With the dust having settled on another unforgettable Comrades Marathon, many runners are swapping long road miles for scenic trails, shorter races and more relaxed adventures. July offers the perfect opportunity to recover, reset and simply enjoy running again. Whether you’re chasing a new challenge or just looking for a fun day out, here are some of the Runner’s World South Africa team’s favourite events taking place this month.

4 July: Knysna Forest Marathon, 21km – Knysna
There is little doubt that the half marathon is the most popular of the two events on offer. The early-morning start-line vibe, the route through the forest, and the race’s party-like atmosphere are why most keep coming back. It’s festive and fun, and renowned for the post-race party that follows. Just beware of the last 5km before the finish! If you’re running the marathon, you’ll get the benefit of the rowdy half-marathon finishers to cheer you down the finishing straight.

11 July: The Bastille Day Trail Run – Franschhoek
This popular trail event starts and finishes from the spectacular Plaisir Wine Estate, promising a true trail-running adventure with breathtaking scenery, tough climbs and flowing singletrack. It offers distances for everyone, from 10km to 50km. This event sells out every year, so don’t expect an easy day out—but do expect an unforgettable experience in one of the Cape’s most beautiful trail-running destinations.

12 July: Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K – Durban
Since its debut in 2017, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K has become one of South Africa’s premier road races. Combining elite competition with a vibrant mass participation event, runners and walkers enjoy a scenic 10km route showcasing Durban’s iconic landmarks, ocean views and lively entertainment along the way.

18 & 19 July: The Cape Town Festival of Running – Sea Point
This popular event returns to the Sea Point Promenade for a weekend of fast racing and festival vibes against one of the world’s most spectacular coastal backdrops. Whether you’re taking on the challenging 50km ultra, testing yourself over the 21km, or enjoying the family-friendly 5km, there’s a distance for every runner to celebrate the joy of running in the Mother City.

31 July to 2 August: Washie 100 – East London
First run in 1977, the Washie 100 was born from a bold idea by the Buffalo Road Runners Club to create a race almost twice the distance of the Comrades Marathon. Inspired by club member Lionel Whitfield, who wanted to honour his late father, Granville “Washie” Whitfield, the 160km race between East London and Port Alfred became South Africa’s first 100-mile road race and remains one of the country’s most iconic ultramarathons. Not the least of its appeal is the Sunday morning prizegiving at the Buffalo clubhouse with its million-dollar view over the Indian Ocean.

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