A piece of Paarl’s sporting history will come alive once again on Saturday 26 September, when the Paarlberg Half Marathon returns to the streets and slopes of the town as part of this year’s Heritage Month celebrations.

First held in 1935, the Paarlberg Half Marathon is one of South Africa’s oldest road-running events and is regarded as the country’s second-oldest road race after the Comrades Marathon. For more than nine decades, generations of runners have taken on the challenge of the Paarlberg, making the event an important part of the town’s sporting heritage.

This year’s race takes on added significance as it moves to a new date during Heritage Month. The month provides an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on and celebrate the people, places, traditions and events that form part of the country’s rich history.

The Paarlberg Half Marathon is itself a living tradition, having brought the local running community together for generations.

The feature 21,1 km half marathon offers participants the opportunity to experience the character of the Paarlberg course, including the well-known Jan Phillips gravel road section along the slopes of Paarl Mountain. The route provides runners with a genuine challenge, while rewarding them with spectacular views across the Paarl Valley.

But the Paarlberg is not only for experienced half-marathon runners.

The 2026 event also includes a 10 km run and a 5 km run/walk, making it possible for a much broader range of participants to be part of the occasion.

Whether you’re an experienced runner, taking on your first organised race, returning to running, or simply looking for an active day out with family and friends, there is a distance to suit you.

The shorter events also provide an ideal introduction to road running for newcomers, while the 21,1 km remains a significant challenge for those looking to test themselves against the clock, the course and the Paarlberg itself.

The 2026 Paarlberg Half Marathon forms part of a broader Paarl Running Festival and Paarl Adventure Festival over Heritage Day weekend, bringing together running, adventure and community activities in a celebration of the Paarl region and its active lifestyle.

For local runners, the event represents more than a date on the racing calendar; it’s an opportunity to run a route steeped in history and to become part of a tradition that has connected generations of residents and visitors through their shared love of running.

The organisers thanked Drakenstein Municipality, Coca-Cola, Manzi Water, 32Gi, Rawson, Sports SA, Paarl Post, Radio KC and KWV.

. Entries for the Paarlberg Half Marathon are open at www.paarlberghalfmarathon.co.za.

. For sponsorship and exhibitor enquiries, email letsgo@terrafirma.agency or call 083 444 3748.