Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
The Johannesburg Marathon draws approximately 9,500 finishers on an urban road in Johannesburg, South Africa. The course starts and finishes in the city centre. The route passes through northern suburbs and along major arterial roads at altitude (1,750 m). Mostly flat with gentle undulations; thin air is the main challenge.
Johannesburg Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Johannesburg Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 28 March 2027 with a 6:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 92 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
The Johannesburg Marathon is a city loop that starts and finishes in the centre and runs through northern suburbs and major arterial roads at high altitude. The gentler early flats can feel manageable, but the altitude and long rolling drags are the tougher reality, and spectator support is strongest in the city centre and the more established suburban pockets.
The Johannesburg Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 92 metres of climbing and 92 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
For the Johannesburg Marathon, registration and race information are available at joburgharriers.co.za. The event is organised by the Joburg Harriers club and welcomes both local and international runners.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Johannesburg.
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Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
The Elands Marathon is one of South Africa's oldest and most traditional marathons, drawing about 2,500 runners each August on a rural point-to-point through KwaZulu-Natal's green hills. The course runs between Eshowe and Empangeni (or the reverse in alternating years) on country roads through Zululand. August winter dryness and rolling rural terrain make it a classic among South African club runners.
Next race: Saturday, 22 August 2026
The Dolphin Coast Marathon near Ballito on South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal north coast draws about 4,000 finishers each July along the Indian Ocean shoreline. The course passes salt-water pools, resort beaches, and the dolphin coast headlands with warm winter sunshine. July mild KZN north coast weather makes it a popular South African winter destination marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 27 June 2027
The Durban International Marathon attracts about 3,500 finishers each May in South Africa's warm Indian Ocean port city. The course follows the Golden Mile beachfront and passes Moses Mabhida Stadium and the Durban harbour. May subtropical weather and flat coastal terrain make it one of South Africa's most accessible city marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
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