Tshwane set for Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series 10K spectacle

By Adnaan Mohamed

In the heart of the capital, where jacaranda-lined boulevards meet gritty tarmac, a stampede is brewing—one not of hooves, but of hearts pounding in unison. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, the fourth leg of South Africa’s premier road running series, is set to light up the streets of Arcadia on Sunday, 24 August 2025. 

Like a sprinter exploding from the blocks, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES is barrelling into Tshwane for its penultimate leg where pounding feet will soon echo through the capital’s corridors of culture.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K continues to attract elite athletes from across South Africa and beyond, delivering exciting racing and unforgettable performances,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and architect of the series.

“This event is a true celebration of Tshwane’s spirit, culture, and growing prominence on the national and international running calendar.”

Fresh off a triple crown of sold-out spectacles in Gqeberha, Cape Town and Durban, the road running juggernaut now turns its gaze inland, where anticipation sizzles like summer tar.

Meyer isn’t overselling it. The Tshwane edition is a finely tuned balance of high-performance athleticism and street-festival euphoria. It’s where Olympic hopefuls and barefoot dreamers toe the same line, racing past cheering residents, live DJs, and heritage-laced landmarks like Arcadia’s Stanza Bopape Street — the race’s start and finish line.

And it’s not just about cadence and heartbeats.

“At Absa, we are passionate about creating memorable experiences that bring communities together, and this event is a true reflection of that commitment,” says Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa.

“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 capital’s spirit.”

Indeed, if marathons are chess games in motion, this 10K is a party on the run — a rhythmic riot of neon trainers, sweaty smiles and Tshwane’s unmistakable beat.

To keep runners fueled with joy, PUMA South Africa is bringing its crowd-favourite GO WILD activation — a carnival of colour and kinetic selfies that’s followed the series from coast to capital.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES route activations by Anthony Grote

“This high-energy experience is inspired by our latest ‘Runner’s High’ campaign,” says Rae Trew-Browne, PUMA Run Train Marketing Manager.

“It’s all about celebrating movement, motivation, and moments of joy… Whether you’re chasing a PB or just soaking in the atmosphere, don’t forget to snap a selfie and share your race day spirit.”

Meanwhile, automotive partner Chery South Africa will once again ignite the field with its on-route activation — injecting mid-race adrenaline like a second wind from a gel pack.

“Our activation is all about uplifting runners with a surge of inspiration just when they need it most,” says Chery South Africa CEO Tony Liu. 

“We’re proud to be part of an event that celebrates passion, perseverance, and the power of community.”

Oh, and one lucky runner will cross the finish line and drive off in a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT valued at R269,900 — if they’ve earned it by finishing all 10 kilometres.

For those with fire in their legs and patriotism in their lungs, the Heritage Double Entry offers runners a two-city combo: Tshwane in August and Joburg on 24 September. The package includes two races, exclusive gear, Gautrain rides, and a boerie roll with a beer — a fitting post-race reward as they cool down in heritage-rich public squares.

Runners can also lace up for a cause. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES proudly supports CANSA, the Cancer Association of South Africa. Every stride can be a statement — every kilometre a contribution.

So, whether you’re an elite gunning for glory, a weekend warrior in search of runner’s high, or a spectator chasing vibes not medals, Tshwane promises a race as electric as a final sprint down the home stretch.

Ready, Tshwane? The countdown has begun. Lace up, line up, and run your city.

Entries close Friday, 15 August 2025 — or when capacity bursts like a popped hamstring. Don’t miss your stride.

Race Info:

  • Date: Sunday, 24 August 2025
  • Time: 08:00
  • Venue: Stanza Bopape Street, Arcadia
  • Entry Fee: R255 (Licensed), R70 (Temp License)
  • Double Heritage Entry: R595 (includes both Tshwane & Joburg events)

Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
Website: https://runyourcityseries.com/

Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series excited to welcome Tshwane as its latest destination

Stillwater Sports, the organizer of SA’s award-winning road running series is excited to welcome Tshwane as the latest destination of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K set to make its debut on Sunday 27 August 2023.

Featuring five groundbreaking events in 2023, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is more than just a series of traditional road races, this premium series has redefined the concept of mass participation, encouraging walkers, lifestyle enthusiasts, friends, and families, as well as elites both locally and from abroad to come together and take part in the most experiential road running events in the country.

“We are proud to bring the excitement of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series to Tshwane, a city that possesses all the qualities necessary to host a world-class 10km road run,” said Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, Michael Meyer who was speaking at the official Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K launch function that was hosted at the Premier Hotel in Pretoria today (21 June).

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to both the City of Tshwane and Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) for their invaluable support in making this event a reality. Their unwavering commitment, collaboration, and shared vision have been instrumental in bringing this exciting road run to Tshwane. The city’s exceptional infrastructure, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality provides the perfect backdrop for participants to embark on a memorable journey, while AGN’s dedication to promoting athletics and fostering a thriving running community has been truly inspiring.”

“Our aim is to create an unforgettable experience that transcends traditional road runs, inspiring a passion for athletics and sparking a culture of health and well-being,” continues Meyer. “With its scenic routes and inclusive atmosphere, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K will not only showcase the beauty of its host city, but also provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level. We are confident that this event will have a lasting impact on athletics in the region, attracting participants from all backgrounds, while encouraging a lifelong love for running.”

