South Africans love to run, and we’re blessed with some of the most iconic running events on earth, like the picturesque Two Oceans Ultra Marathon and Otter Trail Run, and the biggest road ultra in the world, the Comrades Marathon.
With race distances and options for everyone, from 5km to 91km road races and single-day and multi-day stage races in the mountains and along coastline-hugging trails, you’ll find something that inspires you to train.
Here are 25 incredible race options to consider in 2025.
Legends Township Marathon
Date: 23 February 2025
The Township Marathon aims to bring running to the people and mutually draw the people to the sport by developing the culture of athletics in local communities. The 28th edition of this prestigious inland marathon offers total prize money of over R100,000, with four race distances on offer, including the 42.2km marathon, 21.1km half marathon, a 10km and a 4.5km fun run. The race route is a double-lapper starting at Eldorado Park Stadium at 06h00.
Run the Karoo
Dates: 8-9 March 2025
Run The Karoo is a two-day event that entails a weekend of trail running in the heart of the Karoo! Experience authentic Karoo hospitality with braais, fresh farm bread, condensed milk coffee, koeksisters and craft beer amidst picturesque sunsets. Run the Karoo is not about crossing the finish line as quickly as possible but rather about a running experience like no other.
Trojan Om Die Dam 50km
Date: 15 March 2025
The Trojan Om die Dam Ultra Marathon is the largest inland ultra-marathon in South Africa, offering a 50km Ultra Marathon, 21km Half Marathon and a 8km fun run. The Trojan Om Die Dam has a reputation for its scenic route, the high standard of organization, the timing in the buildup to both Comrades and the Two Oceans Marathons, and the ability to be used as a family weekend break.
Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra and Half Marathons
Dates: 5 & 6 April 2025
The Western Cape’s most prestigious race, the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, takes athletes on a spectacular course around the Cape Peninsula. The race is often voted the most breathtaking course in the world due to the natural splendour of the route. Highlights include Chapman’s Peak, Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay, Constantia and Newlands. The next running of the Ultra Marathon will take place on 5 April and marks the 54th edition of the event. The Two Oceans Half Marathon was added to the event in 1998, and attracts a sold-out field each year. The route takes runners through Claremont, Wynberg, Constantia, and the famed Southern Cross Drive, finishing on the UCT fields in Rondebosch. The 26th running of South Africa’s biggest Half Marathon takes place on 6 April.
Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
Date: 13 April 2025
Experience Gqeberha like never before at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K. The route takes runners on an unforgettable 10km journey past the city’s iconic landmarks, treating you to breathtaking views along the way. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, jogging for fun, or lacing up your trainers for your first race, this iconic event promises inspiration, excitement, and memories that will keep you coming back for more! It’s going to be a birthday bash on the streets you won’t want to miss! The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as the official charity of the entire series of events.
Tankwa Trail
Dates: 25-27 April 2025
Run. Have Fun. Eat. Sleep. Repeat! Participating in the Tankwa Trail is a weekend of pure joy, encompassing all kinds of exhilarating emotions. Runners can immerse themselves in the trails, passing by rugged rock formations, luscious fruit plantations, and the tranquil Koue-Bokkeveld scenery as their backdrop.
Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES Cape Town 10k
Date: 11 May 2025
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES is celebrating a decade of road running excellence at the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, a race that has become a cornerstone of road running in South Africa, combining world-class competition, community spirit, and breathtaking views of the Mother City. This mass-participation 10km road run takes participants on a scenic journey through the city’s iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking views of its magnificent beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned elite athlete, a casual runner, or taking on your very first race, this event promises an inspiring and unforgettable experience that will leave you eager for more.
Comrades marathon
Dates: 8 June 2025
The 98th Comrades Marathon will be a Down Run, starting outside City Hall in Pietermaritzburg at 05h30 and finishing in Durban. As with previous Down Runs, the race distance will be approximately 89km. Entrants will have 12 hours to cross the line to secure their finisher’s medal. It is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon race and remains one of the toughest road races on the planet.
Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
Date: 13 July 2025
Delivering nail-biting performances since the event’s inception in 2017, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is firmly cemented as one of Durban’s and South Africa’s must-do events! Although there is no lack in excitement in the elite race, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is a mass participation road run that grants all entrants the unique opportunity to explore their city on foot. Runners (and walkers) can look forward to an action packed 10km journey that highlights important landmarks and features exciting live entertainment compliments of Durban’s leading performing arts groups. The fresh sea air and magnificent ocean view will definitely add to the experience.
