🇿🇦Soweto, South Africa
Old Mutual Soweto Marathon
Nov 1, 2026
Distance
42.2 km
Elevation gain
320 m
Terrain
Road
Entry type
Open entry
PB potential
Extremely challenging — focus on finishing, not a PB
Beginner friendly
Better suited to experienced runners
About this race
The Soweto Marathon is South Africa's most emotionally and historically resonant running event. The course runs through the Soweto township — the largest urban area in South Africa and birthplace of the anti-apartheid movement. Runners pass Mandela House (Nelson Mandela's former home, now a museum), the Hector Pieterson Memorial (commemorating the 1976 student uprising), Orlando Towers (painted cooling towers now used for bungee jumping), and Walter Sisulu Square. The 320m of elevation across the Highveld plateau's rolling terrain, combined with Johannesburg's altitude of 1,750m, makes this a serious challenge. November is South African spring — 20–28°C with afternoon thunderstorm risk. This race is about history, community, and transformation — not the clock.
Typical race-day weather
Temperature
18–27°C
Humidity
40–60%
Conditions
Highveld spring — warm mornings, afternoon thunderstorm risk
Wind
10–20 km/h
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