Award Categories 2025
Runner Awards™ celebrates the individuals, clubs, and events that shape South Africa’s vibrant running culture. Explore our award categories below, each designed to honour excellence, passion, and dedication.
Public Voted Categories (USSD Voting)
These awards are powered by the community — the heartbeat of South African road running.
There are 12 categories open to the public, with nominations and winners decided through our official USSD voting line. This ensures that every voice in the running community can be heard, from athletes to fans. The process is transparent, accessible, and built for participation — because excellence deserves recognition by the people who live and love the sport.
Men's Runner of the Year
Nominate the best male runner you know.
Novice 'Breakthrough' Runner of the Year
Nominate a new runner whose first-year of running is filled with incredible achievements. Let’s celebrate the incredible journey & phenomenal progress.
Para Runner of the Year (Athlete with a disability)
Nominate a differently-abled runner that you know.
Race of the Year
Nominate your ‘can’t-miss race event’ over the calendar year!
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.
Running Club of the Year
Nominate your best choice across all
KZN Running Clubs.
Running Club Kit of the Year
Let us celebrate the best identity, pride & design excellence. Nominate a club with the Best Designed Kit
– aesthetically!
Running Coach of the Year
Nominate a coach whose value is in the development and contributes in his/her runner’s success
Best Running Entries Race Service Provider of the Year
Nominate the best race entries platform that you have used to join a race & liked due to the smooth experience.
Running Influencer or Promoter of the Year
Nominate your running advocacy champion of the year whose efforts have promoted the sport of running.
Spirit of Running Award (Most Supportive Club of the Year)
A recognition of the heart & soul of the running community.
Nominating a selfless club, chosen due to their support for the sport & other runners consistently.
Women's Runner of the Year
Nominate the best female runner you know.
SPECIAL AWARDS (Committee Adjudicated)
Celebrating excellence beyond the finish line.
In addition to the public-voted categories, the Special Awards honour individuals, clubs, and organisations whose impact goes beyond performance. These 8 categories are carefully adjudicated by a selected committee of esteemed and experienced figures in road running, ensuring fairness, credibility, and recognition of true contribution to the sport.
International Achievement Award
International Participation. There will be a special recognition for the World Majors Marathons – Star Holders.
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.
Local Council / Municipality of the Year
A municipality or Council that has contributed in monetary value or resources towards the development and promotion of road running.
Corporate Sponsor / Brand of the Year
A corporate brand / sponsor that has contributed in monetary value or resources towards the development and promotion of road running.
Running Innovation
Using road running to make an impact for a great cause and innovatively improved road running.
Most Improved Race of the year
A race that has seen improvement on organisation, logistics and runner experience.
Best Running Community
A platform that has fostered within the running community.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Running community’s contribution beyond personal performance.
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN!
Dial *120*1501#
USSD costs R1.50. Free SMSs do not apply. Nominations close on 29th September 2025 at 23H59. T’s and C’s apply.