For years, Free State’s best runners have travelled hundreds of kilometres to chase opportunities on South Africa’s biggest road running stages. From October, those opportunities will arrive on their doorstep.
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series will expand from five to six races with the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K on Sunday, 25 October 2026, a move welcomed by former Olympians Johan Cronje and LJ van Zyl, together with Athletics Free State president Odessa Swarts, as a turning point for athletics in the province.
“Mangaung has always needed a world-class road race,” said Cronje, a former South Africa’s 1500m record holder and a Bloemfontein native.
“There are no more excuses now. Local runners can compete against some of the best athletes in the world on their own doorstep.”
Cronje expects about 5,000 runners at the inaugural event, with ambitions of growing participation to between 10,000 and 15,000.
Van Zyl, a three-time Olympian, believes the impact will stretch well beyond race day.
“Young athletes no longer have to leave home to experience a race of this calibre. It’s a real game-changer.”
Swarts, the Athletics Free State president and mother of Olympic champion Wayde van Niekerk, said the race arrives after years in which the province felt overlooked.
“I’ve been excited because Free State has been overlooked for quite a while.”
She said about 700 youngsters compete every Friday in the province’s cross-country league, while nearly 1,800 entries are expected for next month’s provincial championships.
“This motivates our youngsters. Development starts with cross country, and now they’ll see the country’s biggest names competing alongside them. Does that not give hope? This is a story of hope.”
Swarts believes the event could reshape the ambitions of young runners across the province.
“Anyone can enter. Whether you’re from a township or a rural area, you can dream. Every day I work to help young people achieve the dreams they set for themselves. This race gives them that opportunity.”
She admitted the launch has inspired her own return to competitive running.
“I’ve started training because I had to be part of this. I’m competitive, so I’m hoping to break one hour. Since training for distance running, I’ve gained enormous respect for middle and long-distance athletes.”
The expansion follows growing demand from runners and sees Mangaung join Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane and Johannesburg on South Africa’s premier 10km circuit.
The event is a partnership between Stillwater Sports, the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and the Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
Stillwater Sports Managing Director Michael Meyer called the sixth race “a significant milestone” that expands the series’ footprint while creating opportunities for tourism, economic activity and community development.
Absa Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer Sydney Mbhele said the launch fulfilled a long-standing request from runners.
“For many years, runners have called for the series to include Mangaung, and we are proud to have listened because at Absa, we believe every story matters.”
He said the race would showcase Mangaung nationally while creating opportunities for tourism, local businesses and economic growth.
Since Absa became title sponsor in 2021, more than 200,000 runners have taken part in the series. Mbhele added that Absa’s R1 Campaign has already raised almost R10 million through Team Absa’s Strava activities to support school vegetable gardens across South Africa, with Free State communities also set to benefit.
Mangaung Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi said the race would showcase the city’s heritage and hospitality while benefiting residents and local businesses.
Free State MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Ketso Makume said the event strengthens the province’s ambition to become a leading sport tourism destination.
Exclusive entry access for Absa account holders opened on 29 July and closes on 31 July, before public entries open on 1 August.
