By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Richard Pearce, Anthony Grote
Runners lining up at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 1 March 2026, will be chasing more than a personal best — one lucky participant will also stand a chance to drive home in a stylish Chery vehicle valued at R269,900.
The exciting giveaway forms part of the opening leg of the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, with Gqeberha once again setting the pace for what promises to be another high-energy season on South Africa’s road running calendar.
A partnership that rewards runners
Chery South Africa, the official vehicle partner of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series since 2022, has already awarded 17 vehicles to fortunate participants across events held between 2022 and 2025. The 2026 series continues that tradition, adding a powerful incentive to one of the country’s most popular mass participation races.
“We’re proud to kick off the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in Gqeberha with real excitement — starting with one lucky runner driving home in a stylish Chery vehicle,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and founder of the series.
“Our longstanding partnership with Chery South Africa has been instrumental in elevating the race experience, adding energy, reward and a sense of celebration for runners and their communities.”
A vehicle that matches the spirit of the race
Chery South Africa CEO Tony Liu said the vehicle on offer reflects the values and lifestyle of the running community.
“We’re thrilled to offer a Chery vehicle as a standout prize at the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K,” Liu said. “It’s a stylish, versatile compact SUV that mirrors the spirit of this iconic event — bold, dynamic and designed for active lifestyles. Whether navigating city streets, coastal roads or weekend adventures, it delivers comfort, technology and everyday enjoyment.”
How to enter the draw
To qualify for the vehicle giveaway, participants must:
- Register and pay for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
- Collect their race number during the official collection period
- Be at the start line and complete the 10km race on event day
Every finisher stands an equal chance, reinforcing the series’ ethos that the event is about participation, perseverance and community as much as podium finishes.
Race details: Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
- Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026
- Start Time: 07:00
- Start & Finish: Beach Road, Humewood, Gqeberha
- Entry Fee:
- Licensed runner: R255
- Temporary licence: R30
- Entries Close: Monday, 23 February 2026, or once capacity is reached
A nationwide running celebration
The Gqeberha race launches a five-city national series that will see thousands of runners take to the streets in 2026:
- 10 May 2026: Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
- 12 July 2026: Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
- 23 August 2026: Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
- 24 September 2026: Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K
Since its inception in 2015, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has transformed mass participation road running in South Africa, blending elite performance with family-friendly festivities, community upliftment and world-class event production.
With a scenic coastal route, festive race-day atmosphere and the chance to win a brand-new Chery vehicle, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K is shaping up as one of the most compelling sporting events on the Eastern Cape calendar.
For runners, the message is simple: lace up, show up — and you could run your way into the driver’s seat.
