MANGAUNG, 16 October 2026 – The inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K will take place on Sunday, 25 October 2026, bringing runners and walkers together for a memorable race through the historic streets of Bloemfontein.

Organisers have officially revealed the 10km route, which will showcase some of Mangaung’s most recognisable landmarks, established neighbourhoods and important heritage sites.

As the newest addition to South Africa’s Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, the event promises a combination of fitness, community spirit and an opportunity to experience Mangaung from a different perspective.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K Route and Starting Point

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K will start at 07:00 at the Sir George Grey Street exit of Grey College.

Participants will begin their journey in one of Bloemfontein’s established areas before continuing along Sir George Grey Street and turning into Parfitt Avenue.

The route takes runners through Kellner Street, Aliwal Street and 1st Avenue before continuing along Brompton Road, Bree Street, Levy Street and Loop Street.

From there, participants will head towards Alexandra Avenue and Hanger Street before joining Nelson Mandela Drive, providing a different perspective of Mangaung’s city centre.

Historic Mangaung Landmarks Featured Along the 10K Route

One of the major attractions of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K is the opportunity to experience the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

The route will showcase several important sites, including:

• Mangaung City Hall – one of the city’s notable civic landmarks.
• Supreme Court of Appeal – an important part of South Africa’s judicial history.
• National Afrikaans Literary Museum – celebrating literary and cultural heritage.
• Hertzog Park (Love Park) – one of the city’s recognised public spaces.
• Fourth Raadsaal – a historic government building.
• Hofmann Square – a familiar city landmark.
• Queens Fort Military Museum – reflecting the region’s military history.
• President Brand Cemetery – a historic burial site.
• Old Presidency Museum – showcasing aspects of the city’s past.

Together, these locations reflect different periods of Mangaung’s development, from its early military and administrative roots to its role as a judicial, political and cultural centre.

For participants, the event offers more than a traditional road race. It provides an opportunity to explore the city while participating in a major sporting occasion.

Where Will the Mangaung 10K Finish?

After Nelson Mandela Drive, runners will turn into President Brand Street before continuing through Charlotte Maxeke Street, Oos Burger Street and St Andrew Street.

The final section of the route will take participants along Oliver Tambo Road and President Avenue before returning onto President Brand Street and St Andrew Street.

The race will conclude on Kings Way outside Kings Park Stadium, where participants will cross the finish line and celebrate completing the inaugural Mangaung event.

Organisers Excited About Mangaung’s First Race

Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, said the route was designed to capture the character of Mangaung while delivering the energetic atmosphere for which the series has become known.

He explained that the event was about more than running 10 kilometres, with participants getting an opportunity to experience established neighbourhoods, historic streets and important landmarks throughout Bloemfontein.

Meyer expressed excitement about bringing the series to Mangaung for the first time and said organisers were looking forward to welcoming thousands of runners and walkers on 25 October.

The organisers hope the event will celebrate the city, its people and the ability of running to bring communities together.

Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K: Event Details and Entry Fees

Here are the important details for runners and walkers planning to participate:

For event information and entry enquiries, participants can visit the official Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series website.

WhatsApp enquiries: 072 042 7613.

Mangaung Joins South Africa’s Popular Road-Running Series

Sport plays an important role in bringing communities together and creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to participate in physical activities. Initiatives that encourage greater access to sport also help promote inclusion and community development.

Related reading: Dignity for Young Women in Sport Through Donation – discover how a Western Cape initiative is helping young women overcome barriers to sporting participation.

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has been part of South Africa’s road-running calendar since 2015, bringing together competitive athletes, recreational runners, walkers and local communities.

The series now features six city events: Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Johannesburg and Mangaung.

The 2026 season has already included events in Gqeberha, Durban, Tshwane and Johannesburg, while the Cape Town race was cancelled due to a severe weather forecast.

Mangaung’s inaugural event will conclude the six-event calendar, marking a new chapter for the series in the Free State.

Countdown to the Inaugural Mangaung 10K

With race day approaching, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K is set to bring a vibrant sporting atmosphere to Bloemfontein’s streets.

By incorporating historic landmarks and established neighbourhoods into the route, organisers aim to deliver an event that celebrates both the sport of running and the unique identity of Mangaung.

For runners, walkers and supporters, Sunday, 25 October 2026, promises to be an important occasion on the city’s sporting calendar.

Source: Stillwater Sports, official media release issued on behalf of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, 15 October 2026.

Photographs: Charles Ndou / Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.