UCT Memorial 10KM Race | 2026

Important note:

UCT Memorial 10km 07h00 Sunday 3 May

Online entries extended to noon on Saturday 2 May. Runners can also enter at the Sweat Shop (bring the exact amount in cash) where they can collect their race cards and temporary licenses directly.  

Runners who have entered online are encouraged to collect their race registrations at the Sweat Shop before 14h00 on Saturday 2 May.

Late entries will be available on race day from 05h30 from the Kramer Building, Middle Campus, UCT (bring exact amount in cash) or card. Runners can also collect their race cards and temporary license numbers at Kramer building from 05h30.

The UCT 10km Memorial Race started in 1983 and primarily celebrates the lives of three leading UCT female athletes who left the planet far too early - Merrilyn Smith, Isavel Roche-Kellyl and Lindsay Weight. This year's race focuses on former Comrades champion, Dr Lindsay Weight.

The UCT 10km Memorial Run 2026 takes place on Sunday, 3 May 2026 at 07:00 from Middle Campus, University of Cape Town. This popular road race offers a competitive 10km experience in Cape Town and is open to both licensed and unlicensed runners aged 14 years and older.

Event Details

The race starts at Middle Campus, UCT on Sunday, 3 May 2026 at 07:00. The event is run in accordance with ASA and WPA rules. Results will be published on the WPA website after the race.

Entry Fees

Entry is available online only via Racepass.com/za, with entries closing at 12 noon on Thursday, 30 April 2026. No late entries will be accepted. Entry fees are:

Licensed Seniors: R120

Licensed Juniors: R70

Unlicensed Seniors: R180

Unlicensed Juniors: R110

Collection Information

Race entry sachets and temporary licences can be collected at Sweat Shop, Claremont, or the UCT Sports Office Wednesday 29 April to Thursday 30 April.

Prize Money

Prize giving takes place at 09:00. Prize categories include Open, Juniors, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70+. Open winners can earn up to R1600 for first, R1100 for second, and R900 for third. Many of South Africa's top distance athletes have won the Merrilyn Smith trophy, awarded to the first woman to finish, with Elana Meyer holding the record. An additional R1500 bonus will be awarded to the first woman home if she finishes under 36 minutes..

Important Race Info

No race numbers will be issued. Licensed runners must wear their 2026 licence numbers on the front and back of their vest. Temporary licence holders must wear the temporary number on the front and hand in the tear-off strip to be eligible to run. No headphones or personal music players are allowed. No personal seconding is permitted except at official refreshment stations, and runners are asked not to litter Although this is a 'carry your own water' race, a refreshment station will be provided near the 5km mark.

Getting There

From the M3, take exit 7 down from Rhodes Drive into Woolsack Drive. From Main Road, turn into Woolsack Drive at the Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch.

Contact Details

Email: athletics@uct.ac.za

Phone: +27 21 650 2177