Look, let me admit off the bat that I am not a runner. But even so, I do understand passion.
And when I see runners pounding their weary way all around the city on a daily basis, I know that this activity – though I may regard it as the pinnacle of discomfort – is a joy to those who are passionate about the sport.
And as someone who’s “not into” running, all I know is that the ultimate road running race in South Africa is the Comrades. So when I drive past runners, I am always left wondering, “How many of you are preparing for the ultra marathon?”
So here I am, in my limited capacity, attempting to help runners, by telling them what they probably know already.
For those runners in the vast, flat plains of the Northern Cape, April is the final call. It’s the month that could make or break your Comrades dream.
With just two months to go, the pressure is on, but there are plenty of marathons and ultras to test your legs, sharpen your pace, and maybe even secure that all-important qualifier.
Let’s see what April offers for those still keen to test themselves at Comrades.
Weekend One: Testing Your Mettle
April kicks off with a bang, and whether you’re running the hills of the Western Cape or the flat streets of Richards Bay, you’ve got options.
- Two Oceans Ultra (Cape Town): Yes, this one’s a classic, even if it’s not as glamorous as it once was. Starting flat along the coast, it’s an easy warm-up before you hit the climb: Chapman’s Peak. If you’ve never run that pass, you’re missing out. The views are breathtaking (but the climb? Not so much). If you’re racing for time or testing your endurance, this one’s perfect. Just don’t expect a flat route – it’s got enough hills to make you sweat.
- April 5, Hippo Marathon (Richard’s Bay): Now, for those of us who thrive on the flat, this one’s the one to put on your list. Richards Bay’s pretty much a sea-level loop, which means fast times are on the cards – if you can handle the heat. It’s early morning starts, refreshment stations every few kilometres, and a course that doesn't mess around. Think of it like a speed test for your Comrades pacing.
- April 5, Highveld Marathon (Ermelo): If you want to escape the heat and get a taste of rural South Africa, Ermelo’s rolling hills and farm views will have you hooked. It’s a smaller race, but the scenery and those undulating hills are exactly what you need for some Comrades training.
Weekend Two: Power Through the Streets
April’s second weekend is all about variety – whether you want to test your endurance or your speed, there’s something for everyone.
- April 13, Benoni Northerns (Benoni): Flat, fast, and just the kind of race you need if you're pushing for that Comrades seeding. The double lap takes you through Northmead and past the beautiful Ebotse golf estate. If you’re running from Kimberley, this could be the perfect opportunity to see just how fast you can go while staying cool in the shade.
- April 13, Chatsworth Freedom Ultra (Durban): This one’s for the brave. The Chatsworth Freedom Ultra is a gritty 52km that takes you through the streets of Durban’s Chatsworth area. Steep hills, narrow streets, and a course that just keeps testing your mental and physical strength. If you’ve got Comrades in your sights, this is the kind of race that’ll build both your confidence and your resilience.
- April 12, Mall of the North Marathon (Polokwane): The savannah’s open skies and the fresh air of Polokwane are a welcome change if you're used to flat, paved routes. A more scenic marathon, it offers a quieter, slower-paced run through some of South Africa’s stunning countryside. Not too hot, not too cold – just the right conditions to test your pacing.
Weekend Three: Easter Weekend, Ultra Fever
For Easter weekend, the big hitters are back. You can either push your limits with an ultra or enjoy a scenic, hard-earned marathon.
- April 19, NMB Festival of Running (Gqeberha): A tough coastal marathon with 847m of elevation gain. While it’s coastal, don’t be fooled – this race has hills that will have you working for every step. But the views of the Indian Ocean at sunset make it all worth it. Oh, bear in mind that it’s a plastic-free marathon, so make sure to bring your own cup. If you're after a unique challenge, this one's one of a kind.
- April 20, Lesedi Easter Marathon (Heidelberg): Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? This marathon takes you through rural areas, offering clean country air and a peaceful vibe – definitely a step away from the usual urban grind.
- April 20, Tshwane North or Orcas 50k (Pretoria / KZN): If you’re looking for a challenge, both the Tshwane North and Orcas 50k races are a solid choice. Either one will test your stamina, but they’re well-organized and offer that perfect prep for Comrades.
Weekend Four: The Final Countdown
If you’ve left it to the last minute, you’re in luck – April ends with seven races! It’s your final shot to qualify, test your legs, or just get in some more race experience.
- April 26, Outeniqua Marathon (Garden Route): This is a must-do for any runner. If you’ve never run in the Garden Route, this is the time to add it to your bucket list. With trails, dirt roads, forests, and views of the ocean, it’s a beautiful, tough challenge that will make any race feel like a breeze in comparison.
- April 26, Loskop 50k (Middelburg): Want to prep for the Comrades “down” run? The Loskop 50k is your perfect training route. It starts high up and drops down, with just enough challenging hills to keep you honest. The aid stations are top-notch, and the downhill finish will make you think you’ve had a soft run – until you hit those two nasty hills. But don’t worry, the pool at the finish line will make up for it.
- April 27, Prince Mangosuthu 52k (KwaZulu-Natal): For those who love a good climb after a smooth descent, this ultra will push you from start to finish. The first 18km is easy, but then it’s a constant grind through the hills. It’s a challenge, but one that will build your strength for the months ahead.
- April 26, Kuruman Marathon (Northern Cape): For those of us in the Northern Cape, the Kuruman Marathon is a perfect local option. A flat, double-lap course around Kuruman’s quiet roads, it’s fast and gives you a chance to race without the hassle of long-distance travel.
April is your last chance to get ready for Comrades, whether you're working on your seeding, chasing a personal best, or just looking for a tough race to put you to the test. Whether you're running the flat plains or tackling some hills, there’s a race for every kind of runner – so get out there and make it count!
For a comprehensive list of potential preparation runs, click HERE.
And know that I will be watching you from my couch.