Nearly 50,000 South Africans have already taken part in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES this year. This weekend, excitement reaches a high point as a further 5,000 runners line up for the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K, marking the Free State’s official debut in South Africa’s premier road-running series.
The event marks a major milestone for the award-winning series, which has doubled its footprint in just three years expanding from three host cities to six. The Free State now officially joins Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, and Johannesburg as part of one of South Africa’s fastest-growing and most celebrated running events.
Under the rallying call, “Take Your Story to the Streets. Take it to the Max,” thousands of runners, supporters, and visitors will transform the streets of the City of Roses into a vibrant celebration of sport, community, and local pride.
A Major Milestone for the Free State
Speaking on the launch of the event, Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa, highlighted the broader economic and social impact the event brings to the region:
“The inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K is a landmark moment for both the city and the series. Beyond the excitement of race day, it presents an opportunity to showcase the Free State to a national audience, stimulate tourism and local economic activity, and inspire more people to embrace active lifestyles. This weekend, 5,000 runners won’t simply race through the streets of the City of Roses. They will help write a new chapter in its story.”
More Than a Race: A Celebration of Community
The inaugural 10km route promises participants an unforgettable experience passing through Mangaung’s rich history and cultural heritage, welcoming elite athletes, casual joggers, and enthusiastic spectators alike.
“Whether you’re chasing a personal best, taking on your first 10km, walking for a cause, or cheering from the sidelines, this is your opportunity to be part of history. The inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY MANGAUNG 10K is more than a race. It’s a celebration of community, determination, and possibility. Together, we are showcasing the energy, pride, and spirit that make the Free State truly special while positioning the region as a destination worth visiting, experiencing, and celebrating,” Nsibanyoni concludes.
