A New Era of Energy, Innovation And Community Begins In 2026
Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – Community Newsroom Photo Credit: Ray van Breda, David Sullivan
One of South Africa’s most celebrated running series is set to become even bigger, bolder, and more refreshing. Stillwater Sports, organisers of the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, are excited to announce a major new partnership with HEINEKEN Beverages. Starting in 2026, HEINEKEN Beverages will join the Series as an Official Headline Sponsor in an exciting three-year collaboration.
South Africa’s most electrifying road-running movement is gearing up for its most transformative chapter yet. Stillwater Sports, custodians of the acclaimed Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, have officially announced HEINEKEN Beverages as a Headline Sponsor from 2026 — a three-year partnership that promises to elevate the Series into an even more powerful platform for fitness, culture, and community connection.
The collaboration marks a watershed moment for South African mass participation events, uniting two brands synonymous with excellence, vibrancy, national reach, and world-class consumer engagement.
A LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL IMPACT
Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Founder of the Series, describes the partnership as a milestone worthy of the moment.
“This is a truly special moment for the Series,” he says. “Welcoming HEINEKEN Beverages on board as a national sponsor elevates the energy and experience of every race. Both brands share a passion for health, wellness, connection and celebration. This partnership will bring all of that to life in an unforgettable way across all five cities.”
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, widely regarded as one of the most innovative and well-executed 10km racing circuits in the world, has built a reputation for showcasing South Africa’s urban spirit — from the beachfront streets of Durban to the pulse of Joburg. HEINEKEN Beverages’ involvement consolidates the Series’ evolution into a premium lifestyle event that transcends running alone, blending sport, culture, entertainment, business, and community.
Seen here (from left to right): At an official sponsor function that was held at Nederburg Wines earlier in December, Dezroy Poole (Director of Stillwater Sports) and Bronwin Langeveldt (Head Health, Safety & Wellbeing Heineken Beverages). PHOTO CREDIT: Ray van Breda
HEINEKEN BEVERAGES: CELEBRATING WELLNESS, TEAMWORK AND TOGETHERNESS
For HEINEKEN Beverages, the partnership aligns seamlessly with the organisation’s values and internal wellness philosophy.
“We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series — a world-class event that we truly admire,” says Kavir Gangiah, Head of Consumer Experience (CX) and Sponsorship at HEINEKEN Beverages. “At HEINEKEN Beverages, we believe that health and wellness begin with our people. This Series gives us the perfect platform to motivate our teams to get active together. It promotes fitness, wellbeing and teamwork while encouraging a little friendly competition among colleagues.”
Gangiah adds that the partnership offers the company a unique opportunity to celebrate achievements and create shared moments of joy across South Africa’s biggest metropoles. “We’re proud to be part of such a well-organised, high-quality Series and cannot wait to experience the race-day energy with our teams across all five cities in 2026.”
A POWERFUL BRAND WITH A POWERFUL LEGACY
HEINEKEN Beverages, established in 2023 following the merger of HEINEKEN South Africa, Distell, and Namibia Breweries Limited, enters the partnership backed by an iconic brand portfolio and decades of collective heritage.
HEINEKEN — one of the world’s most recognised beer brands — joins forces with the long-standing Distell stable under a unified identity built on innovation, excellence, and cultural influence.
This depth of legacy paired with modern ambition makes HEINEKEN Beverages an ideal partner for a Series that continues to redefine mass participation running in South Africa.
Seen here: Runners enjoying the action of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2025. PHOTO CREDIT: David Sullivan
THE 2026 SERIES: FIVE CITIES, FIVE SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
The 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series will once again unite thousands of runners, corporate teams, families and fitness communities across the country. The official calendar is confirmed as follows:
- Sunday, 01 March 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY Gqeberha 10K
- Sunday, 10 May 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY Cape Town 10K
- Sunday, 12 July 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10K
- Sunday, 23 August 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY Tshwane 10K
- Thursday, 24 September 2026 – Absa RUN YOUR CITY Joburg 10K
Each city’s race brings its own vibrant personality, local charm, and cultural rhythm — now amplified by the arrival of HEINEKEN Beverages as a headline partner.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR SOUTH AFRICAN RUNNING
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has long been a showcase of what sport can achieve when purpose, passion and innovation intersect. The addition of HEINEKEN Beverages strengthens that legacy, drawing together communities, colleagues, athletes, spectators and brands in celebration of movement and optimism.
It is more than a sponsorship. It is the start of a refreshed, reimagined era for South Africa’s premier urban running series.
With 2026 on the horizon, one thing is clear: the streets will be alive — and so will the nation.
