UCT Memorial 10KM Race | 2026

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 before 15:00 on Thursday, 30 April. Collection will also be available at the Kramer Building from 05:30 on race day, but no entries will be available on race day. Athletes who collect before 15:00 on 30 April at Sweat Shop or UCT Sports Admin will go into a draw to win one of two pairs of road shoes courtesy of The Sweat Shop

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