Johannesburg Vitality Run Series
The Vitality Run Series brings Jo’burg runners five races across the city. Vitality members can earn 300 Vitality points for completing a 5 km fun run, 500 points for running 10 km and 1,500 points for completing a 21.1 km run. With an additional 500 extra points awarded for competing in the race series, members can earn a maximum of 2,000 Vitality points. The race series includes:
Event 1: Race against Cancer
- Date: 21 June 2025
Event 2: Rockies Gerald Fox Memorial Run
- Date: 13 July 2025
Event 3: Randburg Harriers Challenge
- Date: 27 July 2025
Event 4: Old Eds Road Race
- Date: 10 August 2025
Event 5: Wanderers Road Race
- Date: 24 August 2025
Castle Lager Skukuza Half Marathon
Date: 2 August 2025
This is a unique race run in a unique place. The Kruger Park half marathon is held in and around the small staff village of Skukuza in the heartland of one of Africa’s greatest wildlife refuges – the Kruger National Park. Every year, 2000 runners line up at the start on the “village green” and are set off by a recording of a lion roar. Most athletes find the course challenging and are surprised by its undulating nature. There are numerous short but significant climbs and dips and underfoot the course changes between tarmac and graded gravel roads. Temperatures can be expected to be warm but being August there is often a fresh breeze to cool hot, sweaty bodies.
Totalsports Women’s Race
Date: August 2025
Where empowerment and athleticism come together and the streets of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban resemble a “Sea of Pink” in celebration of Women’s Month! The Totalsports Women’s Race creates an unforgettable experience for women of all ages and backgrounds. Lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement to embark on a journey that transcends mere competition, celebrating the strength, resilience, and camaraderie that define the essence of womanhood. The month of August will see close to 27,000 runners and walkers join forces in solidarity to celebrate National Women’s Month!
Otter TERREX Trail presented by EasyEquities
The Otter TERREX Trail presented by EasyEquities takes place annually and runs in the opposite direction each year. The Otter Edition traverses East to West starting in Storms River and finishing in Natures Valley. With the Retto Edition Running West to East, from Natures Valley to Storms River. The 42km route features rugged Indian Ocean coastline trails, indigenous forests, river crossings, spectacular scenery and 7,000 steps on average. There are two cut-off time-graded events:
Otter Challenge (11-hour cut-off)
- Dates: 1-2 October 2025
Otter Race (9-hour cut-off)
- Dates: 3-4 October 2025
Oyster Catcher Trail Run
Dates: 10-12 October 2025
The Oyster Catcher stage trail run follows the famous Oyster Catcher hiking route, from the Gouritz River Mouth to Mossel Bay via the St Blaize hiking route along the Southern Cape coastline in the Garden Route. The event is primarily designed for trail runners looking to complete their first multi-day stage race. The distances covered are manageable and the terrain is mainly single track and beach running, with some technical areas to add variety.
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Dates: 19 October 2025
The 42.2km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is a prestigious global city race open to all running enthusiasts from elite athletes to social runners. Whether you’re tackling the Gold Label Status marathon, the 10km or 5km Peace Runs, or one of the three incredible trail runs, you’ll be part of a historical event that showcases the beauty and diversity of Cape Town and its beautiful people.
Dryland Traverse
Date: 30 October – 2 November 2025
Four days of adventure await at the Biogen-backed Dryland Traverse. The four-day trail running stage race showcases the classic trails of the Klein Karoo. The race kicks off with an underground start in the world-famous Cango Caves and follows trails that traverse the mighty Swartberg Mountains – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – offering breathtaking views of the Great and Klein Karoo, and trails that run past the renowned Raubenheimer Dam.
African Bank Soweto Marathon
Date: 2 November 2025
The People’s Race is the only race of its magnitude set in a township where some of South Africa’s greats have walked. The race route honours Soweto’s heritage by taking runners past the iconic landmarks, including Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Walter Sisulu Square, Vilakazi Street and Hector Pieterson Memorial. Race distances on offer include 10km, 21.1km or 42.2km.
Daredevil Run
Date: November 2025
Get ready for the 2025 Daredevil Run—coming to a location near you! Brave men across the country will suit up in bold purple Speedos and take to the streets to fight testicular and prostate cancer. This isn’t just a run—it’s a fearless movement for men’s health. Running in a Speedo may seem wild, but it’s for a serious cause—testicular cancer is most common in men aged 15-35 and is one of the most treatable cancers when detected early. By baring it all, we’re encouraging men to be bold enough to check themselves and take proactive steps for their health. In partnership with CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) and the PCF (Prostate Cancer Foundation), every stride raises awareness, sparks conversation, and helps save lives.
