Timbercity Red Hill Marathon

Timbercity Red Hill Marathon 42.2km Marathon; 36km Classic, 13km Challenge 5km Fun Run; Road Race In 2008, a massive veld fire swept over the route resulting in road closures.

The first Red Hill Classic was run almost half a century ago as a training run for the Peninsula Marathon. No one could find a suitable short cut so, instead of a customary 20 mile (32km) marathon-prep course, the distance was set at 36km. In 1984, when the Two Oceans Marathon introduced qualifying marathon criteria for their event, a six kilometre loop was added for those who wanted to extend themselves from the 36k Classic to a full marathon (and has been a permanent fixture at the race since 1992). The route has remained constant over all this time save for two exceptions:
The start line and first three kilometres has shifted around the perpetual roadworks to upgrade Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg. However, Fish Hoek AC has built up a good relationship with the construction company and in 2019 they had a team working throughout the night to resurface the road for the runners – finishing up and providing the clearance to run just ten minutes before the race started. People joke about building aeroplanes in the sky but the Red Hill race committee did just that – organising a new route on race morning and only finalising the marathon route after the race had already started. There is an excellent account of just how everyone pulled together here. The 2008 event was something of a defining moment for the club and since then the race medal and club logo were redesigned to include the three flames to commemorate the experience.

Want to know who the real heroes of Red Hill are?The volunteers.Before the first runner arrives, they're already hard at...
04/08/2026

Want to know who the real heroes of Red Hill are?

The volunteers.

Before the first runner arrives, they're already hard at work.

Setting up.

Directing traffic.

Filling cups.

Managing registrations.

Standing on route.

Making sure every runner gets home safely.

The race simply doesn't happen without them.

As we prepare for the 50th running, we want to say thank you to every volunteer who has ever given their time to Red Hill.

Tag a volunteer who deserves a shout-out.

"I wasn't sure I could do it."We hear those words every year.And then we watch runners cross the finish line smiling, em...
29/07/2026

"I wasn't sure I could do it."

We hear those words every year.

And then we watch runners cross the finish line smiling, emotional, and proud.

That's what Red Hill is really about.

Not beating someone else.

Not chasing perfection.

Just proving something to yourself.

Whether you're chasing a qualifier, a personal best, or simply your first big challenge, Red Hill has a way of showing you what's possible.

What achievement are you most proud of as a runner?

Make sure the date is planned into your calendar! Remember we are a Two Oceans and Comrades Qualifier. We can't wait to ...
24/07/2026

Make sure the date is planned into your calendar!

Remember we are a Two Oceans and Comrades Qualifier.

We can't wait to see you next year!

Red Hill is powered by people.Schools. Volunteers. Local businesses. Sponsors. Club members. Marshals. Families.And thou...
21/07/2026

Red Hill is powered by people.

Schools. Volunteers. Local businesses. Sponsors. Club members. Marshals. Families.

And thousands of runners.

Every January, our community comes together to create something special.

That's what makes Red Hill different.

It's not just a race.

It's a community celebration.

And every person who stands on the start line becomes part of that story.

Tag someone who helps make race day special for you!

There are easier races.There are faster races.But there aren't many races that look like this.The Red Hill route takes r...
16/07/2026

There are easier races.

There are faster races.

But there aren't many races that look like this.

The Red Hill route takes runners through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cape Peninsula.

Ocean views.

Mountain backdrops.

Historic coastal roads.

And a sunrise that reminds you exactly why you got out of bed at 4am.

The challenge may bring runners to Red Hill.

The scenery helps them fall in love with it.

Drop a 🌊 in the comments if the views are your favourite part of race day.

Every great race has a defining moment.At Red Hill, it's the climb.The point where your legs start asking questions.The ...
08/07/2026

Every great race has a defining moment.

At Red Hill, it's the climb.

The point where your legs start asking questions.

The point where your training matters.

The point where determination takes over.

But here's the secret...

Nobody remembers how hard it felt.

They remember reaching the top.

They remember the view.

They remember the pride.

And they remember saying, "I did it."

That's why runners keep coming back year after year.

What's your favourite Red Hill memory from the climb? Or do you have a photo from the top to share with us?

If Red Hill was a person, how would you describe it?We think Red Hill is:Tough but welcoming.Experienced but humble.Chal...
30/06/2026

If Red Hill was a person, how would you describe it?

We think Red Hill is:

Tough but welcoming.

Experienced but humble.

Challenging but rewarding.

It's the runner who quietly gets the work done.

The friend who encourages you up the hill.

The race that doesn't need flashy gimmicks because the route speaks for itself.

For 50 editions, Red Hill has remained true to what matters most.

Great running.

Great people.

A great community.

And in 2027, we'd love you to be part of that story.

Give Red Hill one word in the comments.

Why would anyone choose 36km when they could run a marathon?Ask Red Hill runners and you'll get the same answer.Because ...
22/06/2026

Why would anyone choose 36km when they could run a marathon?

Ask Red Hill runners and you'll get the same answer.

Because it's Red Hill.

The 36km Classic is one of the most unique race distances in South Africa.

Long enough to test your endurance.

Short enough to recover faster than a marathon.

Challenging enough to earn every kilometre.

For many runners it's the perfect Two Oceans and Comrades preparation race. For others it's a chance to experience the legendary Red Hill route without committing to the full marathon distance.

And in 2027, you'll be part of something even bigger.

The 50th running of the Red Hill Classic.

Have you run the 36km before? What makes it special for you?

Before the medals, before the social media posts, before the GPS watches... there was Red Hill.For generations, Fish Hoe...
16/06/2026

Before the medals, before the social media posts, before the GPS watches... there was Red Hill.

For generations, Fish Hoek Athletics Club has welcomed runners to one of the most beautiful and challenging routes in South Africa.

The race has always been about more than finish times.

It's about community.

It's about turning up before sunrise.

It's about volunteers standing on corners in the wind.

It's about families cheering complete strangers.

It's about runners discovering what they're capable of.

As we approach the 50th running of the Red Hill Classic, we're looking back at the people who built this event and the club members who kept it alive through changing times.

The route may be famous, but the people behind it are the real story.

Do you have old Red Hill photos, race numbers or memories? We'd love to see them. Share them in the comments.

50 years. One legendary climb. One unforgettable race.In January 2027, the Red Hill Classic reaches a milestone that ver...
02/06/2026

50 years. One legendary climb. One unforgettable race.

In January 2027, the Red Hill Classic reaches a milestone that very few South African races can claim.

The iconic 36km route will be run for the 50th time.

For five decades, runners have stood on the start line in Fish Hoek wondering if they were ready for the challenge ahead. They have climbed Red Hill, battled the elements, soaked in the views, and crossed the finish line knowing they achieved something meaningful.

What began as a local club race has become a fixture on the Western Cape running calendar and a race that thousands of runners proudly call part of their story.

The 2027 Timbercity Red Hill Marathon & Classic will be our biggest celebration yet, honouring the runners, volunteers, sponsors, schools, marshals and community members who have helped build this event over 50 editions.

The countdown starts now.

Were you part of a previous Red Hill Race? Tell us the first year you ran Red Hill?

Tag a running friend who needs to be part of the 50th running of the Classic.

Address

FHAC Cnr 20th Avenue And Nelson Road
Fish Hoek
7975

Opening Hours

Wednesday 18:00 - 21:00
Friday 18:00 - 21:00

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