Entries for the 2026 edition reached record levels, with more than 5 550 runners set to take to the road for the fifth running of the event since its relaunch in 2022. The marathon was reintroduced by the Nedbank Mpumalanga Running Club LVCC in partnership with TRAC after an 11-year hiatus and has grown steadily each year since.
Entries for 2026 poured in from the moment registrations opened last year, and both the organising club and the title sponsor are delighted. This milestone reflects not only the demand for another flagship marathon in the province, but also the race’s growing reputation following four consecutive years of excellence.
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Although online entries closed in mid-February, substitutions will be permitted at all race collection venues on Friday, 27 February, from 10:00 to 20:00.
The 2026 event will feature a 42km and 21km race. A total of 1 207 athletes will line up for the half marathon, while 4 342 runners will contest the 42km event.
The 42km race will start at 5:30 from Laerskool Oosterlijn in Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) and finish at the Sappi Skills Training Centre in Ngodwana. The 21km race will begin at 6:00 from the Malaga Hotel on the N4 and will also conclude at the Sappi Skills Training Centre.
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Traffic Advisory for 28 February 2026 (race day)
To accommodate the marathon, road users should take note of the following road closures and diversions:
Traffic Diversion via Schoemanskloof
- Start: 2:00
- End: 12:00
All traffic will be diverted via Schoemanskloof at Montrose Interchange, Crossroads Interchange and the Ngodwana/Kaapsehoop Intersection. Road users are advised to add an additional one-hour travelling time due to roadworks on Schoemanskloof.
Full road closure
- Start: 2:00
- End: 12:00
The N4 will be closed between the Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) intersection and the Ngodwana Load Control Centre intersection.
Access to Sappi Ngodwana Mill
Road users must use the N4 Schoemanskloof route and approach from the Montrose Interchange side or via the Kaapsehoop road.
To ensure all participants are safe during the event, seconding will not be permitted along the route. Any athlete found receiving private assistance on the route during the race will face disqualification.
Race number collection
Participants can collect their race numbers from:
- TRACN4 Elands Marathon Expo at Milly’s on 27 February from 10:00 to 20:00;
- LVCC in Steiltes, Mbombela (Nelspruit) on 27 February from 10:00 to 20:00.
With thousands of runners and supporters expected, this year’s marathon is set to be a spectacular event, further cementing its place as one of the premier races in South Africa. Participants as well as members of the public requiring more information can visit www.elandsmarathon.co.za or call 082 801 3600.
