Johannesburg is preparing to swap traffic jams for a tidal wave of runners when the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K storms the streets on Thursday, 24 September, turning National Heritage Day into a 10km carnival of speed, culture and Mzansi swagger.
With the race already sold out, thousands of runners will pour onto Lilian Ngoyi Street from 08:00 before charging towards the finish on Rahima Moosa Street. The M1 and M2 highways will become a giant running track, giving participants a rare chance to see the City of Gold from a radically different angle.
It promises to be a sporting street party with running shoes replacing taxis as the soundtrack of the morning. Spectators, performers and sponsor activations will transform the route into a pulsating corridor of colour, noise and national pride.
Stillwater Sports managing director and Series founder Michael Meyer says Heritage Day adds extra meaning to the occasion.
“We’re excited to bring thousands of runners together in Johannesburg on National Heritage Day for what promises to be a fantastic celebration of running, culture and community.”
Meyer says the race allows participants to experience Joburg differently, with entertainment, spectator support and the route combining to create an atmosphere uniquely associated with the city.
Absa’s Head of Sponsorship, Jabulile Nsibanyoni, says the entertainment programme has been designed as a cultural tribute.
“At Absa, we are passionate about creating memorable experiences that bring communities together, and this event is a true reflection of that commitment.”
She says the route entertainment will celebrate Joburg’s rich heritage and traditions while showcasing the warmth, diversity and energy for which the city is renowned.
And there will be plenty of horsepower away from the stopwatch.
Absa, PUMA, Powerade, AVIS and Heineken will bring activations and entertainment zones to the route, while local performers and cheer squads turn the streets into a roaring grandstand.
PUMA Run Train Marketing Manager Rae Trew-Browne believes runners are in for something special.
“Every Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series event has its own personality, and Joburg’s Heritage Day edition promises to be particularly special.”
The PUMA Speed Zone will provide another shot of adrenaline, celebrating movement, performance and the thrill of running.
“It’s a chance for every participant to embrace their own version of TOO FAST while enjoying the incredible atmosphere that makes the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series so special,” Trew-Browne says.
The Joburg showdown is the penultimate stop in the 2026 series after Gqeberha, Durban and Tshwane, with Cape Town cancelled because of severe weather.
The season has already produced fireworks. Adriaan Wildschutt won Gqeberha in 27:47, Joshua Cheptegei conquered Durban in 27:19, while Salem Kibet claimed Tshwane in 28:45. Doreen Cherop won Durban in 30:43 and Tshwane in 31:35, while Brenda Jepchirchir took Gqeberha in 30:15.
Joburg now gets its turn.
On Heritage Day, the City of Gold will have thousands of feet pounding its pulse, proving that sometimes the best way to celebrate a nation’s heritage is to put your foot down and run with it.
Featured Image: Tobias Ginsberg
For further information please visit: runyourcityseries.com/
