June is one of the biggest months on the South African running calendar, bringing together iconic ultras, scenic road races and community favourites that draw runners of every level to the start line.

Topping the Runner’s World SA team’s list is the 99th edition of the legendary Comrades Marathon, the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon, where thousands will once again tackle the demanding Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg in pursuit of a lifelong dream.

From bucket-list challenges to unforgettable local events, these are the races we think deserve a spot on your June running calendar.

13 June: Big Five Marathon – Entabeni Private Game Reserve, Limpopo
Taking place through one of the most spectacular Big Five game reserves in South Africa, just 90 minutes from Pretoria, this race attracts runners from far and wide. You get to (safely!) race among the wildlife of the African savannah in an adrenaline-fuelled trail run. Memories will be made!

14 June: Comrades Marathon – Durban
The 99th running of this famous race promises to be a big one, as excitement for the 100th running in 2027 heats up. This year, it’s an ‘Up’ run, and for those looking to get a back-to-back medal in 2027, getting an entry for this year’s race was always going to be difficult. The 22000 entries sold out in under 10 hours, and many missed out.

Even if you’re not running, just being part of the race as a spectator on the side of the road is a special place to be.

14 June: Inhaca360 Island Running – Inhaca Island, Mozambique
A winter slump in Cape Town was quickly replaced with excitement after David Bellairs discovered the Inhaca360 trail run on Mozambique’s Inhaca Island. Inspired by the promise of sunshine, warmth and adventure, he signed up for the 26km event and booked a trip to Maputo within minutes.

The race delivered a completely different trail running experience, from fast coastal stretches on hard-packed sand to deep sandy tracks and scenic mangrove paths. Surrounded by the island’s natural beauty and local villages, the run became as much about the unique environment as the challenge itself – capped off with a warm finish-line welcome and an ice-cold 2M beer.

“The experience was just sublime. Alone on this gorgeous island, soaking up the warmth and the beauty of a completely different environment. The route back took us past local villages, back to the mangroves and the coast, finishing on the green lawns of Manico camp. And every runner was greeted by the team with huge cheers. It’s already in the diary – I may take on the longer 54km!”

14 June: The Old Fisherman’s Trail Challenge – Hout Bay, Cape Town
Spectacular trail across the mountains that separate the Atlantic and Indian Oceans from Fish Hoek to Hout Bay. The trail is mainly on single track and is roughly 25km in distance. It sells out quickly every year, so make sure you get your entry in soon.

16 June: RCS Gugs Youth Race – Gugulethu Stadium, Cape Town
This popular 10K event takes place on Youth Day, from 07h15 at the NY 49 Gugulethu Stadium in Gugulethu, Western Cape. Distances available include 10km and 4.2km races.

21 June: Totalsports Table Mountain 16km – Constantia Glen, Cape Town
This challenging run from Constantia Glen heads up to Constantia Nek, up the jeep track to the top of Table Mountain and back. The route follows the historic road up to and around the Woodhead Dam. An off-road run covering some single-track running but mostly gravel roads around the dams on Table Mountain. Note the new start at Constantia Glen and not the traditional Constantia Nek.

27 June: Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon – Pollok Beach, Summerstrand, Gqeberha
Starting from 07h00, this popular event offers runners a half marathon and a 5km, with some great prizes up for grabs.

READ MORE ON: road running running calendar trail-running