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Media release

Media release

15 000 runners to take their stories to the streets at Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K

23 September 2026

The streets of Johannesburg will come alive this Heritage Day as 15,000 runners and walkers will unite for the 2026 Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K, transforming the city into a powerful celebration of resilience, community and social impact.

As the second-last stop on South Africa’s premier road running series, the event will bring together elite athletes, first-time participants, dedicated walkers and passionate supporters, all embracing this year’s rallying call: “Take Your Story to the Streets. Take It to the Max.”

More than a race, the event is a platform for people to share their journeys, pursue personal goals and stand together behind causes that matter. This year’s race will also carry a powerful message of solidarity against Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), following recent incidents that have once again highlighted the urgent need for collective action. Participants are encouraged to wear the symbolic purple warrior stripe on their cheek or purple lipstick as a visible commitment to breaking the silence and standing with survivors.

Jabu Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa, said the series provides an opportunity to unite South Africans around issues that extend beyond sport. “The Absa Run Your City Series has always been about more than crossing a finish line. It is about creating moments that bring communities together and inspire positive change. This year, we will use our collective voice to stand against gender-based violence. By wearing a purple warrior stripe or purple lipstick, participants will demonstrate that silence is not an option. Every step taken will be a reminder that together we can raise awareness, support survivors and help build a safer South Africa because Unity is our heritage.”

Beyond race day, the 2026 Absa Run Your City Joburg 10KM will leave a lasting legacy by turning every kilometre into meaningful action against gender-based violence (GBV). Building on the success of Absa’s broader R1 Campaign, which has raised more than R10 million to support school vegetable gardens across South Africa, this year’s event will channel its impact towards organisations on the frontlines of the fight against GBV supported by the bank. In a powerful call to break the silence, proceeds from the race will help fund critical support services, advocacy programmes and safe spaces for survivors. By mobilising thousands of runners behind a shared cause, the event aims to transform awareness into action, amplify the voices of survivors, and contribute to a safer, more inclusive society for all.

With Gqeberha, Durban, Tshwane and Johannesburg setting an impressive benchmark for the 2026 season, momentum will now shift to the inaugural Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10K on 25 October.

For the first time, the City of Roses will welcome thousands of runners and supporters eager to write the next chapter of South Africa’s most exciting road running series. With entries selling fast, participants are encouraged to secure their place early. Absa Rewards members will enjoy up to 30% real cash back on race entries, making it even easier to be part of the movement.

Whether running for a personal best, a worthy cause or a story worth telling, South Africans are invited to lace up, stand together and take their stories to the streets.

23 September 2026

The streets of Johannesburg will come alive this Heritage Day as 15,000 runners and walkers will unite for the 2026 Absa Run Your City Joburg 10K, transforming the city into a powerful celebration of resilience, community and social impact.

As the second-last stop on South Africa’s premier road running series, the event will bring together elite athletes, first-time participants, dedicated walkers and passionate supporters, all embracing this year’s rallying call: “Take Your Story to the Streets. Take It to the Max.”

More than a race, the event is a platform for people to share their journeys, pursue personal goals and stand together behind causes that matter. This year’s race will also carry a powerful message of solidarity against Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), following recent incidents that have once again highlighted the urgent need for collective action. Participants are encouraged to wear the symbolic purple warrior stripe on their cheek or purple lipstick as a visible commitment to breaking the silence and standing with survivors.

Jabu Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa, said the series provides an opportunity to unite South Africans around issues that extend beyond sport. “The Absa Run Your City Series has always been about more than crossing a finish line. It is about creating moments that bring communities together and inspire positive change. This year, we will use our collective voice to stand against gender-based violence. By wearing a purple warrior stripe or purple lipstick, participants will demonstrate that silence is not an option. Every step taken will be a reminder that together we can raise awareness, support survivors and help build a safer South Africa because Unity is our heritage.”

Beyond race day, the 2026 Absa Run Your City Joburg 10KM will leave a lasting legacy by turning every kilometre into meaningful action against gender-based violence (GBV). Building on the success of Absa’s broader R1 Campaign, which has raised more than R10 million to support school vegetable gardens across South Africa, this year’s event will channel its impact towards organisations on the frontlines of the fight against GBV supported by the bank. In a powerful call to break the silence, proceeds from the race will help fund critical support services, advocacy programmes and safe spaces for survivors. By mobilising thousands of runners behind a shared cause, the event aims to transform awareness into action, amplify the voices of survivors, and contribute to a safer, more inclusive society for all.

With Gqeberha, Durban, Tshwane and Johannesburg setting an impressive benchmark for the 2026 season, momentum will now shift to the inaugural Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10K on 25 October.

For the first time, the City of Roses will welcome thousands of runners and supporters eager to write the next chapter of South Africa’s most exciting road running series. With entries selling fast, participants are encouraged to secure their place early. Absa Rewards members will enjoy up to 30% real cash back on race entries, making it even easier to be part of the movement.

Whether running for a personal best, a worthy cause or a story worth telling, South Africans are invited to lace up, stand together and take their stories to the streets.