'The success is remarkable' - Balwin Properties Umhlanga Rocks Half Marathon targets 5000 runners for 2025 event

Under Adam Lipschitz's leadership, the Social Runners Club launched an endeavor in 2023 to develop a unique road running event in the Durban suburb of Umhlanga. The decision proved astute, as most races were generally concentrated in the Durban CBD. As a result the Umhlanga Rocks Half Marathon has since flourished, exhibiting significant growth as they hosted just under 2000 participants across 21km, 10km and 5km in 2024. 

As the race prepares to enter its third year on November 16th, Adam Lipschitz who leads the Social Runners' Club expressed satisfaction with their accomplishments. During a press conference at the Oceans Mall, a sponsor of the event, held on November 4th, Lipschitz voiced his ambition to establish the race as one of KwaZulu-Natal Athletics’ most prominent events.

The 2024 edition of the race attracted almost 2000 participants. Organisers are targeting 5000 in 2025. Photo Credit: Social Runners Club.

"I take great pride in the significant growth we have observed in the race over the years. We are now in our third year, and the success story is nothing short of remarkable. The majority of races require years to reach the level of success we have accomplished by this point," explains Lipschitz who is a top runner himself with 2:08:54 standard marathon personal best.

"Currently, we have over 2,000 entries, with a target of 5,000 participants. If we reach 4,000 people, I will be extremely satisfied, as these numbers are unprecedented in the race. Everything is proceeding as planned and our sponsors are happy in the build up to the event. Additionally, we have secured the participation of notable figures such as Zakwe, a renowned hip-hop artist, who will be competing in the 5km distance."

Lipschitz is pleased with the race's rapid growth. Photo Credit: Social Runners Club.

Buoyed by the success of the first two editions of the race and because it offers three distances in the picturesque beach side setting of Umhlanga, Lipschitz is positive that the event which finishes outside the Ocean's Mall, will host close to 10 000 runners and walkers in the not too distant future.

"We need to evaluate the public's reaction to the race. I am confident that we will succeed, having met with the municipality to discuss road closures. I expect that by 8 am, all roads will be cleared, and people can continue with their daily routines as usual. I predict that we will soon reach 7,000 entries maybe in the 2026 race. This is a feasible path forward."