Five Years of the N12 Ultra - A Comrades Qualifier and a Free Bus Ride

The NW N12 Marathon Series hits a milestone on 2 May 2026, marking its fifth anniversary since the inaugural 2022 event. This year, the series presents a four-in-one race edition that serves both the elite athlete chasing a Comrades Marathon qualifying time and the casual walker looking for a Saturday morning stroll. While the shorter distances stay within Potchefstroom, the main event remains the 50km ultra marathon, which takes runners on an "up-run" from Klerksdorp to Potchefstroom.

Logistics and the Early Morning Shuttle

Organisers have sorted the transport logistics to ensure 50km runners actually make it to the start line. A free shuttle service operates on race day to ferry athletes between the two towns. The first bus leaves Potchefstroom strictly at 03:30 from Olën Park Stadium, located next to the NWU McArthur Stadium. This bus is expected to arrive at the Klerksdorp Recreation Centre around 04:15.

For those who need to sort out their admin, final race pack collection and late registrations take place at the Klerksdorp Recreation Centre from 03:00 until 05:30. The race committee has noted that these schedules are firm, so showing up late likely means watching the bus tail lights disappear into the distance.

Parking and Getting Home

Parking is split between the two host locations depending on where a runner is based. Those in Potchefstroom can use the Rugby Stadium lot next to NWU McArthur Stadium, while paid parking is available at Potchefstroom Boys High School. Klerksdorp-based runners can park directly at the Klerksdorp Recreation Centre.

Once the 50km is over and the legs have given up, a free return shuttle will take Klerksdorp-based runners back to their cars. These buses depart from the finish venue at NWU McArthur Stadium at 30-minute intervals: 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, and 13:00.

Race Categories and Entry Fees

The event caters to various fitness levels and budgets. The premier 50km Ultra Marathon entry is priced at R390. For those preferring a shorter route, the 21.1km Half Marathon costs R320. The 10km run is R290 for adults and R260 for juniors, while the 5km run or walk is R250 for adults and R200 for juniors.

All routes are professionally measured. While the 50km starts in Klerksdorp, the 21.1km, 10km, and 5km events all start and finish within Potchefstroom.

How to Join the Pack

Entries are reportedly moving quite quickly. Interested participants can register through the Peak Timing website.

aQuellé returns as the official hydration partner to keep everyone watered along the N12 corridor.