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If you're heading into Durban this Sunday (12 July), it's worth planning your route in advance.
The 9th annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K returns to the city, bringing thousands of elite international athletes to the city for one of South Africa's biggest road running events. While the race promises an electric atmosphere, it also means a number of temporary road closures across the city from midnight until late morning.
The good news is that most roads will reopen by 11.30am, and if you're near the beachfront, you'll be treated to world-class racing, live entertainment and an incredible finish-line atmosphere.
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Durban road closures to note
Road closures begin from midnight, with most race-route restrictions coming into effect from 6am.
From midnight, the following roads will be fully closed:
- Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (southbound) between Smiso Mwanyana Road and Battery Beach Road
- Isaiah Ntshangase Road (M4 to Masabalala Yengwa Avenue)
- Battery Beach Road (Snell Parade to Masabalala Yengwa Avenue)
- Southbound sections of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue from:
- Argyle Road
- Somtseu Road
- Jeff Taylor Crescent
- Sasol Garage
- Kingsmead Way
- Archie Gumede Place
- KE Masinga Road
- Bram Fischer Road intersection
Battery Beach Road northbound exit from Masabalala Yengwa Avenue closes from 5am.
From 6am, expect closures and diversions on:
- Victoria Embankment (eastbound)
- Snell Parade
- Pavilion Terrace
- Playfair Road
- Hospital Road
- Bay Terrace
- KE Masinga Road (eastbound)
- Shepstone Road
- Dorothy Nyembe Street
- Mahatma Gandhi Road
- Dr X.A. Dube Street
- Monty Naicker Road
- Samora Machel Street
Traffic officers and event marshals will manage intersections throughout the morning, with roads expected to reopen by 11.30am.
What you need to know
- Event: Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
- Date: Sunday, 12 July 2026
- Race Start: 7am
- Start Line: Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (outside Moses Mabhida Stadium)
- Finish: Sunkist Lawns, Durban Promenade
- More information: Visit the website
Music and entertainment will keep spectators entertained along the route from 6.30am to 11.30am, with festivities continuing at the finish venue.
World-class athletes and entertainment
This year's elite field is one of the strongest ever assembled on African soil. Double Olympic champion and world record holder Joshua Cheptegei headlines the men's race and could become the first athlete ever to run a sub-27-minute 10km on African soil.
The women's race is equally exciting, featuring Kenyan stars Brenda Jepchirchir and world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, both aiming to make history on Durban's famously fast course.
The celebrations don't end when runners cross the line. Sunkist Lawns will feature live entertainment throughout the morning, with performances by renowned house DJ DJ Cndo and award-winning Afro-pop duo Q Twins, creating a festive beachfront atmosphere for runners and spectators alike.
Whether you're cheering on family and friends or simply soaking up the atmosphere, expect food, music and plenty of Durban energy.
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