Run yourself fit with Gauteng’s running calendar
Want to get into the running game? Here's everything you need to know.
Ryan Sandes. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images.
There’s nothing like gulping your last burning breaths of oxygen as you cross the finish line. Running encompasses some pain, but its overwhelming moments of euphoria have made it a favourite for centuries – just take a look at those ancient Greek amphoras depicting running on display in museums around the world.
That could be because there’s no bad time for running. Rain, wind, winter or summer, runners take to the streets (or cleared fields, back in antiquity) around the world every day.
But like most road runners will know, weekdays are for training and weekends are for collecting yourself some medals to impressively display around your home.
If you’re new to the running game, navigating the Gauteng running calendar is easier than it seems. Log on to websites like runnersguide.co.za and you might be confused about when and where to run a race.
The main confusion sets in when you see races hosted by North Gauteng or Central Gauteng. All you really need to know is North Gauteng road races take place on Saturdays, while Central Gauteng Athletics South Africa-affiliated races take place on Sundays.
In even simpler terms: if you enter a race on Saturday you will likely run in Pretoria, while Joburg (and its surrounds) have races on Sundays.
It also means if you’re from Pretoria or Joburg you have some of the best opportunities to explore your sister city.
With the Vitality Run Series dominating the Johannesburg running scene over the next two months, perhaps now is the time to head to Pretoria to see what it has to offer.
If you’re not affiliated to any running club, just remember to get yourself a temporary licence before pounding the streets.
Freedom Challenge: 8km, 4km
When: August 9 (Women’s Day)
Where: The Big Red Barn, Olifantsfontein
Entries details: R120
Proceeds go towards ending human trafficking
Clicks Wierie half marathon: 10km and 5km
When: August 12
Where: Laerskool Wierdapark, Centurion
Details: 21km: R100; 10km: R80; 5km: R40; 2km: R30; temporary licence: R30
Entries: available from entrytime.com and on the day
Romans Pizza Phobians: 15km
When: August 19
Where: Pretoria Boys High, Brooklyn
Details: 15km: R91; 5km Fun Run: R45
Entries: available from entrytime.com and on the day from 4.30am
Pound your way to health Sefako Makgatho half marathon and 10km
When: August 26
Where: Sefako Makgatho Sports Complex, Ga-Rankuwa
Details: 21km: R80; 10km: R60; 5km: R30
Temporary licence: R30
Entries available on the day.
Value Logistics half marathon: 10km and 5km
When: September 7
Where: Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria West
Details: 21.1km: R91; 10km: R68; 5km: R35
All entries on race day
Andrew Greyling half marathon
When: September 16
Where: Brooklyn Mall, Pretoria
Details: 21.1km: R100; 10km: R80; 5km: R40; temporary licence: R30
Entries available from entrytime.com and on the day from 4.30am
Chamberlain Capital Classic Road Race
When: October 7
Where: Phobians Club, Lynnwood, Pretoria
Details: 21.1km: R100; 10km: R67; 5km Fun Run: R45.
Entries: through entrytime.com and on race day
