Runner Awards™ Gauteng 2026
Celebrating excellence in South African running
- Johannesburg
- 18 July 2026
About the Gauteng Edition
The Runner Awards™ is expanding its footprint, and in 2026 we bring the celebration of excellence, resilience and innovation to Gauteng – the economic heart of South Africa.
Following the success of the KZN 2025 inaugural event, the Gauteng edition forms part of a broader vision to grow the awards into a national platform that recognises outstanding individuals and organisations across the country.
Event Information
Date
19 July 2026
Venue
Sandton Convention Centre
Dress Code
Formal
Further event details will be communicated in due course.
Tickets
Ticket sales for Runner Awards™ Gauteng 2026 will open soon.
Gauteng 2026 Timeline
The official journey to Runner Awards™ Gauteng 2026
Official Programme & Key Dates
Launch
27 January 2026
Runner Awards™ 2026 officially unveiled to media and the public in Gauteng.
Nominations Phase
02 February – 30 April 2026
Open nominations across eligible categories, allowing the running community to recognise outstanding athletes, clubs, races, and contributors in Gauteng.
Promotional Activations
02 February – 30 April 2026
Invitation drop-offs and a sustained awareness drive, including celebrity and influencer unboxing campaigns.
JHB In Stride Reel Competition
16 February – 29 April 2026
A digital content competition celebrating Gauteng’s running culture through short-form video storytelling.
Portfolio Submissions & Entry Period
06 February – 15 March 2026
Submission window for supporting portfolios and category entries, where applicable.
Finalist Announcement & Category Draw
16 March 2026
Official announcement of finalists and confirmation of category allocations.
Production Period
16 March – 29 April 2026
A six-week production phase covering finalist profiling, content development, judging processes, and event preparation.
Nominees Announcement
01 May 2026
Final nominees per category officially announced to the public.
Voting Phase
02 May – 17 July 2026
Public voting opens, with the top four nominees per category competing for the final awards. Voting takes place via SMS and the official Runner Awards™ online platform.
Awards Ceremony
18 July 2026
Runner Awards™ Gauteng 2026 Premier Gala
📍 Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
An evening celebrating excellence in South African road running.
Runner Awards™ Car Competition Draw
18 July 2026
Live draw hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre during the awards ceremony.
Categories of Recognition
Runner Awards™ Gauteng 2026 recognises excellence across individual performance, leadership, and contribution within the running community.
Athlete Excellence
Male Runner of the Year
Female Runner of the Year
Novice of the Year
PARA Runner with a Disability
Previously Disadvantaged Runner of the Year
Clubs, Communities & Support
Running Club of the Year
Most Supportive Club of the Year
Running Community of the Year
Club Kit of the Year
Coaching, Leadership & Contribution
Coach of the Year
Pacer of the Year
Selfless Runner
Races & Events Excellence
Race of the Year
Most Improved Race of the Year
Race Route of the Year
Know someone making an impact in running?
Nominate them today.
Partners & Sponsors
Runner Awards™ Gauteng 2026 is supported by partners who share a commitment to excellence, development, and the future of running in South Africa.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event.