By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Tshwane – It’s officially Race Week, and the City of Tshwane is alive with anticipation as TuksSport, Sappi and key stakeholders put the final touches in place for one of the capital’s most cherished road-running events — the Sappi TuksRace.
Set to take place on Saturday, 14 February 2026, at the University of Pretoria’s Hillcrest Sports Campus, the Sappi TuksRace once again promises a vibrant celebration of fitness, competition and community spirit. Widely regarded as Pretoria’s most loved race, the event has attracted a record number of entries, particularly in the popular 5km category, underscoring its growing appeal among both seasoned runners and social participants.
The longer-distance races are also shaping up to deliver thrilling competition. In the 21.1km half marathon, all eyes will be on a strong elite field that includes Anja Heenop, runner-up in the 2025 edition, Leandré van der Merwe, who also finished on the podium last year, and former Comrades Marathon winner Frances van Blerk, whose presence adds significant pedigree to the race.
With a scenic route and fast course, the Sappi TuksRace has long been a favourite for athletes chasing personal bests, while remaining accessible and welcoming to first-time runners and families.
Race Day Details
The action gets underway early on race morning, with staggered start times to accommodate the different distances:
- 21.1km and 10km: Start at 06:00
- 5km: Start at 06:15
- 1km Kiddies Dash: Start at 08:00
All races will start and finish at the University of Pretoria Hillcrest Sports Campus, accessed via Burnette Street.
Race number collection will take place on Thursday and Friday from 15:00 to 19:00, and on race day from 04:00 until 10 minutes before the respective race start. Collections will be done opposite the High Performance Centre (HPC) in the parking bay of Cricket South Africa on Burnette Street.
Parking and Logistics
Race organisers have made extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth race-day experience. Hatfield Plaza will open its parking facilities from 04:00, offering free parking for the first 1,000 vehicles as part of a convenient park-and-walk option. Additional parking will be available on the sports campus itself, with the End Street gate recommended for easy access.
Giving Back Through Sport
In line with its strong connection to the University of Pretoria, the Sappi TuksRace also features a student bursary competition. Registered UP students who have entered the race are encouraged to complete their details and place them in the entry box when collecting their race numbers, offering participants a chance to turn their run into an opportunity for academic support.
As runners, families and supporters descend on Hillcrest this Valentine’s Day weekend, organisers are confident the 2026 edition will live up to its reputation as a highlight on the Tshwane sporting calendar.
With elite competition, record participation and a festive campus atmosphere, the message from organisers is clear: the 2026 Sappi TuksRace is set to be a race to remember.
