Chase your 2026 goals as Absa RUN YOUR CITY Gqeberha and Cape Town 10K go live

The road ahead is clear, flat and fast. South Africa’s premier urban road-running spectacle, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, is back in 2026, and the first strides of the journey begin this week as entries opened for the Gqeberha 10K and Cape Town 10K.

A fixture on the local and international running calendar, the series blends elite-level speed with mass participation energy, drawing everyone from podium chasers to first-time 10km runners onto courses designed for rhythm, flow and personal bests. Gqeberha and Cape Town once again lead the charge, setting the tempo for a five-city tour that celebrates the heartbeat of South African road running.

“We are excited to kick off the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series by opening entries for the first two of five iconic races, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K and Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.

“Since inception, Gqeberha (in 2023) and Cape Town (in 2015), both events have delivered world-class racing and an unforgettable atmosphere. As we celebrate the 4th running of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K and 11th running of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, we’re committed to elevating the experience even further with more excitement, exceptional performances, and that unmistakable city vibe runners love.”

These races are tailor-made for ticking off early-season goals. Gqeberha’s coastal route offers a smooth, sea-level test where legs can spin freely, while Cape Town’s point-to-point layout delivers a dynamic run through iconic streets, backed by one of the country’s strongest running cultures. In both cities, the crowd support acts like an invisible tailwind, lifting runners through every kilometre marker.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K by Anthony Grote

“Runners can expect 10km racing at its finest,” Meyer added. “Entries sell out quickly every year, so we encourage everyone to sign up early and secure their spot to avoid missing out.

Title sponsor Absa continues to position the series as more than a race day result.

“Gqeberha and Cape Town, the wait is over, entries for the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K and Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K officially open on 11 December! This is your moment to lace up early, secure your spot, and own your streets with purpose,” said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships, Brand and Marketing at Absa.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is more than just a race; it’s a movement inspiring real, positive change. We can’t wait to welcome you at the start line and celebrate your journey all the way to the finish.”

With Durban, Tshwane and Joburg waiting later in the season like checkpoints on a long training cycle, the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series promises another year where preparation meets opportunity – and the streets decide the story.

2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series – Key Race Info

Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Date: Sunday, 01 March 2026
Start Time: 07:00
Start & Finish: Beach Road, Humewood, Gqeberha
Entry Fee:

  • Licensed Runner: R255
  • Temporary License: R30
    Entries Open: Thursday, 11 December 2025
    Entries Close: Monday, 23 February 2026 or once capacity is reached

Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

Date: Sunday, 10 May 2026
Start Time: 09:00
Start Venue: Marine Drive, Milnerton
Finish Venue: Cape Town CBD
Entry Fee:

  • Licensed Runner: R255
  • Temporary License: R60
    Entries Open: Thursday, 11 December 2025
    Entries Close: Monday, 04 May 2026 or once capacity is reached

Later in the 2026 Series

  • Durban 10K: Sunday, 12 July
  • Tshwane 10K: Sunday, 23 August
  • Joburg 10K: Thursday, 24 September

More info:www.runyourcityseries.com
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Hashtags: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity

Cream of the crop set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Showdown

Adnaan Mohamed

Johannesburg’s bustling streets will swap weekday traffic for running shoes on Heritage Day, Wednesday 24 September, when the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K brings the curtain down on the five-race series. From Lilian Ngoyi Street to Rahima Moosa Street, Jozi will echo with the sound of chasing feet and national pride.

Men’s showdown

The men’s race promises fireworks with South Africa’s Precious Mashele (27:35) determined to strike gold on his favourite kind of course.

“Joburg is never easy … the air is thin, the climbs are tough. But those are the races that bring out my best,” Mashele said.

His main rival is Kabelo Mulaudzi (27:41), who has swept the last three races in Cape Town, Durban and Tshwane. A fourth straight victory would crown him series king.

But Thabang Mosiako (27:45) is also in red-hot form after winning last weekend’s Hollywood Joburg 10K. He believes his hill and speed work have prepared him perfectly.

The 28-year-old is also eyeing next month’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon debut, making this race an important test.

Thabang Mosiako Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

They’ll be pushed hard by Ethiopia’s Aklilu Asfaw (28:03) and Lesotho’s Namakoe Nkhasi (27:52), both with the pedigree to spoil the South African party. With so much sub-28 pace, the men’s crown may only be decided in the final lung-busting metres.

Women’s battle

In the women’s race, Lesotho’s Neheng Khatala (31:53) starts as favourite, her strength on the climbs making her a natural fit for Jozi’s altitude.

“I love hard courses. They test not just the body, but the spirit,” Khatala said.

Her closest challengers include South Africa’s Cacisile Sosibo (32:54), Zimbabwe’s Rutendo Nyahora (32:55) and Kenya’s Naomy Jerono (33:28). Expect a close contest, with the decisive move likely on the punishing final stretch down Rahima Moosa Street.

Comrades stars add intrigue

Adding extra spice are Comrades Marathon champions Tete Dijana and Edward “Slender” Mothibi, both trading ultra-distance armour for 10km sharpness. Reigning Comrades Champion Dijana admits he’s using Joburg to test his speed.

Reigning Comrades Champion Tete Dijana Photo: Adnaan Mohamed

“The body is recovering well after Comrades. I use these 10km races to sharpen the legs,” he said.

Race founder Michael Meyer believes their presence underlines the event’s prestige:

“When you see Comrades champions lining up against 10km specialists, it speaks to the depth of our sport.”

A Heritage Day celebration

While the elites chase records, thousands of recreational runners will share the same course, painting the streets red and turning it into a moving tapestry of endurance and unity.

On a day celebrating South Africa’s heritage, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K will be a festival of speed, spirit and pride, as Jozi plays host to one last, spectacular showdown.

PUMA UNVEILS INNOVATIVE NITRO™ VAN

Gqeberha, 4 April 2024 – PUMA is introducing a NITRO™ VAN to enable runners to engage with the brand’s comprehensive range of NITRO™ running shoes at Absa Run Your City 10km races and at a series of 5km warm-ups.

The NITRO™ VAN, which houses about 200 pairs of running shoes, will be unveiled at the Gqeberha 10km on 7 April and will also attend future Absa Run Your City races in Cape Town (12 May), Durban (7 July), Tshwane (25 August) and Johannesburg (24 September), as well as at PUMA NITRO™ RUNS.

The PUMA NITRO™ RUNS, which take place in the lead up to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 10km races, provide a platform for runners and walkers to test out PUMA’s latest range which includes the Magnify, Liberate, Velocity, Deviate and Fast-R2 NITRO™ running shoes.

PUMA’s dedicated technical team will be on-site, offering guidance to ensure every participant identifies the shoe that aligns with their unique running style and requirements. Participants in these fun 5km run/walks can also win prizes including a pair of PUMA Velocity NITRO™ 3 running shoes.

The NITRO™ VAN will also facilitate engagement with PUMA retail partners across the country.