There is that moment every runner knows - when the alarm goes off before sunrise, legs already heavy from yesterday’s kilometres and yet the pull of the road is stronger than the desire to go back to sleep. Marathon runners are not motivated by medals alone. They are driven by rhythm, ritual and the deeply personal pursuit of becoming stronger and better than yesterday.
Johannesburg and its surrounds are fertile ground for this mindset. From classic city marathons to brutal ultras that test mental resilience as much as physical endurance, Gauteng offers a year-round calendar that feeds the addiction - and keeps it constantly evolving.
Whether you are chasing a personal best, qualifying for an ultra or simply curious about how far you could go, the coming season offers something powerful for every runner.March: Where the Marathon Year Truly Begins
For many distance runners, March is not just the start of the calendar - it is the start of commitment. Summer miles are finally in the legs, the early mornings feel purposeful rather than experimental and training shifts from building fitness to testing intent.
March races are where marathoners take their first honest look at where they are - and where they still need to go.
- Cape Gate Vaal Marathon - 1 March | Vaal Triangle
The Cape Gate Vaal Marathon is widely regarded as one of Gauteng’s most runner-friendly early-season marathons. Hosted in the Vaal Triangle, rather than Johannesburg itself, the race is known for its flatter profile, predictable conditions and calm, organised execution - all qualities that appeal to runners looking for a measured and honest start to the marathon year.
Often chosen as a season opener, this marathon allows runners to settle into rhythm, test nutrition strategies and assess true marathon fitness without excessive elevation or technical complexity. For first-time marathoners, it offers reassurance and structure. For seasoned runners, it provides a valuable benchmark - a race where pacing discipline matters more than bravado and where confidence for the months ahead is quietly built.
- Edenvale Marathon - 8 March | Edenvale (East Rand)
The Edenvale Marathon takes place just east of Johannesburg and is known for its well-organised, runner-friendly atmosphere. It has become a favourite among club runners and first-time marathoners alike, offering a structured and supportive environment that encourages controlled pacing and smart execution. For many, Edenvale is where confidence for the season truly begins to build.
- Johannesburg City Marathon - 22 March | Johannesburg
The Johannesburg City Marathon places runners directly into the pulse of the city. Starting at 06h00 at the Klipriviersberg Recreation Centre, Kibler Park in Johannesburg and set against an urban backdrop that reflects both grit and energy, this race rewards discipline rather than bravado.
Early-Season Classics: Building the Base
- Vaal Triangle Marathon - 26 April
A favourite among runners who appreciate fast, flat routes, the Vaal Triangle Marathon is often used as a pacing benchmark. Its forgiving profile allows runners to test fitness without the psychological punishment of excessive elevation.
Run through the heart of Germiston, this marathon carries a strong community spirit. It is a race that rewards discipline - steady pacing, hydration control and mental focus. Many runners use this event to sharpen race-day execution ahead of tougher challenges later in the year.
This is not just a marathon; it is heritage. Run in Centurion, the Wally Hayward Marathon is named after one of South Africa’s greatest distance runners and carries emotional weight. For many, running this race feels like joining a lineage - a reminder that endurance is timeless.
- Dawn 2 Dusk Ultra - 28 August - The Step Beyond: When Distance Becomes Identity
Ultra runners often say the race begins when the sun sets. Dawn 2 Dusk takes place Fri 28 - Sat 29 Aug 2026 in Pretoria and is a true test of mental endurance, where fatigue strips away ego and leaves only determination. This is the event that turns marathoners into something else entirely - athletes who learn to stay present when quitting feels logical.
Spring Momentum: Racing with Purpose
Starting in Emmarentia, Johannesburg, the Zone 3 Marathon captures everything runners love about spring racing. Training legs are strong, daylight lingers longer, and motivation is high. It’s an ideal race for runners who thrive on rhythm and consistency, making it a popular choice for those chasing qualifying times.
This race blends scenery with challenge. Running alongside the Vaal River brings a sense of calm that contrasts beautifully with the internal intensity of marathon racing. It’s a course that rewards patience and mental composure.
- City to City 50k Ultra - 27 September - When Marathons Aren’t Enough: Ultra Territory
Run from Pretoria to Johannesburg, or vice versa the City to City Ultra is where the narrative shifts. At 50 kilometres, the question is no longer Can I run? but Can I stay mentally engaged when my body starts negotiating? It is a true rite of passage for ultra runners in Gauteng.
October Miles: Depth Over Speed
Often underestimated, this Meyerton marathon quietly challenges runners with its rolling profile. It rewards those who respect the distance and manage effort honestly - a lesson every seasoned runner learns eventually.
Run under Pretoria’s blooming jacarandas, this marathon offers beauty alongside effort. It’s a race that reminds runners why they fell in love with the sport in the first place - movement through space, seasons and personal limits.
- African Bank Soweto Marathon - 29 November - The Big One: Legacy, Emotion and Belonging
Few races carry the emotional gravity of the Soweto Marathon. It is part race, part celebration, part collective memory. For many runners, completing Soweto is not about time - it’s about participation in something larger than themselves.
The Ultimate Year-End Tests
Running 60 kilometres in December heat requires a very specific kind of commitment. This ultra, which is run in Pretoria, attracts runners who no longer measure success in minutes per kilometre but in resilience, preparation and mental clarity under pressure.
Why Runners Keep Coming Back
Marathon runners are rarely chasing one finish line. They are chasing the version of themselves that emerges somewhere after kilometre 30 - honest, stripped of excuses and deeply alive.
Johannesburg’s marathon and ultra calendar feeds this addiction beautifully. It offers variety, progression and community - the three things endurance athletes need most.
If you’re already in deep, this season will keep you hungry. If you’re standing on the edge, wondering if you could do it - the answer is simple. Start small. Run often. Trust the process.
The road will do the rest.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational and editorial purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of writing, race dates, routes, entry requirements and event details may change at the discretion of event organisers. The publisher and contributors accept no responsibility for injury, loss or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information contained in this article.
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