“We received a lot of interest from Absa colleagues, customers and community members when we hosted the first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in Gauteng last year. The extension of the series to two more cities, including Tshwane, came at the right time as we want to ensure that this event is accessible to all. Our biggest goal has always been to grow this platform and encourage more people to have an active lifestyle, while we get closer to our colleagues, customers, and most importantly, the communities in which we operate, and we are excited to activate in Tshwane,” said Absa Regional Segment Head, Premium, Jolene Grobler.

“Through the Absa Force for Good initiative, we will be able to change lives in this beautiful city and push people to their limits. For every 1km run/walked by Team Absa Walk Run members on Strava, Absa will donate R1 towards a worthy cause in the community of Tshwane. We look forward to welcoming thousands of participants on 27 August to create a meaningful impact in a fun way,” said Grobler.

Meyer closes off saying: “Together with the City, AGN, Title Sponsor, Absa and key sponsors such as PUMA, DHL and Chery to mention just a few, we are proud to celebrate the event’s debut by bringing world class performances and unparalleled excitement to the streets of Tshwane. We look forward to hosting an event that showcases the best of Tshwane’s spirit, athleticism, and community engagement.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series to Tshwane,” says City of Tshwane MMC Member of Mayoral Council, Peggy de Bruin. “The event represents a remarkable opportunity for our city to shine on the global stage, uniting runners from near and far in a celebration of athleticism, culture, and the indomitable spirit of Tshwane. We welcome participants and spectators with open arms as we showcase the beauty of our city’s landscapes, the richness of our heritage, and the warmth of our community. Get ready to witness Tshwane come alive with the energy and excitement of this monumental event.”

“As Athletics Gauteng North, we are excited and thrilled about the partnership with Stillwater Sports in delivering a successful inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, that will benefit the club members, provincial elite athletes as well as providing a boost to the sport at grassroots level,” says President of Athletics Gauteng North, Mr Hendrick Mokganyetsi. “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.”

To find out more and to enter the event, visit the race website https://runyourcityseries.com/tshwane-10k/

 

Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Expands in 2023

After a fantastic 2022 season, which saw the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series back to near capacity attendance, title sponsor Absa together with Stillwater Sports, the organiser of South Africa’s award-winning road running series, are excited to welcome Gqeberha and Tshwane as host cities, elevating the series from three to five mass participation events in 2023.

The two new cities will add a fresh and exciting experience for runners competing in those events. The Gqeberha event will take place on 2 April, and will see more world class performances in a city that is well known for breaking records. Later in the year, runners will line up in Tshwane on 27 August, for an experiential mass participation event in the Jacaranda City.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gqeberha and Tshwane as host cities of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2023,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. “Growing the series from three to five events is no small feat, and would not have been possible without the support of our title sponsor, Absa, which has been a driving force since we welcomed them onboard in 2021, and other key sponsors such as PUMA, DHL and Chery, to mention just a few.”

“Another important factor that should not be overlooked is the relationships that we have with each host city, which has contributed immensely to the success of the Cape Town, Durban and Joburg events, and ultimately the series. We are excited to work with Gqeberha and Tshwane, to further grow the status of the series,” he adds.

The full set of dates of the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES will be:

Sunday 2 April 2023                        Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Sunday 14 May 2023                      Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

Sunday 9 July 2023                        Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Sunday 27 August 2023                  Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

Sunday 24 September 2023            Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

 

Proudly South African Series

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been revolutionising the sport in South Africa since 2015. A road running celebration like no other, the series began with the Cape Town leg in 2015, with the Joburg leg added in 2016 and the Durban leg in 2017. Now, in 2023, the two new events will see the series grow to five events.

“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series joins elites, avid runners, walkers and individuals looking to live healthier lifestyles,” continues Meyer. “World class achievements and fun for all participants go hand-in-hand at each event. In 2023 we are both excited and proud to take the action to five major cities, growing our reach while giving more South Africans the opportunity to be part of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series experience. Emphasis will be placed on hosting mass participation road races that highlight city landmarks, include magnificent views, and feature lively performances from some of the host city’s leading performing arts groups.”

In closing, Meyer adds: “We look forward to welcoming new runners to the series, but also urge the existing RUN YOUR CITY community to join us in the new cities to give Gqeberha and Tshwane the true RUN YOUR CITY experience. We can’t wait to welcome thousands of runners from across South Africa as well as elite athletes from around the world to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2023.”

Sponsorship Goals

Absa Chief Executive Product Solutions, Geoffrey Lee, says that his team is equally excited about the expanded series in 2023. “Our purpose at Absa is to bring possibilities to life, and we believe that everyone should have access to all our sponsorships. When we came onboard as a sponsor of the biggest mass participation event in the country, our key objective was to get the country moving in the right direction, and help our communities and colleagues to aspire to change their lives and that of their community for the better. We recognise that now, more than ever, we need to play an even greater role in bringing the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series closer to the people,” he says.

“We have witnessed on many occasions how sport has consistently served as a powerful vehicle for societal change, and a great unifier in challenging times for our nation. Through our Together we can be more, Siyabangena campaign, which runs concurrently with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY series of events, Absa challenges all runners and walkers to be a force for good and actively create change in communities, while providing an opportunity to get active, reach performance goals, connect with other runners and explore our beautiful South African cities,” he adds.

Entries for all five events will open on Monday 5 December 2022 on the official event website, www.runyourcityseries.com.