Joburg Marathon

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Sports & AdventureJohannesburg
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceBilled by city officials as Gauteng's most
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: ZAR
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Joburg Marathon in Johannesburg

The Joburg City Marathon, formerly the Jackie Gibson Marathon, is hosted annually by the Johannesburg Harriers Athletics Club, one of South Africa's oldest running clubs. Runners start at Klipriviersberg Recreation Centre in Kibler Park and race 42.2, 21.1 or 10 kilometres past landmarks including the Nelson Mandela Bridge.

Long before it carried the name Joburg City Marathon, the race that starts each year at Klipriviersberg Recreation Centre in Kibler Park was known as the Jackie Gibson Marathon, a fixture on the Johannesburg Harriers Athletics Club calendar.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Billed by city officials as Gauteng's most beautiful marathon, the route sends runners across the M1 freeway and over the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Braamfontein, turning closed-off highway lanes and an architectural landmark into part of the race course rather than mere scenery

02

The mystery stays covered

The event welcomes walkers on the 10- and 21

03

The city starts moving

kilometre distances alongside competitive runners, and its early-morning 5:30am assembly and staggered cut-offs, 10am at the 26-kilometre mark and a 12pm finish deadline, are built to accommodate everyone from elite finishers to six-hour walkers on the same closed roads

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Hosted continuously by the Johannesburg Harriers Athletics Club

Water and renewal

Living ritual

one of the country's longest-running clubs

The sacred route

Living ritual

the event carries forward its earlier identity as the Jackie Gibson Marathon

The local code

Living ritual

a naming history that long-time Johannesburg runners still reference when discussing the race's roots in the city's road-running community

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

For Joburg Marathon, plan transport around the exact Johannesburg venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Standard road-running kit: moisture-wicking shirts and shorts, well broken-in running shoes, and a hat or visor for the Johannesburg sun once the early-morning chill lifts. Layer a light...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Joburg Marathon, stay near the part of Johannesburg you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

ZAR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map26.20 S, 28.04 EOpen in Google Maps

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Nearest airportJNB — O.R. Tambo
TransportFor Joburg Marathon, plan transport around the exact Johannesburg venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Joburg Marathon, stay near the part of Johannesburg you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Johannesburg via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Johannesburg, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare faresFestival gearStandard road-running kit: moisture-wicking shirts and shorts, well broken-in running shoes, and a hat or visor for the Johannesburg sun once the early-morning chill lifts. Layer a light long-sleeve top for the 5:30am start, since Johannesburg mornings can be cold even when the day warms quickly.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for South Africa and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Joburg Marathon?

Joburg Marathon is listed for April · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Joburg Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Johannesburg, South Africa. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLsanews.gov.za
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusOfficial source linked
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