The starter’s gun for South Africa’s most vibrant road-running festival is about to crack. The iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series strides back onto the streets in 2026, with entries for the GQEBERHA 10K and CAPE TOWN 10K already open.
Spanning five cities and stitched together by speed, scenery and spirit, the series once again invites elite athletes, club runners and weekend warriors to chase fast times on courses that unfurl like ribbons through the heart of each host city.
These opening two races promise flat, flowing routes where personal bests are hunted like finish-line tape fluttering just out of reach.
Absa Run My City Cape Town May 2025 ©Mark Sampson
“We are excited to kick off the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series by opening entries for the first two of five iconic races, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K and Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K,” said Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.
“Since inception, Gqeberha (in 2023) and Cape Town (in 2015), both events have delivered world-class racing and an unforgettable atmosphere.
“As we celebrate the 4th running of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K and 11th running of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K, we’re committed to elevating the experience even further, with more excitement, exceptional performances, and that unmistakable city vibe runners love.”
From Gqeberha’s coastal stretch, where the ocean breeze pushes runners along like a steady pacer, to Cape Town’s postcard-perfect streets, framed by sea and skyline, both races have become magnets for athletes eager to test their legs against fast asphalt and roaring crowds. These are cities that don’t just host races, they run alongside you.
Meyer added a clear warning shot for procrastinators:
“Runners can expect 10km racing at its finest. Entries sell out quickly every year, so we encourage everyone to sign up early and secure their spot to avoid missing out.”
For title sponsor Absa, the series is about more than stopwatch splits and podiums.
“Gqeberha and Cape Town, the wait is over, entries for the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K and Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K officially open on 11 December! This is your moment to lace up early, secure your spot, and own your streets with purpose,” said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships, Brand and Marketing at Absa.
“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is more than just a race; it’s a movement inspiring real, positive change. We can’t wait to welcome you at the start line and celebrate your journey all the way to the finish.”
With Durban, Tshwane and Joburg waiting further down the calendar like milestones on a long run, the 2026 series is shaping up as another five-city victory lap for South African road running.
2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series – Key Dates
Sunday, 01 March 2026
Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
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Start Time: 07:00
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Start & Finish: Beach Road, Humewood, Gqeberha
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Entry Fee:
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Licensed Runner: R255
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Temporary License: R30
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Entries Open: Thursday, 11 December 2025
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Entries Close: Monday, 23 February 2026 or when capacity is reached
Sunday, 10 May 2026
Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
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Start Time: 09:00
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Start: Marine Drive, Milnerton
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Finish: Cape Town CBD
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Entry Fee:
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Licensed Runner: R255
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Temporary License: R60
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Entries Open: Thursday, 11 December 2025
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Entries Close: Monday, 04 May 2026 or when capacity is reached
Still to come in 2026
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Sunday, 12 July: Durban 10K
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Sunday, 23 August: Tshwane 10K
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Thursday, 24 September: Joburg 10K
Click here to secure your entry!
More info: www.runyourcityseries.com
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Hashtags: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity
