Vaal River City Marathon

Location: Vanderbijlpark
Country: South Africa
Website: https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=7042
2025 Marathon Date: 14/09/25
2026 Marathon Date: 13/09/26
Winning Time 2025: 02:20:41
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 50–99
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Vaal River City Marathon is a South African race set in Vanderbijlpark, a city on the banks of the Vaal River. It is part of the growing network of South African marathons that combine accessible organisation with the country’s strong running tradition.

The course is run on paved roads and is generally flat, using routes in and around Vanderbijlpark. Its riverside setting provides some variety, but the race is designed primarily as a straightforward road marathon rather than a showcase of scenery. For sub-3 athletes, the flat profile and contained field mean it is a race where efficiency and concentration are decisive: you must create your own rhythm and avoid drifting in the quieter stretches.

Crowd support is modest, with clusters of spectators near central points and around the start and finish. Aid stations are consistent, reflecting the standards of South African road running, where fuelling and hydration logistics are well established.

For sub-3 runners, the Vaal River City Marathon represents a fair and balanced test. Without the congestion of major international races, it provides space to run your own effort and execute pacing cleanly. It may lack the prestige and atmosphere of South Africa’s flagship events, but as a race to translate preparation into a controlled sub-3 performance, it is a dependable choice.