Elands Marathon

Location: Elands Valley
Country: South Africa
Website: https://www.elandsmarathon.co.za
2025 Marathon Date: 01/03/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 08/03/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:18:18
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 100–499
Total Runners: 3k–10k

The Elands Marathon is a performance-focused race held each autumn in Elands Valley, South Africa. Known for its net downhill route and reliable organisation, the event has become a popular choice among experienced runners looking to secure fast times and major marathon qualifications.

The course follows a straightforward point-to-point format along a national highway, offering long, open stretches and consistent gradients that favour strong pacing. With minimal elevation gain and wide roadways, the route supports smooth running with little interruption. The surrounding landscape is primarily rural, characterised by open terrain and light industry, creating a quiet and functional environment for racing.

Early March in Elands Valley typically brings cool, dry weather with low humidity and temperatures around 10–15°C at the start. These conditions make it well-suited to endurance efforts, particularly for runners aiming to break the three-hour mark. Wind is usually light, and aid stations are reliably placed to support consistent hydration and fuelling.

While the Elands Marathon doesn’t draw large international crowds, it is well attended by South African club athletes and sub-elite runners from across the region. The atmosphere is focused rather than festive, appealing to those who prioritise performance over spectacle.

For sub-3 aspirants, this is a race designed with efficiency in mind. The course rewards strength and rhythm, the event team understands the needs of serious runners, and the timing in the calendar provides an ideal springboard into the racing year. It may not offer the entertainment or scenery of a major city marathon, but it delivers on speed and execution.

The Elands Marathon remains a specialist’s race: low profile, high potential, and one of the most time-efficient options for ambitious marathoners on the African continent.