Seen Here: Chery SA adds extra excitement to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2026. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
25 October 2026 | Mangaung, Free State
The inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K is set to deliver more than a high-energy day of road running, with Chery South Africa adding an exciting incentive to the event by giving one lucky participant the chance to drive away in a brand-new Chery vehicle valued at R279 900.
Taking place on Sunday, 25 October 2026, the Mangaung 10K marks the expansion of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series into its sixth host city, bringing the popular combination of mass participation, elite athletics, entertainment and community spirit to the Free State.
The Chery giveaway adds another layer of anticipation to what promises to be a landmark occasion for Mangaung’s running community.
A new city, a new opportunity
For Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, the inaugural Mangaung event represents an important milestone for the series.
“The inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K is already set to be a special occasion as we bring the Series to a new city and introduce the Free State running community to the unique experience that is RUN YOUR CITY,” Meyer says.
He added that the partnership with Chery South Africa would bring an additional moment of excitement to race day.
“We can’t wait to see the excitement when the lucky winner is revealed.”
The vehicle giveaway has become one of the notable attractions associated with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. Since 2022, 21 runners have driven away in Chery vehicles, and Mangaung will now get its first opportunity to produce a winner.
Seen Here: Chery SA adds extra excitement to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2026. Photo Credit: Charles Ndou
From the starting line to a new set of wheels
For one participant, completing the 10km course could ultimately result in an extraordinary race-day reward.
To qualify for a chance to win the Chery vehicle, participants must:
- Register for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K and pay the entry fee.
- Collect their race number during the designated collection period.
- Be present at the start line on race day and complete the 10km route.
The initiative gives participants another reason to cross the finish line while ensuring the giveaway remains firmly connected to participation in the race.
Chery backs Mangaung’s big debut
Chery South Africa’s involvement reflects the automotive brand’s continued partnership with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.
Tony Liu, CEO of Chery South Africa, says the company is excited to be involved as the series makes its first appearance in Mangaung.
“Chery is proud to be part of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series as it makes its debut in Mangaung,” Liu says.
He described the opportunity to reward a participant in a new host city as particularly exciting and said the company looked forward to sharing the moment with the Mangaung community.
Seen Here: Chery SA adds extra excitement to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2026. Photo Credit: Tobias Ginsberg
More than a 10km race
The inaugural Mangaung 10K is expected to combine competitive running with the broader entertainment experience that has become a feature of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.
Participants will receive an Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series event performance T-shirt, drawstring bag, peak cap, socks, race number and timing chip, as well as a finisher’s medal.
The race experience will also include major sponsor activations, entertainment points along the route, three refreshment stations, tog bag drop and collection services and post-event entertainment.
The race begins at 07:00, with the start situated at the Sir George Grey Street exit of Grey College. Runners will complete the 10km route before finishing at Kings Way in Bloemfontein.
Race-day details
Event: Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K
Date: Sunday, 25 October 2026
Start time: 07:00
Start: Sir George Grey Street exit of Grey College
Finish: Kings Way, Bloemfontein
Licensed runner entry: R255
Temporary licence: R70
Entries opened on 1 August 2026 and close on 8 October 2026, or earlier if the race reaches capacity.
With elite athletes competing for honours, thousands of runners taking on the 10km challenge and entertainment bringing the streets of Mangaung to life, the inaugural event is shaping up to be a major addition to South Africa’s road-running calendar.
And when the final runners cross the finish line, one participant will have an even bigger reason to celebrate — the keys to a brand-new Chery vehicle worth R279 900 could be waiting.
For race information and entries, visit: Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series
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