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Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

ENTRY INFORMATION

ENTRY OPTIONS

Standard Entry:

  • Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Event Performance T-shirt
  • Absa Entrant Gifts
  • Race Number with Timing Chip
  • Sponsor Route Entertainment Points
  • Route Entertainment Points
  • 2 x Refreshment Stations on Route
  • Tog Bag Drop and Collect Service
  • Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K Finisher’s Medal

Group Entry:

  • Convenient entry process for entry of 10 or more runners (Send an email to  entries@runyourcityseries.com for more information to enter your group)
  • Dedicated Group Entries collection point at Race Pack Collection or Personalised Group Delivery
  • Groups will be seeded together in the same batch 

Group Entry:

AGE CATEGORIES

Age categories are determined by the runner’s age on race day, for both men and women, apart from Juniors. The Junior Category is determined by the runner’s age on 31 December of the year of the event, for both men and women.

OpenN/A
JuniorU/20
Veteran40 – 49
Master50 – 59
Grand Master60 – 69
Great Grand Master70+
SUBSTITUTIONS

Substitutions are permissible until 1 April 2025 via the official entries website for the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K.

REFUNDS

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K adheres to the standard running industry policy: All entry fees are non-refundable. This is noted on our entry system when you register; you must agree to this policy. 

The entry fee for this year’s event is not transferrable to next year’s event. This policy stays in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected business or family emergency, pregnancy, etc. – there are no exceptions.

You may not give your race number to another individual – doing so could result in your disqualification, as well as the disqualification of the runner using your race number.

CONTENDER CRITERIA AND INFORMATION

Please note:

  • All Entrants who want to qualify for prize money, must apply and meet the stated criteria (see table below), and be accepted into the Contender category.
  • Prize money will only be awarded to contenders who were accepted to start in the Contender Batch. 
  • It is the responsibility of the entrant to apply for this seeding through the entries process via the official entries website for the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K. 
  • There are no additional charges for being a contender. Any person who meets the necessary criteria to be a Contender, but fails to apply during the entry process, is automatically deemed to have accepted that they will not be eligible for any prize money.
  • Athletes must submit their proof of performance better or equal to the relevant one in the table below to contenders@runyourcityseries.com.


Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K Seeding Chart 

Age GroupMenWomen
Open31:00 (03:05 p/km)40:00 (03:53 p/km)
Junior36:00 (03:36 p/km)45:30 (04:33 p/km)
35 – 3935:00 (03:30 p/km)44:00 (04:24 p/km)
40 – 4938:00 (03:48 p/km)47:00 (04:42 p/km)
50 – 5942:00 (04:12 p/km)49:30 (04:57 p/km)
60 – 6953:00 (05:18 p/km)54:00 (05:24 p/km)
70+1:02:00 (06:12 p/km)1:10:00 (07:00 p/km)
    • Senior and Master athletes age is taken on the date of the event. 
    • Juniors are defined as athletes 14 years or older on the date of the race, and under the age of 20 at 31 December 2025.  i.e.  born in 2005 or later. 
    • In addition to Overall (Open) prizes, runners will only be eligible for age category prizes in the age category they enter. 
    • Corresponding numerical age category tags must be worn on the front and back of their vest. 
    • Runners may enter the age category corresponding to their chronological age or any younger category down to senior.
  • Applications for the Contender seeding will close 1 month prior to the event (13 March 2025).
  • Submission of this application does not guarantee acceptance. An application that is missing any data will automatically be rejected. 
  • NO LATE Applications are accepted.
  • The full list of accepted Contenders will be published on the website 14 days prior to race day. Anyone wishing to protest, (World Athletics rule 146.1) on the details or status of an athlete listed in the Contenders, must do so, in writing to the Race Office a minimum of 7 days prior to race day. Any protest outcome will be replied to by no later than 3 days prior to the race. 
  • All applicants will be notified prior to the event.
  • All Athlete Representatives (AR) must comply with World Athletics Rule 7 and ASA Rule 12. Should the AR not comply with these rules, the Event Organisers reserve the right to report the AR to World Athletics and Athletics South Africa.
  • This event attracts international participation and as such there are restrictions on advertising on clothing for all Contenders. It is important that Contenders adhere to these rules as covered in the World Athletics Advertising regulations and ASA rule 24.
  • Contenders will be checked at the start and any athlete not in compliance will not be allowed to start in the Contender batch and will be downgraded to Batch B and therefore no longer be considered a Contender or eligible for prize money.
  • All Foreign athletes will sign a waiver as required by ASA Rules 2020 and must abide by World Athletics Rules for international competition.

