R100 000 up for grabs as Zululand District 56km returns after 6 year break

After a six-year hiatus, the Zululand District Municipality has confirmed that the Zululand District 56km Ultra race will resume this year, with the event scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 19. This announcement was made at the Garden Court Hotel in Ulundi, North of KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday, February 4, in the presence of distinguished guests, including Zululand District Mayor Councillor Michael Khumalo, KwaZulu-Natal Athletics President Steve Mkasi, and members of the media.

The event, which was founded 21 years ago, was put on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has not taken place since. Khumalo views the return of the race as a major boost to athletes, particularly those seeking to qualify for the Comrades Marathon, in light of the current shortage of road running races in the area.

From Left: Mandla Mkhathini (Road Running Commission Chairperson-KZN Athletics) , Cllr Mbekezeli Zondo (Mayor of Nongoma Local Municipality), Cllr Michael Khumalo (Zululand District Mayor) and Vusumuzi Zungu (Zululand District Sports Confederation Chairperson) at the launch of the 2026 Zululand District 56km. Photo Credit: Thathe Msimango.

"I'm very happy that we are going to host Zululand Ultra race this year. In the past, this race has seen athletes from across all corners of South Africa coming to race here. Plus it was growing each year. So to see the race being relaunched is to music into my ears.," said an elated Khumalo.

"We know the race won't be the same as it was before but we are hoping that by next year we will have made progress. This race is something huge for our community as many athletes are going to come here to visit our area. It will make a good contribution to our economy. Plus, it will assist local athletes because they won't have to travel much to get the competition and qualify for races like the Comrades Marathon."

Zululand Dsitrict Mayor Cllr Michael Khumalo says the revival of this race will boost their local economy. Photo Credit: Zululand District Municipality.

By resuscitating the race, organisers have also given top runners more opportunity to earn good prize money. Although the official race flyer submitted to the KZNA offices indicates that the event's winner will receive a substantial R100 000, Khumalo stated that this may not be the final prize money as they are still seeking sponsors to enhance the total prize purse. 

"We are still engaging with some sponsors. What I can say is that prize money is going to attract more athletes to participate in the race. Our biggest aim is to see the race being the second highest paying race in the country behind the Comrades Marathon. Once we have finalized everything, we will make an announcement regarding the prizes," he explained.

Mkasi has urged organisers to pay athletes on time. Photo Credit: Zululand District Municipality.

Mkasi commended the organizers for reviving the event, noting its significant impact on the running community in the province. He further pleaded the organizers to disburse the athletes' winnings in a timely manner.

"I'm very happy to hear that this race is making a comeback. It’s one of those races that are so important in our province. It was sad not having it. I'm hoping local athletes can support the race so it can grow. I urge organizers to pay athletes their winnings on time as the races backed by government are becoming known for sometimes delaying to pay athletes."