Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
The Soweto Marathon is one of Africa's largest marathons, drawing about 35,000 finishers each November through Johannesburg's historic Soweto township. The course passes the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street (home of Mandela and Tutu), and FNB Stadium. November summer weather and powerful historical symbolism make it South Africa's most significant mass-participation marathon.
Soweto Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Soweto Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2026 with a 6:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with gentle hills layout.
The Soweto Marathon is a township loop starting and finishing at FNB Stadium, passing the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street, and Orlando Towers. The flatter sections through central Soweto are the easiest, while the moderate highveld rollers and long straights between landmarks are tougher late in the race. Spectator support is most passionate around Soccer City, along Vilakazi Street, and near the Hector Pieterson Memorial.
The Soweto Marathon course is rolling with gentle hills over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
The Soweto Marathon uses open online registration at sowetomarathon.co.za with no ballot or qualifying time. Sign-up for the November race typically opens mid-year and the event draws around 35,000 finishers — one of Africa's largest marathons — so early registration is advisable. Charity entries are available through official partner organisations.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Johannesburg.
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.
Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027
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
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
Read guide →
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Read guide →
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
Read guide →