Prize Money

Please note that all prize money winnings are subject to South African Tax Law and anti-doping results and can take up to 3 months to process. 

South African Athletes

  • Prize money to South African Athletes will be paid 30 days after the event, provided that:
      • Copy of SA ID book
      • SARS tax number
      • Proof of bank details (from bank)
      • Completed prize money form (received at prize giving ceremony)
  • South African Athlete prize money will not be paid until ALL the required documentation has been submitted.

International Athletes

  • Prize money to International Athletes will be paid 30 days after the event, provided that:
      • Copy of passport
      • Proof of address (e.g., clothing account, municipal bill)
      • Proof of bank details
      • Completed prize money form (received at prize giving ceremony)
  • International Athlete prize money will not be paid until ALL the required documentation has been submitted.
  • If an athlete is with an Agency, then the Agency must invoice the Event Organizers no later than one week after the event.
SA ELITE AND CONTENDER PROGRAMME

2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series EVENT DETAILS:

1. GQEBERHA – 13 April 2025 (Elite & Contender field deadline 24 March)
2. CAPE TOWN – 11 May 2025 (Elite & Contender field deadline 21 April)
3. DURBAN – 13 July 2025 (Elite & Contender field deadline 23 June)
4. TSHWANE – 24 August 2025 (Elite & Contender field deadline 4 August)
5. JOBURG – 24 September 2025 (Elite & Contender field deadline 3 September)

ELITE & CONTENDER ATHLETE – PARTICIPATION RULES:

1. The first start batch/wave of the event will be the ELITE WAVE.

2. The second start batch/wave of the event will be the CONTENDER WAVE.

3. Elite and Contender athletes will receive special race numbers which clearly identify them and their respective start batch.

4. Only Elite and Contender athletes will start in the ELITE and CONTENDER WAVES.

5. Only Elite and Contender athletes are eligible to win prize money.

6. Participation in the ELITE WAVE, is ONLY open to athletes who have been invited, or apply (within the stipulated deadline) to compete and have formally been
accepted into the ELITE WAVE.

7. The Elite batch/wave will be finalised 20 days prior to each event.

8. Athletes that have not been invited to compete in the ELITE WAVE can apply for inclusion, directly to the Elite Athlete Manager (details above) – please do so before the Elite field deadlines indicated above.

9. Athletes can apply for inclusion into the CONTENDER WAVE directly on the online entry system. Athlete’s applications will be reviewed against set qualifying criteria and notified of their acceptance or rejection to compete in this category. Athletes need to apply before the Contender field deadlines indicated above.

10. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series reserves the right to accept or reject any application for Elite or Contender participation at its sole discretion.

11. The top 5 South African male finishers in Gqeberha, and the top 5 South African female finishers in Gqeberha, will receive the following:

  a. An invitation to compete in Cape Town 
  b. Domestic SA flights 
  c. Hotel accommodation
  d. Meals
  e. Transport and Airport Transfers

12. The top 5 South African male finishers in Cape Town, and the top 5 South African female finishers in Cape Town, will receive the following:

  a. An invitation to compete in Cape Town 
  b. Domestic SA flights 
  c. Hotel accommodation
  d. Meals
  e. Transport and Airport Transfers

13. Elite Athletes may be contacted for the official Press Conference and/or pre and post-race interviews.

14. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series reserves the right to change the details of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Elite and Contender Participation Rules at its sole discretion.

PRIZE MONEY

SA INCENTIVES

CHARITIES

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is the official charity for the entire series of events taking place in Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane and Joburg in 2024.

A non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, CANSA enables research, educates the public and advocates for and supports all people affected by cancer, while leading SA towards a cancer-free society.

