Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Anthony Grote, Mark Sampson, Tyrone Winfield, Tobias Ginsberg
Seen here: Karabo Mailula claimed gold at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K in 2025. PHOTO CREDIT: Tobias Ginsberg
Johannesburg – South Africa’s premier road running series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, has raised the bar once again with the announcement of a combined prize purse of R1.686 million for the 2026 season, alongside a bold suite of South African athlete incentives designed to drive elite performances and elevate local distance running to new heights.
Unveiled by event organisers Stillwater Sports, the enhanced prize structure reinforces the series’ position as one of the most competitive and athlete-focused road running circuits in Africa.
Since its inception in 2015, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has grown into a flagship feature on the national sporting calendar, hosting five high-energy races across South Africa’s major cities. The 2026 season will once again take runners through Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane and Johannesburg, offering world-class competition and unforgettable race-day experiences.
Seen here: Glenrose Xaba leads the Elite Women’s field at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K in 2025. PHOTO CREDIT: Tyrone Winfield
A Commitment to Excellence and Performance
According to Stillwater Sports Managing Director and Series Founder Michael Meyer, the expanded prize offering reflects a continued investment in the growth of South African road running.
“Offering a substantial prize purse is about more than financial reward,” said Meyer. “It fuels ambition, inspires peak performance, and gives athletes a real reason to push boundaries. We are proud to grow the prize pool again in 2026, with a combined total of R1.686 million across the series.”
Each of the five races will carry a total prize allocation of R337,200, with R267,200 dedicated to the Open Category. This includes:
- R33,000 for first place (men and women)
- R24,000 for second place
- R21,000 for third place
An additional R70,000 per event will reward top performers in the Junior, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70+ age categories, ensuring excellence is recognised across generations.
Seen here: The Elite Men’s field at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in 2025. PHOTO CREDIT: Anthony Grote
Elite SA Athlete Incentives Raise the Stakes
In a major boost for elite competition, Stillwater Sports has once again introduced its highly regarded SA Athlete Incentive Programme, which rewards exceptional performances across all five races.
For elite men, bonuses begin for times under 28 minutes, with a remarkable R300,000 incentive on offer for breaking the 27-minute barrier. A further R50,000 bonus awaits any athlete who sets a new South African record.
For elite women, incentives start for times under 32:08, with a R300,000 bonus for running faster than 30:20, plus an additional R50,000 for a new national record.
Consistency Bonuses Reward Sustained Excellence
Athletes who consistently perform at an elite level stand to earn even more:
Elite Men
- R20,000 for breaking 28 minutes twice
- R30,000 for breaking 28 minutes three times
Elite Women
- R20,000 for breaking 32:08 twice
- R30,000 for breaking 32:08 three times
These incentives are designed to encourage sustained high performance across the entire series, not just isolated standout races.
Seen here: front left to right – Kabelo Mulaudzi and Elroy Gelant – back – Nadeel Wildschutt at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in 2025. PHOTO CREDIT: Mark Sampson
Wildschutt Returns as Records Beckon
Adding further excitement to the 2026 season, Olympian and five-time SA record holder Adriaan Wildschutt has confirmed his return. After an outstanding 2025 campaign in which he broke four national records, Wildschutt is targeting history once again.
He will line up at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on 1 March 2026, aiming to become the first athlete to run a sub-27-minute 10km on African soil.
“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been instrumental in giving us opportunities to run fast and compete at the highest level,” said Wildschutt. “The incentives motivate us to prepare properly and raise the standard of competition.”
Seen here: Adriaan Wildschutt in action during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in 2025. PHOTO CREDIT: Anthony Grote
Athletes Applaud Series Impact
Six-time series winner and three-time SA Cross Country Champion Kabelo Mulaudzi praised the series for transforming the professional landscape for local athletes.
“For middle-distance runners, this series has changed everything. It allows us to earn meaningful prize money without having to move up to longer distances. The incentive structure rewards performance, not just participation, and that’s exactly what elite athletes need.”
2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Calendar
- 01 March – Gqeberha 10K
- 10 May – Cape Town 10K
- 12 July – Durban 10K
- 23 August – Tshwane 10K
- 24 September – Joburg 10K
A Platform for Performance and Progress
With more than R1.9 million paid out in 2025, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series continues to set the benchmark for elite road running in South Africa. The 2026 edition promises faster races, fiercer competition, and greater rewards than ever before.
“Our goal is simple,” concludes Meyer. “To create an environment where South African athletes can thrive, compete at the highest level, and build sustainable careers at home. The 2026 season will be our most exciting yet.”
For full details on prize structures and incentives, visit
www.runyourcityseries.com
Follow the action:
Facebook & Instagram: @Gqeberha10k | @CapeTown10k | @Durban10k | @Tshwane10k | @Joburg10k
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
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