Jacaranda City Challenge
2026 Race Day
Saturday, 24 October 2026 – Rietondale High School, Pretoria
New venue and a new fast course. The start and finish is at Rietondale High School, corner of 18th Avenue and Pierneef Street, Rietondale, Pretoria.
| Distance | Start | Cut-off | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42.2km Marathon | 06h00 | 6 hours | 20 years |
| 21.1km Half Marathon | 06h00 | 3 hours | 16 years |
| 10km | 06h10 | 2 hours | 14 years |
| 5km Fun Run | 06h20 | None | 9 years |
Entries: Online at EntryNinja until 21 October 2026, or until capacity is reached. The marathon is pre-entry only. Late entries for the 21.1km, 10km and 5km are available at the venue from 22 to 24 October.
Entry fees (pre-entry): 42.2km R390, 21.1km R280, 10km R190, 5km R120. Athletes aged 80+ and blind runners enter free. Temporary licence R70. See the entry information for all fees.
Capacity: capped at 12,000 entries (42.2km: 4,000, 21.1km: 3,500, 10km: 3,500, 5km: 1,000).
Race number collection: Rietondale High School, 22 and 23 October (11h00 to 18h00) and race morning from 04h30.
Event t-shirts: R180, order online when entering.
Enquiries: 087 097 0011 / 069 324 0011, sune@sportsvendo.co.za
About
The Jacaranda City Challenge is the “City Marathon” for Pretoria. This event is older than 25 years, but was “revamped” in 2011 and is now one of the most prestigious road running events in Gauteng.
The race itself has evolved into an incredible show of courage and determination, celebrating the city and all its inner charm, culture and spirit. Least we forget the beautiful blooming Jacaranda trees, prevalent at this time of year, which dot the cityscape and shade the runners as they tick off each kilometre.
The multiple distances, including a Marathon [42,2km], Half Marathon [21,1km], 10km and 5km Fun Run, contributes to the large number of participants. This ensures that all levels of runners, from serious Comrades qualifiers, all the way to casual strollers and walkers, can participate.
The Marathon [42,2km] is a very popular Comrades and Two Oceans Marathon qualifier and is the first Marathon to be presented in Gauteng after the Comrades, making it the first opportunity in Gauteng to qualify for the Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon.
A FEW FACTS:
- The 2026 event is capped at 12,000 entries.
- The race is voted one of the top 20 road races in South Africa. There are over 700 road races in South Africa.
- The route is not only scenic, but highly accessible for all runners and supporters.
- A fast course
- Cash prizes for all category winners.
