Community race at Soweto campus aims to grow participation while keeping numbers limited
The third Soweto Cabal 5km fun run and the 10km race will take place on 2 August from the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus on Chris Hani Road. Organisers have announced a cap of 3,000 entrants for the event, citing steady growth since the race started and a desire to retain its community atmosphere.
The race has expanded organically: organisers recorded about 1,400 participants in 2024 and about 2,300 runners in 2025. This year’s limit is intended to manage safety, logistics and the quality of the race experience for runners and residents along the route.
How to enter and race times
Entries are open to club runners, professional athletes and social runners. Those wishing to take part are asked to register via the Peak Timing platform at www.peaktiming.co.za. The start times are scheduled as follows:
| Race | Start time |
|---|---|
| 10km | 07:00 |
| 5km fun run | 07:15 |
Race organisers ask entrants to check the Peak Timing event page for final route details, race kit collection and any last-minute changes.
Sponsors, route and local context
The lead sponsor is Telkom, backed by supporting partners including Clicks, Amka Products, Thesele, Bluu Car Rental, The Sweat Shop, Rand Stadium Toyota, NESS Consulting and Temotio Sports. The route passes familiar Soweto landmarks such as Maponya Mall, Kenny’s Brick and Tile and the Soweto Country Golf Club, which organisers say helps strengthen the race’s local identity.
Rio Matlhaku, chairperson of the Soweto Cabal Athletic Club, said the purpose of the event is to encourage residents of Soweto and neighbouring townships to improve fitness and wellbeing. The race has been described by participants as a blend of friendly competition and community celebration.
“Our partnership with the Soweto Cabal Marathon reflects our commitment to investing in initiatives that inspire healthier lifestyles, strengthen community connections and create opportunities for people to thrive,”
Those words come from Dr Mbuso Nzama, executive for regional development at Telkom consumer and small business, who underlined the company’s aim to support community upliftment through sport.
Past winners and expectations
Last year’s 10km winners were Lucky Mohale from Nedbank Running Club and Florence Kemunto from Rainbow Running Club. With the field capped and a mixture of club and recreational runners expected, organisers are positioning the race as accessible to families, local clubs and serious athletes alike.
- Race date: 2 August
- Venue: University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus, Chris Hani Road
- Entry platform: www.peaktiming.co.za
- Entrant cap: 3,000
- Start times: 10km — 07:00; 5km — 07:15
For Soweto residents, the event is an opportunity to take part in an organised run that threads through familiar streets and landmarks. Local traders and volunteers typically benefit from the influx of participants and spectators, and the organisers say they plan to maintain the race’s communal feel despite the growth in numbers.
Runners and clubs are advised to register early through Peak Timing to secure a place, and to monitor organisers’ communications for final route maps, race rules and health-and-safety measures. With the cap in place, the Soweto Cabal aims to balance expansion with the kind of local atmosphere that made the first two editions popular in the township.
Parking, transport and race-day arrangements will be communicated closer to the event. Residents who live along the route should expect temporary traffic management measures and are asked to follow instructions from marshals and municipal officials on the day.
As Soweto’s running calendar grows, events such as the Cabal races continue to place the township on the map for community sport, fitness and neighbourhood camaraderie.
