Marathons in South Africa...Which One is For You?

See the South African countryside afoot running the vast number of marathons offered in this amazing and inspiring nation. Landscape untouched by modernism, there is nothing but wide open spaces where runners can challenge themselves while seeing nature in the raw. Race through Kruger National Park, being a spectator to the wild, while quietly making your way through the natural habitat. For flat and fast runners, there is the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. Participants hit the town running to see ... Continue Reading

Oyster Catcher Trail Run

Boggoms Bay , South Africa

10-12 October, 2025

Starting at 196 EUR

eThekwini Best of the Best Marathon

Durban , South Africa

02 March, 2025

Starting at 5 EUR

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

Cape Town , South Africa

19 October, 2025

(4)

Southern Cross 3-Day Trailrun

Wilderness , South Africa

10 August, 2025

Knysna Forest Marathon

Knysna , South Africa

05 July, 2025

(3)

The Big Five Marathon

Entabeni , South Africa

14 June, 2025

(1)

Wally Hayward Marathon

Centurion , South Africa

01 May, 2025

(1)

Pretoria Marathon

Pretoria , South Africa

23 February, 2025

(2)

Jacaranda City Challenge

Pretoria , South Africa

09 November, 2024

Sani Stagger Marathon

The Sani pass , South Africa

09 November, 2024

Soweto Marathon

Soweto , South Africa

03 November, 2024

3.5

(3)

Durban City Marathon

Durban , South Africa

24 March, 2024

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Things To Think About

If you want to see other attractions while visiting, plan ahead and make reservations!

Does the race you want to participate in have a limit? If it does, consider registering ahead of time!

If you are going to do an extreme run or a dessert one, consider different modalities of training to finish the race

How long will it take you to train for a marathon? Give yourself enough time so you aren't left scrambling

A safari trip might be expensive, but to see the vast countryside, it is well worth it

What are Best Marathons in South Africa?

When it comes to finding a perfect marathon in Africa, the hardest part is choosing between the many events! All unique and full of sights and scenery that most people only dream of, there is something for every taste. For the newbie trying their hand at a marathon for the first time, traveling to Africa is a great incentive. And for those marathoners who feel as if they have done it and seen it all, they've seen nothing yet until they've seen Africa's landscape!

The Big Five Marathon is one of the best marathons in South Africa and around the globe. Participants come from every corner of the earth to race through the wild, all the while seeing beautiful creatures in their habitat. The course is a mixture of dessert and flat and fast, which makes it a feat for veterans and new runners alike.

For the beachcomber, the Tortoise Tuff Challenge might not be a full marathon, but it is definitely one of the best marathons in South Africa. Racers make their way across the beach with a backdrop of mountain ranges abound. If you are lucking, you will get a glimpse of the majestic tortoise living in the wild. They are truly a sight to behold!

And for the trailblazer looking for an extreme challenge, the Sani Stagger Marathon is it! Held in the Mkohmaxi Wilderness area, the country is vast, the route is rough, and the competition is high. For the runner looking to push themselves to their limit while immersing themselves in the wild, this marathon is the wildest ride around! Some of the best marathons in South Africa are waiting for you. See amazing things and have a once in a lifetime experience that few people will ever have!

Good to Know

The best time to visit South Africa is year round. Unlike other regions, the weather is almost always tepid!

To travel to South Africa, you will need a valid passport and a preplanned return ticket

If you wish to rent a car in South Africa you will need to have a license that is printed in English. If it is not, then you will be required to obtain an International Drivers License

Some vaccinations are recommended when visiting South Africa. Make an appointment with your physician to ensure that you have them and that your shots are up to date!

The official currency of South Africa is the South African rand