Hillcrest Marathon

Location: Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal
Country: South Africa
Website: https://hillcrestvillagers.co.za/hillcrest-marathon
2025 Marathon Date: 09/02/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 08/02/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:25:39
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 10–49
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Hillcrest Marathon takes place each February in the town of Hillcrest, located just outside Durban in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. Organised by Hillcrest Villagers Athletics Club, the event has a loyal local following and plays a role in the buildup to South Africa’s major ultra-distance races.

The course follows a two-lap format through the rolling residential and semi-rural outskirts of Hillcrest. Runners can expect a blend of paved roads, long gradual climbs and undulating terrain that steadily tests pacing and strength. The route is not designed for fast times but rather favours athletes looking for a solid marathon effort in a supportive club-run setting.

Weather in early February is generally warm and humid, with typical start-line temperatures around 18–20°C. The race begins early in the morning to mitigate heat stress, but runners are still advised to pace cautiously and stay hydrated throughout. Conditions can be overcast or sunny, depending on seasonal fluctuations.

The event has a strong community atmosphere and attracts a mix of experienced club athletes and newer marathoners preparing for longer goals such as Comrades or Two Oceans. Support along the course is low-key but friendly, with volunteers and local marshals offering consistent encouragement.

While not a natural PB course, The Hillcrest Marathon has strategic appeal for sub-3 hopefuls looking to test themselves on a tougher route in race conditions. The well-marked course, professional organisation and modest field size make it easy to run your own race without congestion or distraction.

With a long history and solid local reputation, this is a marathon that prioritises tradition, resilience and grassroots running culture over spectacle. It offers a rewarding challenge for athletes seeking race-day discipline and mental strength in a subtropical setting.