The Makhonjwa Mountain 4-in-1 Marathon is gaining momentum as a major sporting and tourism attraction, with a record 930 runners taking part in the 2026 edition.
The figure represents a sharp increase from the 616 runners recorded in 2025, excluding fun runners, highlighting the growing popularity of the marathon among athletes and sports tourists.
Held in the scenic Barberton area, the marathon forms part of efforts to promote Mpumalanga as a destination where sport, tourism and natural heritage come together. The Makhonjwa Mountains are renowned for their geological significance and are an important part of the region’s tourism offering.
This year’s event was delivered by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and Bellas Athletics, in partnership with Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, Ehlanzeni District Municipality and other strategic partners.
The surge in participation also provided a welcome boost to the local economy, with runners, supporters and visitors contributing to businesses in Barberton and surrounding communities through spending on accommodation, food, transport and other services.
MTPA congratulated all the runners who took part and successfully completed the race.
The agency also thanked Bellas Athletics, strategic partners, sponsors, law enforcement agencies, volunteers, local communities and other stakeholders whose support helped ensure the marathon was delivered safely and successfully.
