Top 10 cheapest marathons and ultras to enter in South Africa

If you’re looking for real value on the South African road-running calendar, this is the list to bookmark for 2026.

According to popular South African blogger, The Running Mann, the best running deals often aren’t found in the big cities – they’re waiting in small-town South Africa, where scenic routes and low entry fees make for an unbeatable combination.

Runners based in Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga may want to consider heading south, with several of the country’s most affordable marathons located in the Eastern and Western Cape.

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Best value

The Knysna Heads Marathon returns to the top of the table this year and stands alone as the only marathon in the country offering a cost of less than R3.00 per kilometre – making it the best-value 42.2km race in South Africa.

Laingsburg Marathon in the heart of the Karoo takes second place, while the Umzila Ka Tambo Marathon in the Transkei completes the podium.

Outstanding value

Beyond the top three, the list is packed with outstanding value, with several races offering extras such as a free race T-shirt – a rarity in today’s cost-conscious running environment.

For runners willing to travel a little further afield, these events prove that memorable marathon experiences don’t have to come with premium price tags.

Top 10 cheapest South African marathons/ultras ranked by Rands/km:

How many of the above races have you completed?

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