The countdown to one of the West Rand’s most anticipated community running events has begun.
Clearwater Mall’s annual road race returns on Saturday, 22 August 2026, with organisers targeting a field of 3,500 runners across three race distances.
Now in its 12th year, the event is once again being staged in partnership with Panorama Running Club, bringing runners of different ages and abilities together for a morning of competition, fitness and community spirit.
With entries now open, the race will feature a 21km half marathon, 10km race and 5km fun run, with all three routes starting and finishing at Clearwater Mall.
From serious runners to the whole family
The three distances are designed to offer something for a wide range of participants.
The 21km and 10km events are aimed at more experienced runners, while the 5km fun run has been designed with families in mind.
Children as young as five years old can participate in the 5km, provided they are accompanied by an adult.
That family-friendly approach is part of what makes the Clearwater Mall race more than simply a competition. It creates an opportunity for experienced athletes, first-time runners and families to share the same starting line.
And this year, organisers want more people there than ever before.
The 3,500-runner target
Last year’s event attracted 2,863 entries.
For 2026, Clearwater Mall is aiming to push that number to 3,500 runners.
“This is our 12th year partnering with Panorama Running Club to bring this race to the West Rand community,” said Prianka Singh Rodgers, marketing manager at Clearwater Mall.
“We had 2 863 runners at the start line last year, and we would love to see that grow to 3 500 in 2026.”
With entries already open, runners are being encouraged to secure their places ahead of race day.
Early start for race day
The race gets underway early on 22 August.
The 21km and 10km races start at 7am, followed by the 5km at 7.15am.
All races start and finish at Clearwater Mall.
There will be no race-day entries, so participants need to register before the deadline.
Online entries close at midnight on Tuesday, 18 August 2026.
For runners who prefer entering in person, entries will also be available at Entrance 5 at Clearwater Mall on 20 and 21 August, between 1pm and 7pm.
Race-number collection will take place at Entrance 5 from 5.30am on race day.
Every finisher gets a medal
There is more than personal achievement on the line.
Every runner who crosses the finish line will receive a medal, while prize money will be awarded to the male and female winners in the various age categories across the three distances.
The 21km and 10km races also offer another challenge for the fastest runners: the King and Queen of the Mountain titles.
For the 21km, both the fastest man and fastest woman can compete for a R1,500 Clearwater Mall gift voucher and a R1,500 course record prize.
For the 10km, the corresponding rewards are a R1,000 Clearwater Mall gift voucher and a R1,000 course record prize for both the fastest man and fastest woman.
What it costs to enter
Runners can choose from three distances, with different entry fees and age requirements.
| Distance | Online Entry | In-Centre Entry | Temporary Licence | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21km | R240 | R280 | R70 | 16 years |
| 10km | R180 | R200 | R60 | 14 years |
| 5km | R100 | R120 | N/A | 5 years with an adult |
Race shirts are also available separately for R200.
There is serious prize money on offer
The 21km prize structure rewards the top male and female runners in the Junior, Open, 40–49, 50–59 and 60–70+ categories.
21km prize money
| Position | Junior | Open | 40–49 | 50–59 | 60–70+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | R500 | R2,000 | R500 | R500 | R300 |
| 2nd | R350 | R1,000 | R300 | R300 | – |
| 3rd | R150 | R800 | R200 | R200 | – |
The 10km also offers prize money across its Junior, Open, 40–49, 50–59 and 60–70+ categories.
10km prize money
| Position | Junior | Open | 40–49 | 50–59 | 60–70+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | R250 | R1,500 | R300 | R300 | R300 |
| 2nd | R150 | R900 | R200 | R200 | – |
| 3rd | R100 | R700 | R150 | R150 | – |
The 5km also has prizes for the top three Open finishers:
1st: R250 | 2nd: R200 | 3rd: R150
The road to August starts now
Whether the goal is chasing a personal best, competing for prize money, completing a first race or simply spending an active morning with family, the Clearwater Mall Road Race is preparing to welcome runners back for its 12th edition.
With a target of 3,500 participants, the 2026 race could become the biggest field the event has seen.
And for those planning to take part, the most important date is not race day.
It is the entry deadline.
Online entries close at midnight on Tuesday, 18 August 2026.
Clearwater Mall Road Race 2026: At a glance
Date: Saturday, 22 August 2026
Venue: Clearwater Mall, West Rand, Johannesburg
21km & 10km start: 7am
5km start: 7.15am
Online entries close: Midnight, Tuesday, 18 August 2026
In-centre entries: 20–21 August, 1pm–7pm, Entrance 5
Race-number collection: From 5.30am on race day, Entrance 5
Entries: Clearwater Mall
For race enquiries, contact Andrew Morrison-Young on 081 753 1550 or race@panoramarunners.co.za.
