By: Lonwabo Mtyeku Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
Seen Here: Runners can’t help but smile at the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
South Africa’s premier road running series continues to raise the bar, as the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K prepares to return to the capital with entries officially opening on 16 April 2026. Set for Sunday, 23 August, the fourth edition of the race promises not only elite competition but an elevated runner experience—headlined by the much-anticipated Heritage Double Entry fast-tracked by Gautrain.
Hosted in the iconic Jacaranda City of Pretoria, the Tshwane leg of the series continues to cement its reputation as a must-run event, drawing both elite athletes and recreational runners to its vibrant streets.
Entries Open for a Landmark Edition
As part of the broader Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, the Tshwane 10K marks the fourth stop in a five-race national calendar. With a scenic route through Arcadia and a start and finish on Stanza Bopape Street, runners can expect a dynamic urban course paired with world-class organisation.
Entries close on 17 August 2026—or once capacity is reached—placing urgency on athletes’ eager to secure their place on the start line.
Seen Here: The Elite Race Start at the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
Returning after a successful debut in 2025, the Heritage Double Entry offers runners the unique opportunity to compete in both the Tshwane and Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K events through a single premium package.
Limited to just 1,000 participants, the initiative blends performance with convenience and exclusivity. Runners receive an extensive goodie bag, including performance apparel, limited-edition heritage gear, and sponsor-branded merchandise, alongside race entries for both events.
Crucially, the partnership with Gautrain ensures seamless logistics, with complimentary transport to and from both races—removing one of the key barriers to participation and allowing athletes to focus purely on performance.
Elevating the Runner Experience
According to Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer, the return of the Heritage Double Entry reflects the overwhelming response from runners and communities alike.
The initiative not only celebrates the physical challenge of competing across multiple races but also underscores the collaborative power of partnerships in delivering world-class sporting experiences.
From fast-tracked race pack collections to exclusive post-race hospitality—including the ever-popular boerie and beer offering—every detail has been designed to enhance the participant journey.
Seen Here: The streets of Tshwane were painted red at the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
More Than a Race
For Absa Group, the series represents more than just athletics. It is a platform for social connection, urban activation, and positive community impact.
Absa’s Head of Sponsorships, Brand and Marketing, Jabulile Nsibanyoni, framed the event as a movement—one that inspires individuals to “own their streets with purpose” while contributing to broader societal change.
A Season of Elite Competition
The 2026 series is already underway, having opened in Gqeberha with standout performances from South Africa’s Adriaan Wildschutt, who claimed the men’s title in 27:47, and Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir, who dominated the women’s race in 30:15.
With upcoming races in Cape Town and Durban before the Tshwane showdown, anticipation continues to build toward a season finale in Johannesburg on 24 September.
Key Event Details
- Date: Sunday, 23 August 2026
- Start Time: 08:00
- Start & Finish: Stanza Bopape Street, Arcadia, Pretoria
- Entry Fee: R255 (licensed runners)
- Heritage Double Entry: R695 (limited to 1,000 entrants)
Looking Ahead
As entries open, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K stands poised to deliver another unforgettable chapter in South Africa’s running calendar. With innovation, accessibility, and elite competition at its core, the event continues to redefine what a city race can be.
For runners, the message is clear: lace up, secure your entry, and be part of a movement that is transforming streets into stages—and races into experiences.
