| Pre-entries Close | Tuesday 21 October 2025 |
| Entry Fee | R290 |
| Included Extras | – |
| Late entries | Yes – |
| 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 | +/- 100 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2019 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 4 |
| Cutoff time | 6h00 |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 254 |
Run 4 Cancer Ultra Marathon (25-Oct): Date 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): https://runningmann.co.za/2020/01/26/run4cancer-ultra/ |
| Race Date | Saturday 25 October 2025 |
| 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 | ? |
| Pre-entries Close | ? |
| Entry Fee | ? |
| Included Extras | Dri-fit Shirt |
| 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2018 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 4 |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 551 |
Umzila Ka Tambo Marathon (25-Oct): Date Confirmed
| Race Description | Nothing known about this marathon. |
| Detailed Report | -: – |
| Race Date | Saturday 25 October 2025 |
| 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 | ? (No race day 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2022 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 3 |
| Cutoff time | ? |
| First prize value | ? |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 920 |
Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon (26-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. The current course is both loopy and undulating heading south to Warner Beach in Prospection where you do get 5km of flatness. |
| Detailed Report | Sapphire Coast Marathon (Delayed Planes, Delayed Trains & Marathon Running): https://runningmann.co.za/2018/12/02/sapphire-coast-marathon/ |
| Race Date | Sunday 26 October 2025 |
| Location | Amanzimtoti, KZN |
| Start Venue | Amanzimtoti Athletic Club |
| Route Type | Circular |
| Race Website | https://www.totiac.co.za/Events/ |
| Contact Details | toti.ac.racedirector@gmail.com |
| Distance | 42 |
| Online Entries | https://racepass.com/za/races/goss-balfe-sapphire-coast-marathon |
| Pre-entries Close | Tuesday 21 October 2025 |
| Entry Fee | R400 |
| Included Extras | Shirt (first 1500 entries) |
| 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 |
| Which year was the race started? | 2008 |
| How many previous events have been held? | 24 |
| Cutoff time | 6h00 |
| First prize value | 2500 |
| Route Elevation (total climbing) | 523 |
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