Spring Into September: Your Guide to the Month’s Running Events

Spring has sprung, and September is the perfect time to lace up and get moving! With longer days, warmer weather and a variety of running events on offer, there’s something for everyone – from fast-paced road races and challenging trail runs to fun runs for the whole family. This is just a small selection of what is on offer, so get your running crew together, pick your challenge and make the most of spring by getting out there and having fun.

5 Table Mountain Challenge**, Cape Town**
Features a tough 40km circumnavigation of Table Mountain, a 27km Lite, and a 15km beginner route starting from The Lawns at the Roundhouse.

6 Khayelitsha 10km & 5km fun run, Mandela Park Stadium, Khayelitsha
The 2026 Khayelitsha 10km Road Run and 5km Fun Run start and finish at the Mandela Park Stadium on Tambo Road, Khayelitsha. The 10km gets underway at 07h00, followed by the 5km Fun Run at 07h30. Come and experience the warmth and vibe of Khayelitsha.

11-13 Namaqua Quest 3-Day Trail Run, Springbok, Northern Cape
A colourful 3-day solo stage race through the spring flowers of Namakwa, based at the Okiep Country Hotel.

12-13 Outsurance Gun Run 21km, 17km Trail, 5km Fun Run, 5km Pet Walk, Green Point, Cape Town
The Gun Run is a true Cape Town institution, and its capacity field means entries are best secured early. With the exception of the Kloof Street climb, the half marathon course is largely flat and fast when conditions are favourable. Add a festive atmosphere and the shorter races joining the action later in the morning, and it’s a firm favourite. Entries are sold out, with no late entries available.

12 Mont-Aux-Sources Ultra Trail, Royal Natal National Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Offers epic 50km and 21km routes beneath the majestic Drakensberg Amphitheatre while supporting local eco-tourism and vulture conservation.

12 Waterfall City Half Marathon, 10km & 5km Fun Run, Waterfall City Park, Mall of Africa, Gauteng
Organised by Waterfall City Athletics, this popular event offers a 21km half marathon and 10km road race, both starting at 06h00, while fun runners and walkers can tackle the 5km, which starts at 06h15. Entries are sold out, and no late entries will be accepted.

19 Voet van Afrika 42km, 21km, 10km, 27km trail, 13.5km trail, 4km fun run, Bredasdorp, W Cape
What makes this event truly unique is that it’s about more than just competition — it’s about connection. Runners experience the beauty of nature, the spirit of community, and the warmth of true South African hospitality as they tackle challenging terrain and unforgettable landscapes.

20 Chapman’s Peak Challenge, Hout Bay, Cape Town, W Cape
Starting at 6:30am, this 21km road race runs from Hout Bay Beach (near Velocity Gym) along Chapman’s Peak Drive to Noordhoek and back, finishing at Kronendal Primary School with 349 m of elevation gain. General entries are officially sold out, though substitution windows and waiting lists are managed via the Chapman’s Peak Half Marathon Official Site.

23-26 Otter Challenge and Race, Nature’s Valley, E Cape
As a single-day challenge, the 42km Otter Grail of Trail ranks among the premium events for trail runners. Technical and challenging, the course is designed to measure all your skills, with four river crossings and 2 600m of climbing. As you make your way along rocky coastal paths, through rivers and along pristine forest singletrack, you’ll be reminded why so many make this their yearly race focus.

26 Mossel Bay Marathon, 21km, 10km and 5km, Santos Beach Parking Area, Mossel Bay
This event offers something for every runner. Enter in-store at Top Gear Sport (George) and the ASWD Office (George). Late entries will be taken during registration with a R20 late fee. No entries on race day!

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