Jozi runners (and walkers), assemble! The 2026 edition of the Johannesburg City Marathon has a date.
Taking place on 22 March 2026, the marathon - which is proudly put on by the Johannesburg Harriers Athletics Club - will afford runners of all types the chance to test themselves across three different distances.
The full 42.2km Johannesburg City Marathon will be supported by a 21.1km half-marathon and a 10km route (for those who like running but don't LIKE running).
All races will start and finish at Kibler Park's Klipriviersberg Recreation Centre. Those who prefer to walk can do so, but only if you enter the 21.1km and 10km races.
Important Johannesburg City Marathon details
Entries are now open and you can register here. The cost of entry varies depending on the distance you want to run, with discounts available for Grandmaster entrants:
42.2km - R390
21.1km - R290
10km - R190
Please note that temporary licences will be required should you not already have one.
You could walk away with a free race T-shirt upon entry, but you'll need to hurry, as the first 500 entrants only qualify for the merch. For those looking to qualify for the Comrades, the Johannesburg City Marathon is an official qualifying event, so don't fret.
The 21.1km and 42.2km races are both earmarked to start at 06h00 sharp on 22 March, while the 10km will start at 07h00. The cut-off time for the 42.2km route will be 09h30, with runners needing to be past the 26km marker by that time. Thereafter, runners will have to vacate the route after 12h00, as this is when the support teams will be withdrawn from the routes.
Iconic marathon route through Jozi
The route will take runners past some of Johannesburg's most iconic buildings, landmarks, and areas. Wits University, Nelson Mandela Bridge, Constitution Hill, and always fun Gold Reef City are just some of the spots along the route that participants can look forward to passing (just thinking about the distances between those landmarks is making me tired).
If you require a place to stay ahead of and after the marathon, have a look at these options here.
Happy running!
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