One lucky runner could leave Johannesburg with a brand-new Chery vehicle valued at R279,900
Seen Here: A Chery Vehicle leads out the elite race at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K in 2025. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
For thousands of runners taking to the streets of Johannesburg on Heritage Day, the ultimate reward could extend well beyond a personal best or a hard-earned finisher’s medal.
One fortunate participant in the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K will have the opportunity to drive away in a brand-new Chery vehicle valued at R279,900, adding another layer of excitement to one of South Africa’s biggest road-running events.
The Joburg 10K takes place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, with the sold-out field set to start at 08:00 from Lilian Ngoyi Street before making its way through the city and finishing on Rahima Moosa Street.
The vehicle prize is once again being made possible through Chery South Africa, the Official Vehicle Partner of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.
Since joining the Series in 2022, Chery has become synonymous with one of the most eagerly anticipated moments of race day. To date, 20 lucky runners have driven away in brand-new Chery vehicles, turning the prize draw into a major attraction across the Series.
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder, said the partnership reflects the ambition and determination associated with the Johannesburg event.
“Johannesburg is a city that inspires ambition, resilience and determination – qualities we see reflected in every runner who takes on the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K,” said Meyer.
Whether runners are targeting a personal best, completing their first 10km or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Meyer said every participant has something to celebrate.
He added that Chery’s continued support was helping elevate the overall race-day experience by giving ordinary participants the opportunity to walk away with an extraordinary prize.
Seen Here: The start of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K in 2025. Photo Credit: Felix Dlanga
A race through the heart of Johannesburg
Johannesburg provides a fitting backdrop for the penultimate event in the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.
Known as South Africa’s economic powerhouse, the city will once again transform into a celebration of road running, bringing together elite athletes, recreational runners, families and spectators.
The event combines a city-centre route with entertainment and an energetic spectator experience, creating an environment in which the competition on the road is matched by the atmosphere along the route.
For the elite field, the focus will be firmly on the clock and the opportunity to claim victory. For thousands of social runners, however, the Joburg 10K represents an opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective while being part of a major sporting spectacle.
And for one participant, the day could end with the keys to a new Chery.
Tony Liu, CEO of Chery South Africa, said the partnership reflects the shared values of movement, achievement and opportunity.
“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K brings together thousands of people through a shared passion for movement, achievement and community,” said Liu.
“Johannesburg is a city that embraces progress and opportunity, values that are closely aligned with our brand,” he added.
Liu wished participants well ahead of race day and said Chery was looking forward to celebrating another winner.
How to qualify for the Chery prize
Participants must meet three key requirements to stand a chance of winning the Chery vehicle:
- Register for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K and pay the entry fee.
- Collect their race number during the designated race-number collection period.
- Be present at the start line on race day and complete the full 10km route.
With the Joburg 10K already sold out, the prize draw will be limited to eligible participants in the 2026 field.
A strong season heads towards its finale
The Joburg race forms part of a six-event 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, which began in Gqeberha in March.
The season opened with an impressive performance from South African distance star Adriaan Wildschutt, who won the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K in 27:47. Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir claimed the women’s title in 30:15.
The Cape Town 10K, scheduled for 10 May, was cancelled because of a severe weather forecast, before the Series resumed in Durban on 12 July.
Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei dominated the men’s race in Durban with a 27:19 victory, while Kenya’s Doreen Cherop won the women’s race in 30:43.
Cherop continued her winning form in Tshwane on 23 August, claiming the women’s title in 31:35, while Kenya’s Salem Kibet took the men’s victory in 28:45.
After Johannesburg, the Series will conclude with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K on Sunday, 25 October.
The Mangaung race will start at 07:00 from the Sir George Grey Street exit of Grey College and finish on Kings Way in Bloemfontein.
Entries are priced at R255 for licensed runners, with a temporary licence costing R70. Entries close on Thursday, 8 October, or once capacity is reached.
But before the Series reaches its final stop, all eyes will be on Johannesburg — where thousands of runners will chase fast times, unforgettable memories and, for one lucky participant, the chance to exchange their running shoes for a brand-new set of Chery keys.
For more information, visit Run Your City Series.
