South Africa · Road marathon · 42.195 km
TRACN4 Elands Marathon
Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) to Ngodwana, Mpumalanga, South Africa
The Elands Marathon takes the scenic way down Mpumalanga’s escarpment, following the road from Emgwenya, also known as Waterval Boven, to Ngodwana. The tunnel, rock faces and valley views give this point-to-point race a character all its own. It is a tempting choice for runners chasing a qualifying time, although a generous descent still requires sensible pacing. Remember the transport plan too: finishing 42.2 km from your start is rather the point.
AthRecs race guide · Updated
Upcoming dates
Planning your race weekend? These are the announced dates through 2027. Follow the organiser’s link for the latest date and race-day details. All dates and start times are local.
At a glance
- City / location
- Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) to Ngodwana
- Province
- Mpumalanga
- Distance
- 42.195 kilometres / 26.2 miles
- Surface
- Road
- Course profile
- Predominantly downhill along the escarpment; check the current route profile before planning your pace.
- Approximate field
- About 4,300Entrants · 2026
Rounded from 4,342 full-marathon entries reported by the title sponsor for 2026; half-marathon entrants are excluded.
How to enter TRACN4 Elands Marathon
These are the organiser’s entry routes. Check the linked page for the edition, opening dates, eligibility, fees and current availability.
Online entry
The organiser links to Entry Ninja for marathon entries. The 2026 event is complete; check the official site for the next opening and available entry classes.
Official entry informationOrganiser-approved substitutions
Substitutions were offered for the 2026 race. Use the organiser’s process and check the next edition’s deadlines and charges.
Official entry informationRoute and course
A point-to-point road marathon descending the Elands Valley from Emgwenya to the Sappi Skills Training Centre in Ngodwana, passing through the Waterval Boven tunnel.
Race-day planning
Check which edition each detail applies to before making your plans. Follow the linked instructions for the latest arrangements.
- Start-to-finish transport
- The 2026 race used paid buses from Ngodwana to the start. Check the next edition’s bus arrangements before booking travel. Start-to-finish transport information
- Entry deadline — 2026 reference
- The previous race accepted advance entries only, with no late entry. Substitutions and distance changes were available during the entry period. Check the 2027 release for new deadlines. Entry deadline — 2026 reference information
- Number collection — 2026 reference
- The 2026 expo at Astron Energy Millys in Machadodorp was a number-collection point, with limited collection also offered at LVCC in Mbombela. Confirm the next edition’s venues before setting your travel route. Number collection — 2026 reference information
- Qualification rules
- TRAC described the 2026 race as a qualifier for Comrades and Two Oceans. Check the destination race’s 2027 qualifying window and requirements before relying on a new performance. Qualification rules information
Past races and results
Official results archiveOpen the organiser’s results to find a runner, club or published category standing. At festivals with several distances, select the marathon results.
2026 TRACN4 Elands Marathon
Full 2026 resultsTebogo Pulusa and Leandre van der Merwe led the marathon prize list. The organiser’s published summary is provisional, subject to anti-doping clearance; the category highlights below retain that status.
Senior men
Tebogo Pulusa led the provisional category list in 2:13:03.
View result detailsMen 40–49
Pieter Muthubi led the provisional category list in 2:16:23.
View result detailsMen 50–59
Herbet Mokgala led the provisional category list in 2:33:42.
View result detailsMen 60+
Jabulani Gamede led the provisional category list in 2:55:55.
View result detailsSenior women
Leandre van der Merwe led the provisional category list in 2:50:30.
View result detailsWomen 40–49
Jeannie Henderson led the provisional category list in 2:55:40.
View result detailsWomen 50–59
Mitsie van der Westhuizen led the provisional category list in 2:59:04.
View result detailsWomen 60+
Karen Brough led the provisional category list in 3:39:49.
View result details2025 TRACN4 Elands Marathon
Full 2025 resultsBelal Athletics Club’s race roundup reports Tete Dijana and Martinique Cronje as the marathon winners. Dijana finished 27 seconds ahead of Joseph Manyedi, while Cronje led the women home in 2:49:44.
Men
The club’s report gives Tete Dijana 2:18:18, ahead of Joseph Manyedi in 2:18:45 and Philani Nkomo in 2:21:09.
View result detailsWomen
The report gives Martinique Cronje 2:49:44, Christina Silale 2:55:58 and Daniella Morrison-Jones 2:56:22.
View result detailsRace news, photos and video
Common questions
When is TRACN4 Elands Marathon?
Confirmed upcoming dates: 27 Feb 2027. Dates are local to the race.
How do I enter TRACN4 Elands Marathon?
Online entry: The organiser links to Entry Ninja for marathon entries. The 2026 event is complete; check the official site for the next opening and available entry classes. Organiser-approved substitutions: Substitutions were offered for the 2026 race. Use the organiser’s process and check the next edition’s deadlines and charges.
Where is TRACN4 Elands Marathon and how far is it?
TRACN4 Elands Marathon takes place in Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) to Ngodwana, Mpumalanga, South Africa. This guide covers the 42.195 km full marathon (26.2 miles). Surface: Road
What is the TRACN4 Elands Marathon course like?
A point-to-point road marathon descending the Elands Valley from Emgwenya to the Sappi Skills Training Centre in Ngodwana, passing through the Waterval Boven tunnel. Predominantly downhill along the escarpment; check the current route profile before planning your pace.
How big is the field at TRACN4 Elands Marathon?
The approximate field is About 4,300, based on Entrants for 2026. Rounded from 4,342 full-marathon entries reported by the title sponsor for 2026; half-marathon entrants are excluded. Entrants, starters and finishers are different measures.
Where can I find past TRACN4 Elands Marathon results?
The past races and results section links to the organiser’s results. Select the distance and edition for participant searches and published category standings.
Sources and race information
AthRecs is independent of the race organiser. This guide brings together the linked race information, results and reports. Source review: . Historical details are labelled by edition; current entry availability and final instructions remain with the organiser.
More marathons in South Africa
Compare the route and scale of another race. Options in the same region appear first when available.
- Kaapsehoop Marathon
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Predominantly downhill, with uphill sections; pace the descents with the later climbs in mind.
Next date: 7 Nov 2026
Approximate field: Around 3,200 (Reported finishers, 2025)
- Sasol Secunda Marathon
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Mostly flat with gentle undulations, according to The Running Mann’s 2026 course guide.
Next date: TBC
Approximate field: Unknown
- African Bank Soweto Marathon
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Challenging urban marathon; consult the next edition’s route information for the final layout.
Next date: TBC
Approximate field: About 2,300 (Finishers, 2025)
- aQuellé Jacaranda City Challenge Marathon
Pretoria, Gauteng
The organiser describes the 2026 course as flat.
Next date: 24 Oct 2026
Approximate field: About 3,400 (Finishers, 2025)