Award Categories 2026

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

These awards are powered by the community – the heartbeat of South African road running.

There are 25 public-voted categories, with nominations and winners determined through official public voting channels, including SMS and online voting. This hybrid approach ensures that every voice in the running community can be heard – from athletes and clubs to supporters and fans.

The process is transparent, accessible, and designed for broad participation, because excellence deserves recognition by the people who live and love the sport.

1. PERFORMANCE & ACHIEVEMENT

(Honoring athletic excellence and personal triumph)

Nominate the best male runner you know.

Nominate the best female runner you know.

Nominate a new runner whose first-year of running is filled with incredible achievements. Let’s celebrate the incredible journey & phenomenal progress.

Nominate a differently-abled runner that you know.

The race stars who can barely afford race entries, running shoes and travelling

II. COMMUNITY & CULTURE

(Celebrating the people, places, and spirit that bind runners together)

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.

Nominate your top choice from running clubs within your respective province.

A personality who has / is using their popularity and influence to promote or shine light on the sport of road running.

Nominate a coach whose value is in the development and contributes in his/her runner’s success

Nominate your running advocacy champion of the year whose efforts have promoted the sport of running.

III. RACES & EVENTS

(Recognizing excellence in event creation and execution)

Nominate your ‘can’t-miss race event’ over the calendar year!

A race that has seen improvement on organisation, logistics and runner experience.

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.

Nominate the best race entries platform that you have used to join a race & liked due to the smooth experience.

The essential post-run ritual and community hub

IV. PRODUCTS, INNOVATION & MEDIA

(Highlighting gear, tech, and content that enhance the running experience)

Let us celebrate the best identity, pride & design excellence. Nominate a club with the Best Designed Kit
– aesthetically!

V. CORPORATE & INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIP

(Acknowledging vital support from the business and institutional world)

A corporate brand / sponsor that has contributed in monetary value or resources towards the development and promotion of road running.

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 5 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 Participation. There will be a special recognition for the World Majors Marathons – Star Holders.

A municipality or Council that has contributed in monetary value or resources towards the development and promotion of road running.

Most Giving of his Time / Knowledge / Resources

Using road running to make an impact for a great cause and innovatively improved road running.

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.