JOHANNESBURG IN STRIDE
A Cinematic Reel Competition Celebrating the Spirit of Running & the Soul of the City
The official film initiative of Runner Awards™ Gauteng 2026
What Is Johannesburg in Stride
Johannesburg in Stride is a prestigious cinematic reel competition challenging Gauteng’s top film producers to creatively interpret the official Runner Awards™ categories through 90–120 second cinematic reels.
These films will form the heart of the Runner Awards™ 2026 marketing campaign – shaping public voting, category storytelling, and the awards ceremony itself.
The Prize & Opportunity
R500,000 Grand Prize
25 Production Grants Awarded
National Exposure
Gala Premiere Screening
THE ROAD TO RUNNER AWARDS™ GAUTENG 2026
From creative vision to the grand stage
OFFICIAL LAUNCH & CAMPAIGN ACTIVATION
📅 27 January – 30 April 2026
27 January 2026
Runner Awards™ 2026 Launch
Unveiling to Media & Public
02 February – 30 April 2026
Activations
Invitation Drop-Offs
(Celebrity & Influencer Unboxing)
02 February – 30 April 2026
Nominations Phase
Runner Awards™ Nominations Open
JOHANNESBURG IN STRIDE” REEL COMPETITION
📅 16 February – 29 April 2026
06 February – 15 March 2026
Portfolio Submissions & Entry
Production companies submit profiles, showreels & concepts
16 March 2026
Finalist Announcement & Category Draw
25 Production Companies selected and assigned categories
16 March – 29 April 2026
Production Period (6 Weeks)
Filming and editing of 90–120 second reels
30 April 2026
Reel Competition Winners Unveiled
NOMINEES REVEAL & PUBLIC VOTING
📅 01 May – 17 July 2026
01 May 2026
Nominees Announcement
Invitation Drop-Off
(Celebrity & Influencer Unboxing)
02 May – 17 July 2026
Voting Phase
Top 4 nominees per category shortlisted through public vote
AWARDS NIGHT & GRAND FINALE
📅 18 July 2026
Runner Awards™ Gauteng 2026 Ceremony
📍 Sandton Convention Centre
Car Competition
📍 Sandton Convention Centre
HOW TO ENTER - JOHANNESBURG IN STRIDE
01
Online Application
Submit a formal online application via the
Runner Awards™ Gauteng 2026 portal
02
Online Application
Applicants must upload:
Company / Producer Profile
Portfolio of Past Work (Showreel)
Concept Note outlining the three Runner Awards™ categories you are most interested in interpreting
03
Online Application
20 production companies will be selected
Successful applicants will be notified and entered into the live category draw
OFFICIAL RUNNER AWARDS™ CATEGORIES
20 cinematic interpretations of Johannesburg’s running culture
Each selected production company will be assigned one official Runner Awards™ category to interpret through a 90–120 second cinematic reel.
Male Runner of the Year
Nominate the best male runner you know.
Female Runner of the Year
Nominate the best female runner you know.
Race Route of the Year
Nominate a route that has given you an unforgettable experience! Either the most challenging & tough OR even the easiest course you loved & excelled on – resulting in your personal best results.
Public Personality of the Year
A personality who has / is using their popularity and influence to promote or shine light on the sport of road running.
Running Community of the Year
Nominate the best male runner you know.
Best Dressed Runner ‘MwenkoFontein’
Nominate the best female runner you know.
Para Runner of the Year (Athlete with a disability)
Nominate a differently-abled runner that you know.
Running Club of the Year
Nominate your top choice from running clubs within your respective province.
Applications close 15 March 2026
Only 20 production companies will be selected.