Successful Debut of the Social Runners Event in Durban
The inaugural Social Runners Run, powered by Openserve, took place on Saturday, 28 June 2025, marking a thrilling addition to KwaZulu-Natal’s running calendar.
Choosing Saturday for the race was a bold decision, particularly in a city known for hosting races on Sundays, but it turned out to be a winning approach.
The Durban running community welcomed the change, leading to an exceptionally successful event.
Over 2,000 runners filled the streets of Durban under refreshing, cool weather—perfect for setting personal bests on the flat, speedy course. Starting and finishing at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, the 21km, 10km, and Celebrity Fun 5km races highlighted Durban’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant atmosphere.
The Celebrity Fun 5km added a dynamic combination of local spirit and celebrity involvement, featuring former Sharks rugby players, members of the Dolphins cricket team, and well-known figures from TV, radio, and social media.
The involvement of these celebrities ignited the crowd and underscored the event’s commitment to health, fitness, and community participation.
The course was widely lauded for its speed and accessibility, garnering praise from both elite competitors and casual runners. Well-managed hydration stations contributed to the overall excellent organization of the event.
Although the final turn posed a minor challenge, the event team navigated it skillfully, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone.
The Openserve Chill Zone, complete with a Move Class and a 360-degree photo booth, fostered a lively post-race environment that united runners and their supporters. The finish area at Moses Mabhida Stadium elevated the excitement, leaving participants feeling inspired and rejuvenated.
“We are delighted with the success of this year’s race,” remarked the event organizers.
“The remarkable turnout, perfect weather, and the incredible enthusiasm from our runners and sponsors created an unforgettable day. We’re already gearing up to make next year’s event even larger!”
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors: Openserve, Tsogo Sun – Suncoast, Aquellé, Easybet, and Ifelom, whose support was essential in realizing this vision. We also extend our gratitude to the Social Runners Club, Prime HPI, Durban Base Entertainment, and Moses Mabhida Stadium for partnering with us in achieving this triumph.
This race is poised to become one of the fastest and most exhilarating 21km events in Durban, blending athletic excellence with community spirit.
Coming Up: Mark your calendars for the La Lucia Mall Run, hosted by the Social Runners Club, on Sunday, 17 August 2025.
This exciting event guarantees another day of enjoyable running, community bonding, and celebration—ideal for runners of all levels.