RACE PACK COLLECTION & EXPO SCHEDULE

VENUE: Tramways Building, 16 Lower Valley Rd, South End, Gqeberha, 6001

DATE(S) & TIMES: 

DateTime
11 April 202509h00 – 19h00
12 April 202509h00 – 14h00

INDIVIDUAL ENTRY COLLECTION:

a) If you are collecting for yourself, please present the following at Race Pack Collection:

  • The SMS confirming your entry, race number
  • Your ID or Passport card or any other identification document

b) If you are collecting on behalf of another runner, please present the following at Race Pack Collection:

  • Confirmation of entry
  • Authorisation that you may collect their race pack on their behalf – Authorisation Form 
  • The SMS confirming their entry and race number 
  • A copy of their ID or Passport card or any other identification document

GROUP ENTRY COLLECTION (10 Entries or more):

There will be a dedicated Group Entries counter at Race Pack Collection, please proceed directly to this counter to collect your Race Numbers and Race Packs. One representative from the Group must collect all the Race Numbers and Race Packs on behalf of the Group.

If you are a representative of a group, please present the following at Race Pack Collection:

  • Proof of entry 
  • A copy of your invoice (in order for the Race Pack Collection Team to ensure that all group members’ details are included and correct). 

PLEASE NOTE:

NO separated collections for group entries will be allowed.  

NO Race Pack Collection on the day of the event nor after the event. 

NO Race Packs will be given to entrants after the event. 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY RACE ENVELOPE?

  • Your Race Envelope will contain 1 race number and safety pins.
  • Your timing chip is attached to your race number and needs to be attached to the front of your running shirt. Please do not bend or tamper with the chip in any way. NO CHIP NO TIME.
  • If you selected and paid for an ASA Temporary Licence, it will also be included in your Race Pack envelope.
  • All participants will receive their technical Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Event Performance T-shirt at Race Pack Collection. Please note that technical event t-shirt sizes are limited and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

EVENT INFORMATION

WHERE DO I ATTACH MY RACE NUMBERS?

Club Runner

Display your ASA licence number on the back and front of your t-shirt.

Place the event race number over the front ASA licence number with the header displaying as per the image below.

(Visual for reference only)


Non-Club Runner

Display your race number on the front of your t-shirt.

Display your ASA temporary licence number on the back of your t-shirt.

(Visual for reference only)

 

ROAD CLOSURES

To be confirmed.

PARKING

There is ample parking in and around the Kings Beach start and finish precinct.

Please park your vehicle and make your way to the start precinct where you can enjoy a coffee, pre event warm up and entertainment.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Plan to arrive well in advance of your allocated batch start time.
  • DO NOT leave valuables in your vehicle.
  • Parking your vehicle in a public area is at your own risk.
  • Parking is on a first come, first served basis.
START

Start: Beach Road, King’s Beach, Humewood   

Race Start Time: 07h00

START CHUTES & SEEDING

Runners are seeded according to the time indicated during the entry process.

Batch times to be confirmed. 

  • Runners must line up in their correct start chute.
  • Participants are NOT allowed to move up a batch.
  • Participants arriving late and subsequently missing their starting time, will have the opportunity to start in the final batch.
  • Participants in wheelchairs will be required to start at the back of the field. 
  • There will be a mat at the start so you will receive a mat-to-mat finish time.
  • Prize winners can only come from the Contender Category, but your 10km time, provided on entry, will ensure you are in the correct start pen.
ROUTE

To be confirmed.

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K will showcase the most exciting route to run with activity and entertainment along the way – incredible sponsor activations, dancers, cheerleaders, marimba bands, drummers and so much more!

FINISH

Finish: Beach Road, King’s Beach, Humewood   


We invite you to enjoy the post race celebrations at the Kings Beach Precinct.

SINGLE USE PLASTIC CAMPAIGN

RACE RULES
  • The Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K is run and organized in accordance with the rules of World Athletics (WA), Athletics South Africa (ASA) and Eastern Province Athletics (EPA).  
  • Foreign athletes must comply with WA rule 4.2, ASA rules 7, 9 and all relevant race and domestic rules. Foreign Runners entry will include a ‘foreign temporary license’ as required under the rules. 
  • The Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K is open to all ASA licensed and non-licensed runners.
    • Licensed Club runners:
      • One race number will be issued. Licensed entrants must wear their ASA licence number on the front and back of their vest. The official race number must be worn on the front of the entrant’s race vest, partially covering the ASA licence number. 
      • Please refer to the diagram below for further details.
    • Temporary Licence:
      • One race number will be issued which must be worn on the front of the vest. The temporary license must be worn on the back of the vest. 
      • Temporary licenses are available at R30. 
      • Please refer to the diagram below for further details.
    • Contender and Elite Athletes:
      • Two race numbers will be issued to Contenders and therefore they do not need to display licence numbers as they have Special Number Bib status. 

