There’s an exciting new sport in town! The African Biathlon, unveiled today by the Nedbank Running Club—South Africa’s largest running community—is here to get South Africans moving with a fresh blend of energy, culture, and connection.
Traditionally, biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, activities that don’t quite suit our sunny climate. Enter the African Biathlon: a sport reimagined to reflect the vibrant spirit of Mzansi.
Here’s how it works: It kicks off with a 5km run, open to runners of all levels. But what sets the African Biathlon apart is the post-run activity—the “fun factor” designed to inspire more people to lace up their running shoes. These activities can be anything from catching up over coffee, exploring local art, wine-tasting, or even hitting a dance floor. The beauty of it? Participants choose the vibe, making every event as unique as its runners.
Research shows that 77% of local runners wish they had more running communities in their areas. The African Biathlon answers this call by combining fitness and social connection, bringing people together through shared passions.
“We wanted to create something fresh and inclusive,” says Edward Mothibi, Comrades Marathon champion and Nedbank Running Club member. “The African Biathlon isn’t just about running—it’s about celebrating our culture and having fun while staying active.”
The official launch happens in Johannesburg from February to March 2025, in collaboration with community running crews like Benchwarmers Running Club, Social Running Club, and Vault Running Club. Each event pairs a 5km run with post-run experiences in a welcoming, laid-back setting.
What makes it even more exciting? The running community will help shape the African Biathlon’s future by voting for their favorite post-run activities, making this sport a true reflection of South Africa’s creativity and diversity.
Khensani Nobanda, Nedbank’s Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs, adds: “At Nedbank, we’re all about giving our customers more time to spend on the things and people that matter most. The African Biathlon is more than a fitness initiative—it’s a celebration of community and culture. For anyone with fitness goals this year, it’s a fun and fresh way to stay motivated.”
Ready to join the movement that’s reshaping running in South Africa? Be part of the African Biathlon and cast your vote for the best post-run activities on our microsite today!
https://personal.nedbank.co.za/promotions/african-biathlon.html