Runners can look forward to a year of exciting events, with a jam-packed race calendar scheduled for 2026.*

January 17: According to Athletics Mpumalanga, the Quanis Race kicks off the season. Sabelo Mkhwanazi, managing director of Quanis Accounting and Tax Solutions, said the annual race features a new route for everyone to enjoy.
“It will take place at the AGS Communio Church in Nelspruit on Saturday, January 17. It is hosted in partnership with Ngodwana Marathon Club,” he said. The new route starts at the church, heads along Kaapsehoop Road, turns around just past Friends Café, and returns to the finish line at the church. It is designed to be both enjoyable and safe, accommodating professional runners, social runners and fitness enthusiasts alike.
January 31: The second event is the CANSA Colour Run, a vibrant, family-friendly fun run where every step supports CANSA’s care and support programmes. It will take place at Mbombela Stadium on January 31. Rinella Jansen van Vuuren said participants can expect bursts of colour, high-energy vibes, and a morning filled with smiles, whether they walk, jog or dance to the finish line.

February 7: The third event is the Jock of the Bushveld 4-in-1 Marathon. Organised for the first time in 2022 by the City of Mbombela Marathon Club, the race alternates its route each year. It will take place on Saturday, February 7, starting in Barberton.
February 13: The Power of Love Night Race, organised by RWFL, follows the Kaapsehoop Road.
February 28: The TRACN4 Elands Marathon, a Comrades qualifier, will start at Waterval Boven. It is presented by the Nedbank LVCC Running Club and sponsored by Trans African Concessions (TRAC).

March 21: The KaNyamazane 2-in-1, organised by KaNyamazane Marathon Club, will start at KaNyamazane Stadium.
March 28: The NCM Fast 3-in-1, hosted by Nelspruit Marathon Club, takes place at Mbombela Stadium.

April 11: Hosted by the Legogote Villagers Club, the Sudwala Screaming Monster will take place at Sudwala.
April 27: The Sabie Shufflers 2-in-1 will start at Hoërskool Sybrand Van Niekerk.

May 2: The Uniwisp 2-in-1 Urban Challenge will take place at Nelspruit Rugby Club.
May 9: The Selati 2-in-1, organised by Onderberg Marathon Club, starts at Malelane Rugby Club.
May 23: Gijima Nkomazi AC will host the Gijima Nkomazi 2-in-1, starting at Mbuzini.

Other events for local runners include:
• Legogote Villagers on July 4
• Spar Women’s Challenge on July 18
• Men’s Challenge on July 25.
A variety of fixtures are planned for later in the year, and details will be published closer to the time.

*This information was correct at the time of publishing, but is subject to change.