The Paarlberg Half Marathon is one of South Africa’s most historic road races — second only to the Comrades Marathon in longevity. Sanctioned by Boland Athletics, the event is proudly hosted by Onsite Events in partnership with the Paarl Athletic Club, which was established back in 1895.

The inaugural race took place in 1935, with Laurie du Preez crossing the finish line first in a time of 1:11:34. Running legend Willie Olivier holds the record for the most wins, claiming victory six times and becoming the first athlete to complete the original 18.4km route in under an hour. The race has since evolved into the official 21.1km half marathon distance we run today that includes the traditional almost 9km Jan Phillips gravel road section along the slopes of the iconic Paarlberg Mountain. 

Runners can look forward to a scenic route through the beautiful and historic town of Paarl, offering breathtaking views over the Paarl Valley. For those seeking a shorter challenge, the 10km and 5km run/walk options are flat, friendly, and perfect for all fitness levels.

Event Info

Registration:

Friday 7 November 2025 14H00 - 19H00

At the start/finish venue - De Poort, Turk Street, Southern Paarl.

Saturday 8 November 2025

21.1km - Start 6am - Licensed Athletes R180 / Unlicensed Athletes R260 (Over 60's get R90 discount) Route will include the traditional Jan Phillips Gravel Road on Paarl Mountain.

10km Run/Walk - Start 6:30 - Licensed Athletes R130 / Unlicensed Athletes R200 (Over 60's get R65 discount)

5km Run/Walk - Start 7:00 - R70 

Saturday 9 November 2025 Trail Run

For all the info and to enter go to entries.onsite-events.co.za/events/82394

Other Road Race Info

• Only 3000 entries. 
• 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes on all distances for male and female.
• Start and finish is at De Poort, Turk Street, Southern Paarl.
• Waterpoints on route. 
• It is always advisable to make sure that you have your own hydration as well especially on the longer distances.
• Medals for all finishers.
• Footstalls and Festival area.
• Bag area will be available at your own risk. Please mark your bag properly. Please don't leave any valuables in your car.
• All info regarding parking etc. will be mailed to you before the event. Please make sure that your info is correct on the system.
• No refunds. All entries must be paid within 3 days otherwise the entry will be cancelled.

Rules:

• Licensed athletes must wear their 2025 licenses on their vests, front and back.

• Age category tags (e.g. 40 / Junior) must be worn on the front and back of the vest, if runners wish to be eligible for category prizes. Runners should enter the age category corresponding to their chronological age, but may enter a younger category down to senior.
• Temporary licences will be available at registration. When registering, participants must complete and hand in the tear-off strip from the number in order to be eligible to compete.
• The organisers, sponsors and Boland Athletics accept no responsibility for any accident or injury resulting from participation in this event.

Timing by Bouttime. Temporary timing chip on your race number will be handed to you at registration. 

Routes

Route profiles will be posted soon.