10 Road And 10 Trail Running Races To Bookmark This Year!

Whether you run for the vibes, the support, to run a PB or just to run with a big community of like-minded people, there are so many incredible running races nationwide to enter. 

South Africa boasts some of the most spectacular scenery and one of the best ways to get to know a location is to do it by foot. We’ve identified 10 road running races and 10 trail running races to choose from. So lace up your shoes, pull your laptop closer, and plan your racing schedule for the year.

10 Of The Best Road Running Races in South Africa:

1. Bay2Bay
   21 January
   Cape Town, Western Cape
   30km / 15km
   *Entries for this event is closed and sold out already, but it will still be a great race to support and to check out for next year.
   
   
2. Milkwood Run
   21 February
   Kommetjie, Western Cape
   21km / 10km / 5km
   
   
3. Balwin Sports Peninsula Marathon
   21 February
   Cape Town
   42.2km / 21.1km
   
   
4. Knysna Heads Marathon
   2 March
   Knysna, Western Cape
   42.2km / 21.1km / 10km / 5km
   
   
5. Kimberley Harriers Diamond Marathon
   2 March
   Kimberley, Northern Cape
   42.2km / 21.1km / 10km
   
   
6. Om Die Dam Ultra Marathon
   16 March
   Hartbeespoort, North West
   50km
   
   
7. West Coast Marathon
   16 March
   Langebaan, Western Cape
   42.2km / 21.1km / 10km
   *This is a qualifying race for the Total Sports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.
   
   
8. Durban City Marathon
   24 March
   Kings Park, Durban
   42.2km / 21.1 km / 10km
   
   
9. Two Oceans Marathon
   13-14 April
   Cape Town, Western Cape
   56km / 21.1km
   
   
10. Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
    19 – 20 October
    Cape Town, Western Cape
    42.2km / 10km / 5km

10 Of The Best Trail Running Races in South Africa:

1. Versus Socks Trail Run Party
   17 February
   Franschoek, Western Cape
   8km / 16km
   
   
2. Pass2Pass
   2 March
   Wellington, Western Cape
   10km / 25km / 35km / 45km / 62km
   
   
3. Three Canes Challenge
   7 – 10 March
   Howick, KZN
   3 days: 31km + 40km + 24km
   2 days: 40km + 24km
   1 day: 25km or 75km
   
   
4. Addo Elephant Trail Run
   22 – 24 March
   Addo, Eastern Cape
   100 mile / 50 mile / 50km / 21km
   
   
5. Ultra Trail Drakensberg
   26 – 28 April
   Sani Pass, KZN
   160km / 100km / 62km / 30km / 21km
   
   
6. MUT by UTMB
   24 – 26 May
   George, Western Cape
   100miles / 100km / 58km / 43km / 24km / 11km
   
   
7. Bastille Day Trail Run 
   13 July
   Frasnchoek, Western Cape
   50km / 35km / 25km / 15km / 10km|
   
   
8. Otter African Trail Run
   2 – 4 October
   Stormsriver, Eastern Cape
   42km
   
   
9. Cape Town Trail Marathon
   19 October
   Cape Town, Western Cape
   46km / 22km / 11km
   
   
10. Ultra Trail Cape Town
    22 – 24 November
    Cape Town, Western Cape
    100miles / 100km / 55km / 35km / 23km

Now that you’re calendar is filled up with these incredible races, check out the running section on our website to learn all there is to learn about running. From nutrition to strength, there is something beneficial for you to take with on this training journey you’re about to embark on.