24th Vlakte Marathon, Half Marathon & 10.4km

On November 21, 2026, runners will gather at the picturesque Heidelberg Showground for the Vlakte Marathon and Half Marathon. The marathon begins early at 5:00 AM from Heidelberg Sports Grounds with a shuttle bus departing Witsand Woolshed at 3:30 AM to ensure participants arrive on time. For those tackling the half marathon, the race starts promptly at 6:00 AM in Zoutpan.
The shorter distance option is a scenic 10.4km run that commences from Vondeling Primary School at 7:00 AM, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape as runners make their way to Witsand/Port Beaufort. All races conclude in Witsand, where participants can enjoy post-race festivities.
The event is sanctioned by WA, ASA, and ASWD, ensuring a fair competition with strict rules about race bibs—no chip means no result. Registration for the main events closes on November 16 at midnight but late entries are accepted until Friday, November 20 from noon to 8:00 PM both in Heidelberg Golfklub and Witsand Beach.
Adding a fun element to the weekend is the Blou Blasie 5km Fun Run on Friday evening starting at Anchorage – Witsand. This family-friendly event kicks off at 6:30 PM, providing an opportunity for runners of all ages to join in the excitement leading up to race day.
For those relying on transport back from the finish line, buses will depart immediately after prize giving concludes and tickets can be purchased online during registration for R50 per person. The Vlakte Marathon offers a blend of challenging terrain with beautiful scenery, making it an unforgettable experience for all participants.