Jacaranda City Challenge | 2026
Event information
Run the Jacaranda City Challenge in Pretoria on 24 October 2026. Choose 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km or 5km, and chase your next PB today!
About Jacaranda City Challenge | 2026
The Jacaranda City Challenge 2026 takes place on Saturday, 24 October 2026, at Rietondale High School in Pretoria, Gauteng. Organised by Faranani Athletics Club, this popular road running event welcomes competitive athletes, recreational runners and families for an exciting morning of racing through South Africa's Jacaranda City.
🌸 Participants can choose between a 42.2km Marathon, 21.1km Half Marathon, 10km Road Race and 5km Fun Run/Walk. The marathon is an official Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon qualifier, making it an excellent opportunity for endurance athletes preparing for South Africa's major ultra-marathons.
🏅 Race Distances & Entry Fees
🔥 42.2km Marathon
- Entry Fee: R390
- Temporary Licence: R70
- Start Time: 06:00
- Cut-Off: 12:00
- Minimum Age: 20 years
⚡ 21.1km Half Marathon
- Entry Fee: R280
- Temporary Licence: R70
- Start Time: 06:00
- Cut-Off: 09:00
- Minimum Age: 16 years
🏃 10km Road Race
- Entry Fee: R190
- Temporary Licence: R70
- Start Time: 06:10
- Cut-Off: 08:10
- Minimum Age: 14 years
🌟 5km Fun Run / Walk
- Entry Fee: R120
- Temporary Licence: Not required
- Start Time: 06:20
- Minimum Age: 9 years
Temporary ASA licences apply to participants who are not members of an affiliated athletics club.
📍 Event Details
Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026
Venue: Rietondale High School, corner of 18th Avenue and Pierneef Street
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
Organiser: Faranani Athletics Club
First Start: 06:00
Distances: 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km & 5km
Maximum Entries: 12,000 participants
Marathon Entries: Pre-entry only
Online Entries Close: 21 October 2026, or when sold out.
🎽 Number Collection & Late Entries
📅 Thursday, 22 October: 11:00–18:00 at Rietondale High School.
📅 Friday, 23 October: 11:00–18:00 at Rietondale High School.
🌅 Race Morning: Number collection available from 04:30.
Late entries for the 21.1km, 10km and 5km will be available at the venue, subject to capacity, with an additional R20 administration fee.
⚠️ The 42.2km Marathon is strictly pre-entry only.
✨ Race-Day Highlights
🏅 Medals for all finishers across all four distances.
⏱️ Electronic chip timing for the 42.2km, 21.1km and 10km races.
💧 Water points approximately every 3km along the route.
🩺 Medical support available on race day.
🎒 Tog bag drop-off facilities available at the start.
👕 Limited event T-shirts available for purchase at R180, subject to availability.
🎉 Enjoy an energetic finish-line atmosphere with food and refreshments available at the venue.
🌸 Take on the Jacaranda City!
Whether you're chasing a marathon qualifying time, targeting a half marathon personal best, racing the 10km or enjoying the 5km with friends and family, the Jacaranda City Challenge 2026 offers a memorable road running experience in Pretoria.
Lace up your running shoes, choose your distance and get ready to take on the streets of the Jacaranda City!