Why Is Everyone Running?
Everyone seems to be running these days, and for good reason. If you're looking to join the movement, here are 13 races happening across Johannesburg and Gauteng to add to your calendar.
Serge Ngoyi Tshienda
July 28, 2026
If it feels like everyone you know has suddenly signed up for a road race, joined a running club or started posting their Strava routes, you're not imagining it. Running has become one of South Africa's biggest lifestyle movements, with thousands of people swapping weekend lie-ins for early morning kilometres.
Part of the appeal is that running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise. All you really need is a good pair of running shoes and the motivation to get moving. But for many, it's about much more than fitness. Road racing gives people a goal to train for, a reason to stay consistent and a chance to be part of a growing community.
The benefits speak for themselves. Regular running strengthens the heart, improves endurance, boosts mental wellbeing, reduces stress and helps lower the risk of chronic illnesses. It's also a chance to disconnect from daily pressures, meet like-minded people and experience the unmatched atmosphere of race day, where complete strangers become your biggest cheerleaders.
Whether you're chasing a personal best, tackling your first 5km or simply looking for a healthier way to spend your weekends, there's never been a better time to get involved. And with Johannesburg and Gauteng's packed race calendar, you'll have plenty of opportunities to see what all the hype is about.
Here's what's still coming up.
1. Brooklyn Road Race
Date: 05 September 2026
Venue: Brooklyn Design Square, Pretoria
2. Midrand Striders Chamberlain Country Classic
Date: 30 August 2026
Venue: Kyalami Corner Shopping Centre
3. HOKA Half
Date: 24 September 2026 & 07 November 2026
Venue: Pretoria & Johannesburg
4. Jeppe Marathon
Date: 20 September 2026
Venue: Jeppe Quondam Club, Bedfordview
5. Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K
Date: 24 September 2026 (Heritage Day)
Venue: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown
6. SPAR Women's Challenge Johannesburg
Date: 04 October 2026
Venue: Marks Park Sports Club, Emmarentia
7. Clearwater Mall Race
Date: 22 August 2026
Venue: Clearwater Mall, Roodepoort
8. Jacaranda City Marathon
Date: 24 October 2026
Venue: Pretoria
9. Boxer Super Run
Date: 15 November 2026
Venue: Johannesburg
10. Hollywoodbets Joburg 10K
Date: 18 October 2026
Venue: Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg
11. Totalsports Women's Race Johannesburg
Date: 16 August 2026
Venue: Marks Park, Emmarentia
12. Hollard Daredevil Run
Date: 23 October 2026
Venue: Zoo Lake in Johannesburg
13. Wanderers Road Race
Date: 23 August 2026
Venue: Wanderers Sports Club, 21 North Street Illovo
