The 2026 Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10KM brought nearly 5 000 runners and walkers to the city streets on 3 March 2026.
The event marked the opening race of the national series and returned to Gqeberha for the fourth consecutive year.
What happened
The Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10KM officially launched the 2026 road running series with strong participation from athletes and social runners alike.
Participants included first-time 10KM runners, experienced competitors chasing personal bests, and committed walkers taking part in the annual event.
This year’s theme, “Take Your Story to the Streets. Take It to the Max,” formed part of the national campaign encouraging participants to push their limits.
According to Absa Head of Sponsorship Jabu Nsibanyoni, the event continues to evolve beyond competition.
He said the series encourages resilience, personal growth and community participation.
Why it matters
Major sporting events contribute to local tourism, small business activity and community visibility in Gqeberha and the broader Eastern Cape.
In addition, the Absa Run Your City Series includes a social impact element through the R1 Campaign.
Under this initiative, every kilometre completed by Team Absa members on Strava contributes to funding school vegetable gardens across South Africa.
Organisers reported that more than R10 million has been raised to date to support these initiatives.
For local runners, the event also offers qualification opportunities, personal goal setting and community engagement.
What you need to know
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 2026 Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10KM |
| Date | 3 March 2026 |
| Location | Gqeberha, Eastern Cape |
| Participants | Nearly 5 000 runners and walkers |
| Series Impact | Over R10 million raised through R1 Campaign |
| Next Race | Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10KM – 10 May 2026 |
Entries for the Cape Town race are currently open, with limited spots remaining.
Absa Rewards members may receive up to 30% real cash back on race entry when registering early, according to organisers.
What you should do next
If you plan to participate in upcoming races:
- Confirm entry availability on the official Absa Run Your City website
- Check eligibility for Absa Rewards cash back benefits
- Prepare training plans well ahead of race day
- Monitor official race communications for updates
Early registration is recommended due to limited capacity.
For more Eastern Cape event coverage, visit our Local Eastern Cape News category hub.
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