25 September 2026
The organisers of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K are aware of reports circulating on social media regarding incidents involving the slashing of participants’ bags during the event on Thursday, 24 September 2026.
Two bag-slashing incidents were formally reported through the event’s Venue Operations Centre (VOC): one in the Batch D starting area and another at Water Point 2. Both incidents were immediately managed through the event’s established safety and security protocols. The event’s integrated safety and security operation included private security, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS), with all incidents centrally coordinated through the VOC. SAPS case numbers were issued for both reported incidents on 24 September.
Following these reports, the organisers engaged with SAPS to establish whether any additional incidents had been reported outside the event’s established reporting structures. On the morning of 25 September, SAPS confirmed that no additional bag-slashing incidents had been reported.
As such, the official records available to the event organisers and SAPS reflect two formally reported incidents. This verified information does not support claims circulating on social media that more than 100 participants were affected.
Participant safety and the security of personal belongings formed part of the event’s broader safety and security planning. Pre-event communications encouraged runners to make use of the secure tog bag facility provided at the venue for their belongings while participating. Event-issued drawstring bags, provided to participants ahead of race day, carried the visible message “Wear Me in Front”. This message was further reinforced on race day through commentator announcements encouraging runners to wear their bags in front and remain aware of their personal belongings.
Dezroy Poole, Event Director of the RUN YOUR CITY Series, said:
“Any incident affecting one of our runners is one incident too many. We are deeply concerned that two of our participants experienced these incidents, and our team responded immediately through the event’s established safety and security structures.
“We also have a responsibility to communicate accurately. Based on the information verified through our Venue Operations Centre and directly with SAPS, two bag-slashing incidents were formally reported. This does not support claims that more than 100 runners were affected.
“Mass participation events present a range of operational and security considerations. As organisers, our responsibility is to anticipate these risks, put appropriate measures in place and respond effectively when incidents occur. We also encourage all runners attending large public events to remain aware of their surroundings and vigilant of their personal belongings.
“We will continue to work closely with the event’s safety and security teams, JMPD and SAPS regarding the reported incidents and any additional verified information that may emerge.”
The safety and wellbeing of our participants remain a priority for the RUN YOUR CITY Series and central to the planning and delivery of every event we stage.
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