Tackle a classic, authentic South African road marathon at the 52nd Annual BUFFS Marathon & Half Marathon on March 1, 2026. This storied event, a cornerstone of the Eastern Cape running calendar, offers a challenging and honest point-to-point course on the N6 highway, starting in the rural tranquility near Macleantown and finishing at the vibrant Buffs Club. Renowned as a official qualifier for the iconic Two Oceans and Comrades ultramarathons, the race attracts dedicated athletes seeking a true test of endurance and pace. The pre-dawn start, with shuttle taxis ferrying runners from the club, creates an atmosphere of focused camaraderie and shared purpose under the vast African sky.
More than just a race, it's a meticulously run tradition adhering to strict ASA rules, with a deep respect for the sport's integrity evident in its policies on seconding, drug testing, and environmental care. The event balances elite competition with passionate community participation, offering technical shirts for early entrants and finisher medals for all. It’s an opportunity to run a historic route, measure yourself against a challenging standard, and become part of a 52-year legacy of South African distance running. Prepare for a no-frills, pure marathon experience that rewards resilience and honors tradition.
Races Offered
10 km
Mar 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:00
sell
$11.30
Half Marathon
Mar 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:00
sell
$17.50
Marathon
Mar 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:00
sell
$24.00
Weather Overview
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for March in East London.
Temp (°C)
Feels Like (°C)
thermostat19.2° / 25.8°
wb_sunny18.5° / 25.5°
Wind (km/h)
Humidity (%)
air17.1 /
water_drop79.1%
Temp (°C)
Feels Like (°C)
Wind (km/h)
Humidity (%)
thermostat19.2° / 25.8°
wb_sunny18.5° / 25.5°
air17.1 km/h
water_drop79.1%
About East London
Learn more about the host city, East London.
East London is a city in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
