Event and Experience Specialists, Stillwater Sports, have confirmed that the 9th annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K will feature an even faster route on Sunday, 12 July 2026, while runners can also look forward to an earlier start time of 07:00.
“The Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is set to raise the bar even higher in 2026, with a newly refined, even faster route that guarantees world-class performances and potentially opens the door to the first-ever sub-27-minute 10km on African soil,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder.
With Ugandan distance running superstar Joshua Cheptegei confirmed alongside a world-class men’s field featuring Kenyan duo Felix Masai (10km PB 27:24) and Gilbert Kiprotich (10km PB 27:43), Lesotho national record holder Kamohelo Mofolo (10km PB 27:47), and South Africa’s Kabelo Mulaudzi (10km PB 27:41), and with a star-studded women’s elite field still to be announced, the confirmation of an even faster route further strengthens expectations of world-class performances in Durban in 2026, cementing its status as the Greatest 10K on African soil.
“While refining an already quick course is never simple, we identified one key section where further improvements could be made to enhance race speed,” confirms Meyer. “This adjustment has been implemented, and runners targeting records and personal bests can look forward to a route that is even more conducive to fast times.”
The updated course remains predominantly flat and fast, with only a slight incline around the 8km mark.
“Overall, the 2026 route is carefully designed to support high-performance racing while showcasing some of Durban’s most iconic landmarks, including the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC Durban), Durban City Hall, the Durban beachfront, Suncoast Casino, and Sunkist Lawns, among others. In 2026, runners will once again experience the city in a unique and memorable way on foot, while being part of what could become a landmark edition in Durban.”
An additional update sees the race start time move to 07:00, one hour earlier than previous editions.
On this adjustment, Meyer adds: “The start time adjustment has been introduced to ensure runners benefit from cooler, more favourable conditions while running. In addition to this, it also helps to minimise disruption to residents on Sunday morning, reduce the duration of traffic restrictions and road closures, and support a smoother return to normal traffic flow. The earlier start also allows participants to spend more time in the Race Village, where they are encouraged to linger and enjoy the post-race celebration atmosphere. To all runners, spectators, and Durban residents: come and show your support and witness history in the making.”
EVENT DATES: 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series
| 1. Sunday 01 March 2026 | Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
Elite Men’s Winner: Adriaan Wildschutt (RSA) 27:47 Elite Women’s Winner: Brenda Jepchirchir (KEN) 30:15 |
| 2. Sunday 10 May 2026 | Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
CANCELLED DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER FORECAST
|
| 3. Sunday 12 July 2026 | Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K / SOLD OUT |
| Start Line: Masabalala Yengwa Avenue (MY) | |
| Finish Venue: Sunkist Lawns, Durban Promenade | |
| 4. Sunday 23 August 2026 | Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K / SOLD OUT |
| 5. Thursday 24 September 2026 | Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K |
Facebook: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Instagram: @Gqeberha10k / @CapeTown10k / @Durban10k / @Tshwane10k / @Joburg10k
Hashtag: #RunYourCity #AbsaRunYourCity #Durban10K #JoshuaCheptegei #Greatest10KonAfricanSoil
WhatsApp Line: 072 042 7613
Websites: www.runyourcityseries.com