WeeklySA_AdminPREMIER EVENT: The Absa Run Your City 10km road race series kicks off in Gqeberha
By Sports Reporter
The Absa Run Your City Series is back, bringing together thousands of runners for an electrifying 10 km road race across five major South African cities including Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, and Johannesburg. Kicking off in Gqeberha on Sunday, April 13, 2025, the series marks its third consecutive year, solidifying its place as a premier running event in the country.
In a boost for runners, Absa customers and Rewards members will enjoy 30% cash back on their race entry when paying with an Absa card, an incentive that aligns with the bank’s mission to promote physical well-being and reward customer loyalty. More than just a race, the Absa Run Your City Series continues to drive community upliftment, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to social impact, health, and inclusivity in every stride.
As part of Absa’s brand promise, “Your Story Matters,” the Run Your City Series encourages runners, joggers, and spectators to contribute to the spirit of community and personal achievement, by taking to the streets of their city. Absa invites employees, customers, and community members to participate in its Strava initiative, where for every kilometre logged by a Team Absa member in 2025, Absa will pledge a R1 donation to support local community welfare and positive change.
“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Absa Run Your City Series for the third year running,” said Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa. “The overwhelming support from our participants and partners speaks volumes about the importance of promoting an active lifestyle while making a tangible difference in our communities and as a result the tickets have sold out.”
The 2024 edition of the series raised R1.5 million, which was dedicated to establishing sustainable food gardens in primary schools across five provinces. In collaboration with Urban Harvest, Absa’s initiative equipped schools with the tools and training necessary for cultivating herbs and vegetables, fostering experiential learning, and promoting environmental awareness among students and educators alike.
t’s all systems go for the highly anticipated ABSA Run Your City 10K, taking place on Saturday, 13 April 2025, starting from the beautiful Kings Beach in Gqeberha. Now in its third year, the event has rapidly grown to become a flagship race on South Africa’s athletics calendar, attracting elite national, international athletes and lifestyle runners alike.
Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe extended an inspiring invitation to both residents and the wider South African public:
“Sport is a catalyst for unity, development, and pride. The ABSA Run Your City 10K is more than just a race—it is a celebration of who we are as a city and a people. Nelson Mandela Bay is proud to welcome the continent’s finest athletes and runners of all backgrounds to our streets. I encourage our residents to come out in their numbers and line the streets in support. To our fellow South Africans—tune in live on SuperSport and witness the energy, spirit, and excellence of Nelson Mandela Bay. Together, we are building South Africa’s leading multi-sport destination.”
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, in partnership with Stillwater Sports Management (Pty) Ltd, is proud to be hosting the event under the current three-year agreement that will see the race continue in the Metro until 2026. The decision, made by the Municipal Council on 7 December 2023, reflects the city’s growing stature as a preferred hub for athletic and multi-sport events.
This year’s race has attracted over 4,500 registered runners, doubling last year’s entries and drawing elite competitors from across South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, and beyond. From top contenders aiming to run the fastest 10km in the country to lifestyle runners chasing personal milestones, the event blends world-class competition with an unforgettable community experience.
Eastern Province Athletics (EPA) continues its role as implementing agent, working closely with the Municipality to deliver a seamless and safe event. The race also forms part of the broader Nelson Mandela Bay Legacy Project (NMBLP), launched in 2014 to revitalise athletics and create development pathways for local talent to compete against national and international athletes.
Charmaine Williams, NMBM Director for Sport, Recreation and Culture, shared the city’s readiness:
“We are pleased that this event has grown. We’ve been working behind the scenes to prepare and make sure we host an incident-free event. Looking at the numbers, the race is sold out with 4,500 registered participants—a huge increase from last year’s 2,000. I can confidently say we are ready to welcome athletes and enthusiasts who will be all out to enjoy the event.”
The Absa Run Your City Series 2025 Schedule:
13 April 2025: Absa Run Your City Gqeberha 10K
11 May 2025: Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10K
13 July 2025: Absa Run Your City Durban 10K
24 August 2025: Absa Run Your City Tshwane 10K
September 2025: Absa Run Your City Johannesburg 10K
