The Jeppe Marathon (officially part of the Balwin Run Series) is one of the most beloved fixtures on the Central Gauteng road running calendar on 20 September 2026. Organised by the historic Jeppe Athletics Club, this premier race draws thousands of runners – from serious endurance athletes aiming to secure an early qualifier for the Comrades or Two Oceans Marathons to families tackling their very first 5km fun run.
Rich History & Traditions
The story of the Jeppe Marathon is deeply entwined with the legacy of its parent organization, the Jeppe Quondam Club, which was established in 1907. The Athletics Section was officially launched in 1978 and quickly became a driving force in South African road running.
Historically held early in the year, the race moved to a spring date (September) to offer runners an ideal, early opportunity to notch up ultra-marathon qualifying times in cooler conditions. Starting and finishing at Saheti School in Senderwood, the route maintains its heritage roots, passing right by the classic Jeppe Quondam Club landmark.
Route Overview & Facts
Known for being both scenic and testing, the course takes athletes through the tree-lined suburbs of Bedfordview and Edenvale:
- The 42.2km Marathon: A challenging two-lap course. The first 10km of each lap features demanding inclines before giving way to a fast downhill past Gillooly’s Farm. Be prepared for a famous sting in the tail—a steep climb in the final kilometer!
- The 21.1km Half Marathon: A single-lap effort covering the same undulating, energetic terrain.
- 10km Race & 5km Fun Run: Faster, accessible routes around the Senderwood area designed for speedsters and recreational runners alike.
Key Race Facts:
- Organiser: Jeppe Athletics Club (Jeppe Quondam Athletics Club).
- Date: 20 Sept 2026
- Start & Finish Venue: Saheti School, Senderwood, Johannesburg.
- Official Qualifiers: Accredited qualifier for both the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon.
- Entry Perks: Early entrants (first 2,500 across 42km, 21km & 10km) receive the official race shirt.
Official Apparel Partner & Gear Essentials
Gear plays a crucial role when tackling 42 grueling kilometers. Totalsports serves as an official technical apparel partner for the event, providing top-tier technical gear and race shirts for runners.
Whether you’re gearing up for race day or building a solid training regimen, equipping yourself with proper technical gear is non-negotiable. Visit us in store and Buy selected ASICS running shoes worth R2900 or more at any Totalsports store between 22 June – 16 September & get a FREE entry to the Balwin Sport Jeppe Marathon taking place on 20 September.
Choose your distance: 5km, 10km, 21km or 42km – your race, your pace.
Shop the ASICS range in-store now to qualify. Your entry code will be printed on your tillslip.
Alternatively, you can shop for top-tier running shoes and technical apparel on Bash.com, South Africa’s premier online shopping destination.
Entry Details & How to Sign Up
Entries for the race are managed online via the official website at jeppemarathon.co.za.
- Distances Offered: 42.2km Marathon, 21.1km Half Marathon, 10km, and 5km Fun Run.
- Entry Requirements: Online registration usually closes a week prior to race day or as soon as entry category caps are reached.
- Race Packs & Goodies: Free official technical race shirts are provided for the first 2,500 entries across the 42km, 21km, and 10km races. All finishers receive a commemorative medal.
- Number Collection: Offered pre-race at designated locations, including selected Balwin developments, Jeppe Quondam Club, and Totalsports stores (such as Totalsports Centurion Mall).
Whether you are chasing a personal best or taking on the Bedfordview hills for the camaraderie, head over to jeppemarathon.co.za to secure your spot on the start line!
References
- Jeppe Marathon Official Website: https://jeppemarathon.co.za/
- Jeppe Quondam Athletics Club History & Race Details: Jeppe Marathon Route & Event Info
- Bash Online Store: Bash – Running Shoes & Apparel