Race Number Positioning:

Licensed Club Runners:

(Visual for reference only)

Race Number Positioning:

Temporary licensed Runners:

(Visual for reference only)

  • Age Category Tags
    • Age category tags will be available for all Contenders, age category tags are to be worn front and back, and it is the runner’s responsibility to ensure that the correct age category is reflected on race day.
    • Juniors wearing a senior or junior licence, are eligible for age category awards provided that they:  
      • display category tags “J”, to qualify for age category prizes,
      • participate as a Contender and start in the Contender batch,
      • are born in 2004 or later.
    • Temporary licensed entrants are eligible for age category prizes provided that they:
      • apply to participate as a Contender through the entries process,
      • participate in the relevant age category,
      • wear the appropriate age tags and provide proof of identification.
  • Minimum age for participation is 14 years of age on the day of the race.
  • If a seeding time is not provided on entry, the runner understands that seeding will be at the back of the race.
  • Wheelchair entrants are encouraged to take part. Once entered, they are requested to contact entries@runyourcityseries.com to secure race day access.
  • The Event Organiser reserves the right to accept or reject any entry.
  • TOG BAGS: There will be a tog bag facility for use at the runner’s own risk. 
    • Cellphones, money, and jewelry should not be left in tog bags.
    • If there is no tag attached to your tog bag, it will not be accepted.  
    • Tog bags will be transported from the Start to the Finish.
  • Toilets will be available at the start and the finish of the event, as well as, on the route at each water station and major entertainment point.
  • All traffic officers, marshals and race officials must be obeyed at all times. If You are instructed by any marshal, race official, medic, traffic or police official to stop, You must do so immediately.
  • Two refreshments stations will be provided along the route and one at the Finish Point. 
  • Runners may participate with Baby Joggers/Prams but may not take part as Contenders. Runners accept that they are responsible for ensuring they are not involved in any collision or disruption to other runners.
  • A runner may not start or attempt to start the event before the confirmed start time. Any runner who does so may be disqualified.
  • A runner must complete the race with his/her own effort and may not receive any assistance in this regard.
  • Personal seconding is not permitted. Private vehicles are not to follow the athletes on the route, this can result in the disqualification of the entrant.
  • No bicycles are allowed on the route, apart from the lead cyclists and officials.
  • The use of music players with headphones is not allowed and will result in disqualification. 
  • No ambush marketing is allowed.
  • Do not litter. ASA Rule 28 applies. #RunClean.
    • Dispose of sachets and cups responsibly by using the boxes provided or carrying them to the finish. 
    • Report offenders to the referees. 
  • All entrants must cross all timing points on the route to qualify for an official result.
  • A Podium Presentation of the top 3 male and female finishers will take place immediately after the results have been signed off at the Finish area. Prize giving for all Age Categories will be held at 09h00 at the Prize Giving stage.
  • Results for all participants will be available on the event website www.runyourcityseries.com
    • The results of the Contenders will be available at 08h30 in the TIC (Technical Information Centre).
    • Any objections must be made to the Official at the TIC within 30 minutes of the posting time as covered under World Athletics Rule 146.2.
  • All finishers will receive a medal.
  • All contenders will be given start gun to mat times. 
  • All mass finishers will be given mat to mat times. 
    • Only Start Gun to Finish times will be used for determining prize awards.
    • ONLY Contenders, who start before the mass batches, are eligible for awards. 
    • Runners who have the necessary performance to qualify for Contender status should ensure they have applied for that status.
  • It is understood that by entering the event, the participant’s name and contact details will be added to the Event Organisers communication database to receive future communication about other events.

Contender Programme

  • All Entrants who want to qualify for prize money, must apply and meet the stated criteria (see table below), and be accepted into the Contender category.
  • Prize money will only be awarded to contenders who were accepted to start in the Contender Batch. 
  • It is the responsibility of the entrant to apply for this seeding through the entries process via the website. 
  • There are no additional charges for being a contender. Any person who meets the necessary criteria to be a Contender, but fails to apply during the entry process, is automatically deemed to have accepted that they will not be eligible for any prize money.
  • Athletes must submit their proof of performance better or equal to the relevant one in the table below to the following email address: contenders@runyourcityseries.com 


Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K Seeding Chart

Age Group

Men

Women

Open

31:00 (03:05 p/km)

40:00 (03:53 p/km)

