John Nugent Memorial | 2026

The 2026 John Nugent Memorial Marathon takes place on Saturday, 12 September 2026, starting and finishing at Desert Palace Hotel & Casino Resort in Upington, Northern Cape. 🏃‍♂️🌄

This road running event offers 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km, and 5km race options, making it suitable for marathon runners, half marathon runners, club athletes, licensed runners, social runners, walkers, beginners, families, younger participants, and local supporters. 👟

The 42.2km Marathon starts at 05h30, giving runners the main endurance challenge of the day. The 21.1km Half-Marathon starts at 05h45, followed by the 10km Road Race at 06h00. The 5km Fun Run is listed separately with an evening start time of 18h30. 🎖️

With all distances starting and finishing at Desert Palace Hotel & Casino Resort, the John Nugent Memorial Marathon offers a full Northern Cape road running experience in Upington. Entries are not yet open, and entry fees are still listed as TBC. 🌿

Distances, Start Times & Entry Fees

• 42.2km Marathon – 05h30 – 350🏃‍♂️
• 21.1km Half-Marathon – 05h45 – 250 👟
• 10km Road Race – 06h00 – 200 🌿
• 5km Fun Run – 18h30 – TBC 🚶‍♀️

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026

⏰ Start Time: 42.2km at 05h30; 21.1km at 05h45; 10km at 06h00; 5km at 18h30

📍 Venue: Desert Palace Hotel & Casino Resort

🌍 City/Town: Upington

📌 Province: Northern Cape

Important Notes

• Start and finish for all distances are at Desert Palace Hotel & Casino Resort
• Minimum age: 42.2km – 20 years
• Minimum age: 21.1km – 16 years
• Minimum age: 10km – 14 years
• Minimum age: 5km – 9 years
• Route map information may be available through the organiser / listing
• The event is listed as being run under ASA and provincial athletics rules
• Date, time and location are confirmed; other details are limited at this stage