By Adnaan Mohamed
Every racing season needs a clean start. A place where legs feel fresh, goals feel possible and the road seems to pull you forward. For the fourth straight year, that place is Gqeberha.
On Sunday, 1 March 2026, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K returns as the opening stride of South Africa’s premier road-running series. By now, it knows exactly what runners want. Speed. Rhythm. Atmosphere. And just enough magic to carry you through the tough kilometres.
The route is the headline act. Fast, flat and honest, it rewards controlled pacing and a strong final push. Early kilometres invite restraint, the middle settles into flow, and the closing stretch offers the kind of terrain where PBs are either confirmed or heartbreakingly missed by seconds. Add coastal air, wide roads and landmark scenery, and it’s easy to see why elites and everyday runners keep coming back.
But this race isn’t just about what’s underfoot, it’s about what’s around you.
From the first kilometre, the course hums with energy. Music zones, performers and brand activations break the run into manageable segments, turning the 10K into a sequence of small victories rather than a single long grind.
“We’re excited to kick off the 2026 series in style with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in ‘The Friendly City’,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports.
“Not only will runners and supporters witness world-class racing on home soil, but they’ll also experience 10km running at its finest, complete with unforgettable on-route entertainment brought to life by our sponsors and local performing arts groups. We can’t wait to start the season with a bang – come join us and #RunYourCity!”
That balance, elite performance paired with inclusive experience, is what has defined the RUN YOUR CITY Series. Major partners including Absa, PUMA, Powerade, AVIS and Heineken line the route with activations that feel purposeful rather than distracting, offering both visual lift and psychological relief when the legs start asking questions.
For Absa, the race is about more than kilometres logged.
“At Absa, we are passionate about creating memorable experiences that bring communities together,” says Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Absa Group Head of Sponsorship.
“The entertainment along the route is thoughtfully curated to celebrate the city’s rich heritage and cultural traditions, turning the race into a vibrant tribute to the spirit of the Eastern Cape coastline. Both participants and spectators can look forward to a dynamic showcase of performances that reflect the warmth, diversity, and energy that Gqeberha is known for.”
PUMA, meanwhile, continues to lean into the runner experience itself.
“We love supporting, motivating, and inspiring runners of all levels,” says Rae Trew-Browne, PUMA Run Train Marketing Manager.
“In 2026, we’re excited to introduce a brand-new campaign. We’re not letting the cat out of the bag just yet, but one thing is certain: every runner who passes through the PUMA Zone on race day will be treated to a fun, energising, and memorable experience that celebrates the joy of running and the spirit of the series.”
With five races across five cities, Gqeberha doesn’t just open the series, it sets the tone. Smooth roads. Big noise. And a reminder of why we race in the first place.
2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Dates
- 1 March – Gqeberha 10K
- 10 May – Cape Town 10K
- 12 July – Durban 10K
- 23 August – Tshwane 10K
- 24 September – Joburg 10K