Junior

36:00 (03:36 p/km)

45:30 (04:33 p/km)

35 – 39

35:00 (03:30 p/km)

44:00 (04:24 p/km)

40 – 49

38:00 (03:48 p/km)

47:00 (04:42 p/km)

50 – 59

42:00 (04:12 p/km)

49:30 (04:57 p/km)

60 – 69

53:00 (05:18 p/km)

54:00 (05:24 p/km)

70+

1:02:00 (06:12 p/km)

1:10:00 (07:00 p/km)

    • Senior and Master athletes age is taken on the date of the event. 
    • Juniors are defined as athletes 14 years or older on the date of the race, and under the age of 20 at 31 December 2023.  i.e.  born in 2003 or later. 
    • In addition to Overall (Open) prizes, runners will only be eligible for age category prizes in the age category they enter. 
    • Corresponding numerical age category tags must be worn on the front and back of their vest. 
    • Runners may enter the age category corresponding to their chronological age or any younger category down to senior.
  • Applications for the Contender seeding will close 1 month prior to the event (2 March 2023).
  • Submission of this application does not guarantee acceptance. An application that is missing any data will automatically be rejected. 
  • NO LATE Applications are accepted.
  • The full list of accepted Contenders will be published on the website 14 days prior to race day. Anyone wishing to protest, (World Athletics rule 146.1) on the details or status of an athlete listed in the Contenders, must do so, in writing to the Race Office a minimum of 7 days prior to race day. Any protest outcome will be replied to by no later than 3 days prior to the race. 
  • All applicants will be notified prior to the event.
  • It is mandatory for all Contenders to attend Race Pack Collection to receive their Race Packs. 
  • All Contenders will need to verify their personal details, IDs/Passports, and licence numbers at Race Pack Collection. 
  • All Athlete Representatives (AR) must comply with World Athletics Rule 7 and ASA Rule 12. Should the AR not comply with these rules, the Event Organisers reserve the right to report the AR to World Athletics and ASA.
  • This event attracts international participation and as such there are restrictions on advertising on clothing for all Contenders. It is important that Contenders adhere to these rules as covered in the World Athletics Advertising regulations and ASA rule 24.
  • Contenders will be checked at the start and any athlete not in compliance will not be allowed to start in the Contender batch and will be downgraded to Batch B and therefore no longer be considered a Contender or eligible for prize money.
  • All Foreign athletes will sign a waiver as required by ASA Rules 2020 and must abide by World Athletics Rules for international competition.

Prize Money

  • Please note that all prize money winnings are subject to South African Tax Law and anti-doping results and can take up to 3 months to process. 
    • Athletes accepted as Contenders who fail to attend the Contender Technical Meeting without apology or good reason will be docked 10% of their prize money.
    • Athletes who win an award and fail to be present for prize giving for any reason other than doping control or medical will be docked 10% of their prize money. 

South African Athletes

  • Prize money to South African Athletes will be paid 30 days after the event, provided that:
      • copy of SA ID book
      • SARS tax number
      • proof of bank details (from bank)
      • completed prize money form 
  • South African Athlete prize money will not be paid until ALL the required documentation has been submitted.

International Athletes

  • Prize money to International Athletes will be paid 30 days after the event, provided that:
      • copy of passport
      • proof of address (e.g., clothing account, municipal bill – not older than 3 months)
      • proof of bank details
      • completed prize money form 
  • International Athlete prize money will not be paid until ALL the required documentation has been submitted.
  • If an athlete is with an Agency, then the Agency must invoice the Event Organizers no later than one week after the event. 
ANTI-DOPING

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport’s core focus is to tackle doping in sport in order to ensure a culture of ethics and fair play within South Africa. We’re passionate about sport and we’re passionate about our nation’s sporting heroes setting a good example for the younger generation. Not only would we like our athletes to compete drug-free, but we also want them to be proud to say no to doping. The Drug-Free Sport Act* gives the Institute authority and jurisdiction to carry out drug testing across all sports codes. By doing so we’re inspiring a drug-free sports culture all South Africans can be proud of.

Do you believe in playing fair? Are you a supporter of drug-free sport? Take the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport’s “I Play Fair” pledge now to show your commitment to competing clean. All you need to do is go to http://www.drugfreesport.org.za/, click on the I Play Fair tag and fill in the details as requested. By doing so you will say no to doping.