Madibaz Half-Marathon Grows with New 5km Fun Run

Saturday’s Madibaz half-marathon, which also feature 10km and 5km races, will present the perfect opportunity for Madibaz runner Amanda Detshe to improve her personal best. Photo Credit: Supplied

Gqeberha’s favourite road race just got even more inclusive with a new 5km option. Whether you’re chasing a PB or just jogging for fun

Gqeberha, South Africa (25 July 2025) – The Madibaz Half-Marathon continues to go from strength to strength. Slowly cementing itself as a community favourite. Its 2025 edition returns with an exciting new addition, a 5km fun run aimed at families, students, and social runners. So, you do not need to be an elite athlete. Just lace up your tekkies and maybe bring a friend or two to help you cross that finish line.

Building on the success of the past two years, organisers have broadened the event’s appeal, with entries already surpassing the 1000-mark ahead of Saturday’s race. Initially offering 21.1km and 10km options, the Gqeberha-based event has quickly grown into a popular fixture on the city’s running calendar.

Madibaz Sport’s athletics manager, Bernard Petersen, attributed the growth to overwhelming local support.

“The support of the Nelson Mandela Bay running community has been exceptional,” he said.

Encouraged by positive feedback about the scenic route, the Madibaz Athletics Club introduced the shorter 5km option to create what Petersen called “a true community occasion”.

With Prestige and Participation League status from EP Athletics, the half-marathon is now firmly established as a key date for both competitive and recreational runners in the province.

“It means a lot to the university and the club. Very few university-based clubs offer races over these distances and we’re proud to be setting that example,” Petersen added.

Runners will once again enjoy a route that winds through the Nelson Mandela University campus and stretches along Marine Drive, offering both flat terrain and beautiful views. The course remains largely unchanged, apart from an additional kilometre added within the university grounds after the inaugural race.

The event not only brings the community together but also creates a platform for emerging athletes. Amanda Detshe, a rising Madibaz star and silver medallist in the 3 000m steeplechase at the SA U23 Championships, is aiming for a personal best in the 10km event. “The flat nature of the course should help me achieve that,” she said.

The 21.1km and 10km races start at 7 am from the Madibaz Stadium, with the 5km fun run beginning at 7.30 am, promising a festive, feel-good morning for all.