More prize money, more runners with plans to add a third city. All you need to know about the 2026 Hollywoodbets 10km series

Asked about the impact of a club that boasts almost 3000 members in KwaZulu-Natal alone, KZN Athletics President Steve Mkasi spoke honestly about the financial impact that the Hollywood Athletics Club and it's parent company and sponsor Hollywoodbets has on athletics in the province.

"Our financial year-end for KZNA is the 30th of December and I have the unfortunate job of seeing every cent that gets in and out of the KZNA account. In December I nearly fell off my chair when you see over half a million Rand coming in from one club for their licences. This club and all the other big clubs are sustaining us and therefore development can happen."

Mkasi was speaking yesterday (26 March) at the launch of the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban 10km and the Hollywoodbets Joburg 10km which will take place on 30 August and 18 October respectively. Celebrated as South Africa's richest 10km event by prize money, organisers announced that the total purse had been increased to pay over R400 000 this year. Hollywood AC chairperson Greg Glossop explained the thinking behind the decision to reward runners more.

"We try to feel out what people want and we’ve got a team that decide on these things," he explained. "We love to give back. That’s one of the themes or mottos of Hollywood and it's not just with our club but with Hollywoodbets as a company as well."

This means that both male and female winners will receive R40,000 each, while 10th place will earn R7,000. For the first time since the first race place took place at the Kings Park Athletics Stadium in November 2021, competitors in the 70+ category will also be earn prize money for their efforts.

Tebello Ramakongana received R37 500 for winning the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban 10km as Kamohelo Mofolo in 2025. This year. the victors will walk away with R40 000 each. Photo Credit: SMacPix.

The increase in prize money and the vibe experienced by the 12000 runners and walkers who took part in Durban and 8000 who hit the streets of Joburg last year is sure to attract another sellout field for the two races later this year. To cater for this, the entry capacity has been upped accordingly. 15,000 participants will take part in Durban, while Johannesburg will have an entry cap of 10 000 runners in only the third edition of the race. Race entries will go live on 1 April 2026.

The success of the Durban and Joburg events has therefore resulted in growing demand from the running public for additional provinces to be added to the popular 10km series. Glossop also revealed that plans are afoot to a third city.

"We've learnt so much from doing these races after starting with just 1000 people in Durban in 2021. I do believe we are ready to grow and expand. Cape Town is still next. Our club application is in. As soon as we get the go ahead we will."