Absa Run Your City series increases prize money

By Charles Baloyi
21st January 2026

The organisers of the Absa Run Your City Series have increased the total prize purse to R1.68 million for the 2026 season, making it the highest-paying road running series in South Africa.

The five-race series will once again be staged in Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane and Johannesburg.

Ahead of the opening leg in Gqeberha on 1 March, Stillwater Sports confirmed to SABC Sport that prize money in the elite races has been increased from R30 000 to R33 000 for both men and women, alongside improved bonus incentives.

Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer said the growth of the prize purse reflects the organisers’ commitment to rewarding excellence and driving high performance in local road running.

“Offering an impressive prize purse is extremely important to us and we are proud to once again be able to do so at the Absa Run Your City Series in 2026,” Meyer told the national broadcaster.

“We believe a strong prize purse does more than reward dedication and loyalty towards the series – it fuels ambition and inspires athletes to chase extraordinary performances. That is why we are proud to continue growing our prize purse each year, with 2026 featuring a combined prize purse of R1 686 000.”

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Each of the five events will carry a total prize allocation of R337 200, with R267 200 set aside for the Open Category. This includes R133 600 for the top 10 Open Men and R133 600 for the top 10 Open Women. The winners in each city will pocket R33 000, with second place earning R24 000 and third place R21 000.

The elite races also offer lucrative performance bonuses. In the men’s race, bonuses apply to times faster than 28 minutes, with a significant R300 000 incentive for breaking the 27-minute barrier. A new South African record will earn an additional R50 000.

The women’s elite race mirrors these rewards, with bonuses starting for times quicker than 32:08 and a R300 000 bonus on offer for athletes who run under 30:20. A new national record will also attract a R50 000 bonus.

Founded by Meyer in 2015, the Absa Run Your City Series has grown steadily and continues to attract top runners from across the continent, helping raise standards and produce fast times on South African roads.