Known as “the toughest race with the warmest heart,” the Voet van Afrika Marathon is returning for its landmark 45th year on Saturday, 19 September 2026. Whether you are tackling the grueling 42.2km marathon, pacing the half-marathon, joining the 10km, or hitting the trails, staying on top of the logistics is key to a smooth race weekend.
To help you prepare, we’ve put together the ultimate guide based entirely on the official 2026 Voet van Afrika Runner’s Rules.
Key Deadlines & Entry Information
- Online Entry Closing Date: 6 September 2026 at midnight.
- Late Entries: No late entries will be accepted for the 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km, or Trail Run events.
- The “Toontjie” Fun Run (4km): Entries for the fun run can be done on the day (Friday, 18 September 2026) from 15:00 until 17:45 at the Bredasdorp Sport Grounds.
- Refunds: Entry fees are strictly non-refundable. (If the event is cancelled for reasons beyond control, fees will be donated to the 2026 official charity).
Registration & Number Collection Logistics
Before you head to the starting line, you will receive an entry confirmation email and an SMS indicating your race number, collection date, and time. You must bring your proof of entry, email, or SMS confirmation to registration.
Number collection takes place at three specific locations and times:
- Somerset West: Sportsmans Warehouse – Thursday, 17 September 2026, from 12:00 until 17:00.
- Bredasdorp: Bredasdorp Sport Grounds – Friday, 18 September 2026, from 14:00 until 21:00 for all distances, and Saturday, 19 September 2026, from 04:00 until 07:00 at Bredasdorp Sport Grounds for 42.2km, 10km, 27km and 13.5km Trail run.
- Napier (21.1km Athletes Only): Napier School of Skills – Saturday, 19 September 2026, from 06:00 until 07:00.
Race Logistics, Times, and Shuttles
All official races use gun-to-mat timing and conclude at the Bredasdorp Sport Grounds. Tog bag collection points are available at the start lines of the 42.2km and 21.1km and will be securely transported to the finish line facility (used at your own risk).
1. Marathon (42.2km)
- Start Time & Location: 06:00 on Elim Road.
- Transport to Start: depart from Bredasdorp Sport Ground at 04:45. Transport could be a bus or an open truck, so pack warm, discardable layers!
- Cut-offs: 10:30 in Napier at the “Bo-dorp Huisie” (16.5km to go). Final race cut-off is 12:00 at the finish (6-hour total time limit).
- Age Limit: Participants must be 20 years or older.
- Special Prize: King of the Mountain goes to the first male participant to reach the FM Tower water station on top of the mountain (must complete the race). Last Runner Home is also celebrated.
2. Half Marathon (21.1km)
- Start Time & Location: 07:30 at Napier School of Skills.
- Transport Back to Vehicles: If you park at the start in Napier, a return shuttle service will run from the Bredasdorp finish line back to Napier starting at 10:30 until 13:00 (running continuously on a rotational basis via three taxi buses).
- Cut-off: Final cut-off is 12:00 at the finish (4.5-hour time limit). Walkers are welcome.
- Age Limit: Participants must be 16 years or older.
- Special Prize: Queen of the Voet van Afrika goes to the first female participant to reach the Spar water station (at the 11km-to-go mark) and complete the race.
3. 10km Road Race
- Start Time & Location: 08:00 at Bredasdorp Sport Grounds.
- Cut-off: Final cut-off is 10:00 at the finish (2-hour time limit). The route is walker and pram friendly.
- Age Limit: Participants must be 14 years or older.
4. Trail Runs (27.5km & 13.5km)
- Start Time & Location: Both races start at 08:00 at Bredasdorp Sport Grounds.
- Cut-offs:5km has a 5-hour limit (13:00); 13.5km has a 4-hour limit (12:00).
- Compulsory Kit Check: A mandatory kit check takes place at registration on Friday, 18 September 2026. You must carry: A whistle, a space blanket, nutrition/snacks, water, a waterproof jacket, and a charged mobile phone pre-loaded with the Race Director’s number (082 896 9482).
Critical Race Day Rules to Remember
To ensure you don’t risk disqualification on race day, keep these core rules in mind:
- No Earphones/Headphones: Athletes are strictly not allowed to run with earphones or headphones.
- No Seconding: Personal seconding on the route is forbidden. Refreshment stations supplying water and Coca-Cola are set up every 3km (road races) or at designated refill stations (trail).
- Kit & Clothing: Competitors in the 42.2km, 21.1km, and 10km must run in club colours with a 2026 licence number or temporary licence displayed on their vest. Trail runners must also display their licence.
- Race Numbers & Tags: The official event race number must be worn on the front, and your club/temporary licence on the back. Age category tags (including the “J” tag for juniors in the 10km) must be visibly worn on both the front and back to qualify for category prizes.
- Prize Giving: The prize-giving ceremony starts at 12:15 for the main events. You must be present to receive your prize. No prizes will be paid via EFT or bank deposit; arrangements must be made with the organizer beforehand if you cannot attend.
See you at the start line of the 45th Voet van Afrika!
