Run yourself fit with Gauteng’s running calendar

There’s nothing like gulping your last burning breaths of oxygen as you cross the finish line. Running encompasses some pain, but its overwhelming moments of euphoria have made it a favourite for centuries – just take a look at those ancient Greek amphoras depicting running on display in museums around the world.

That could be because there’s no bad time for running. Rain, wind, winter or summer, runners take to the streets (or cleared fields, back in antiquity) around the world every day.

But like most road runners will know, weekdays are for training and weekends are for collecting yourself some medals to impressively display around your home.

If you’re new to the running game, navigating the Gauteng running calendar is easier than it seems. Log on to websites like runnersguide.co.za and you might be confused about when and where to run a race.

The main confusion sets in when you see races hosted by North Gauteng or Central Gauteng. All you really need to know is North Gauteng road races take place on Saturdays, while Central Gauteng Athletics South Africa-affiliated races take place on Sundays.

In even simpler terms: if you enter a race on Saturday you will likely run in Pretoria, while Joburg (and its surrounds) have races on Sundays.

It also means if you’re from Pretoria or Joburg you have some of the best opportunities to explore your sister city.

With the Vitality Run Series dominating the Johannesburg running scene over the next two months, perhaps now is the time to head to Pretoria to see what it has to offer.

If you’re not affiliated to any running club, just remember to get yourself a temporary licence before pounding the streets.

Freedom Challenge: 8km, 4km

When: August 9 (Women’s Day)

Where: The Big Red Barn, Olifantsfontein

Entries details: R120

Proceeds go towards ending human trafficking

Clicks Wierie half marathon: 10km and 5km

When: August 12

Where: Laerskool Wierdapark, Centurion

Details: 21km: R100; 10km: R80; 5km: R40; 2km: R30; temporary licence: R30

Entries: available from entrytime.com and on the day

Romans Pizza Phobians: 15km

When: August 19

Where: Pretoria Boys High, Brooklyn

Details: 15km: R91; 5km Fun Run: R45

Entries: available from entrytime.com and on the day from 4.30am

Pound your way to health Sefako Makgatho half marathon and 10km

When: August 26

Where: Sefako Makgatho Sports Complex, Ga-Rankuwa

Details: 21km: R80; 10km: R60; 5km: R30

Temporary licence: R30

Entries available on the day.

Value Logistics half marathon: 10km and 5km

When: September 7

Where: Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria West

Details: 21.1km: R91; 10km: R68; 5km: R35

All entries on race day

Andrew Greyling half marathon

When: September 16

Where: Brooklyn Mall, Pretoria

Details: 21.1km: R100; 10km: R80; 5km: R40; temporary licence: R30

Entries available from entrytime.com and on the day from 4.30am

Chamberlain Capital Classic Road Race

When: October 7

Where: Phobians Club, Lynnwood, Pretoria

Details: 21.1km: R100; 10km: R67; 5km Fun Run: R45.

Entries: through entrytime.com and on race day