Clearwater Mall asked the West Rand to help take its annual road race past the 3 500-entry mark, and the community delivered. A total of 3 828 runners entered the 2026 race, beating the target by 328 entries and adding 965 runners to last year’s field of 2 863. Of those entered, 3 260 crossed the finish line.

Now in its 12th year and presented in partnership with Panorama Running Club, the event saw runners take on the 21km half marathon, 10km race and 5km fun run, with all three distances starting and finishing at Clearwater Mall.

The 21km men’s race was won by Gladwin Mzazi in 01:08:58, followed by Andries Sesedi in 01:11:27 and Kabelo Melamu in 01:12:14. Cornelia Joubert claimed the women’s title in 01:29:38, ahead of Valencia Modiba in 01:38:45 and Ziyanda Matsawe in 01:39:06.

In the 10km, Fernando Macavele took the men’s title in 00:33:41, with Kgalalelo Mafojane second in 00:34:53 and Bokang Mabote third in 00:34:59. Chrizell Roberts led the women home in 00:43:01, followed by Maryna Bijker in 00:46:35 and Zeenith Joseph in 00:49:01.

The 5km saw Tumelo Matlebe finish first among the men in 00:20:47, followed by Caleb Oliver Smith in 00:24:23 and Xander Diedericks in 00:28:14. Nkibelo Legoabe took the women’s win in 00:29:44, just two seconds ahead of Clarise Marais in 00:29:46, with Xihluke Nkuna third in 00:30:42.

“We set ourselves a target of 3 500 entries this year, and the West Rand went past it by a long shot,” says Prianka Singh Rodgers, Marketing Manager at Clearwater Mall. “Seeing 3 828 people sign up is a wonderful reflection of the community spirit behind this race. Thank you to every runner, supporter, volunteer and member of the Panorama Running Club team who helped make the day such a success.”

Prize money was awarded across the race categories, with open-category podium prizes of up to R2 000 in the 21km, R1 500 in the 10km and R250 in the 5km. No course records were broken this year… but there is always next year!

Clearwater Mall’s annual road race will return in 2027, with the West Rand now having set itself a formidable benchmark to beat.