The Soweto Marathon Trust (SMT) says it will stage a protest at this year’s race over the right to host the “People’s Race.” Its rival, the Non-Profit Company (NPC), has announced that the 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon will go ahead tomorrow at Nasrec.
The Soweto Marathon dispute centres around the ownership and control of the iconic race. The Trust has been the lawful owner, but recent events have led to a shift in control to Soweto Marathon (Pty) Ltd.
The Trust applied to host the 2025 edition, while the NPC has also been given the go-ahead to stage the same race.
The ongoing conflict has left some athletes frustrated. SMT Spokesperson, Stan Itshegetseng.
“We are going to make a demonstration in the race, and we’re saying if people want to run, they must run over us. The people who will be running are supporting crime themselves. They are complicit in a criminal act that is taking place. We’ve opened up a case and the police are not taking action. We will continue to fight for the race that we own rightfully to the hilt. We are not sissies. We fought this thing from ASA when James Evans was holding it. He ultimately relented.”
‼️TRAFFIC ADVISORY‼️
STREETS AND AREAS AFFECTED BY THE ANNUAL SOWETO MARATHON ON SATURDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2025#SaferJoburg #JoburgRoadSafety #NomakanjaniManjeNamhlanje #sowetomarathon pic.twitter.com/PpQy7jSFZa
— Jo’burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) November 27, 2025
