Middle East & Africa

Durban, South Africa

A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Places to Run in Durban

Durban, located on the east coast of South Africa on the Indian Ocean, is the country’s third-largest city and the hub of the Kwa-Zulu Natal province. Durban was named “The World’s Greenest City” by Husqvarna for its proximity to a number of parks and nature reserves. It’s a popular tourist destination, known as a gateway for safaris, Indian Ocean, beaches, and vibrant arts scene. As an sports-oriented city with great year-round weather and an attractive setting, running in Durban is a treat — enjoy the great mix of waterfront promenades, parks, bush trails, and some pleasant neighborhoods.

The best places to run in Durban are the multi-use paths along the Indian Ocean beachfront and the Umgeni River, notably the Durban Beach PromenadeUmhlanga Promenade, and the Umgeni River promenade. You’ll also find good running on Umhlanga Rocks Drive and the streets between Glenwood and Morningside, as well as trail running at Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve and Giba Gorge. There’s an active Parkrun community with several weekly locations.

Mynah Bus Service is the city’s main public transport, but Durban People Mover is considered a safer and more reliable bus system. Most tourists prefer to travel by taxi.

Editor's Picks

Some of our favorite runs in Durban, South Africa

Umhlanga Promenade

The Umhlanga Promenade is a pretty brick pathway lining the beach. The Umhlanga Lighthouse and Whalebone Pier... more...

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Durban has a wonderful climate for running, with warm temperatures year-round. Summers are warm and humid, with daytime temperatures in the 27-28C (low 80sF) range, with warm nights. Winters are mild, with highs averaging in the 22C (low 70sF) range, but nights do cool off — a layer might be needed. Summers feature more rainfall, mainly in the form of thunderstorms/downpours.

Most Durban hotels are located along the coast between Clairwood and Umhlanga. There are also some inland options near Westville. For access to the most iconic running in Durban, we recommend staying somewhere close to the Durban Beach Promenade.

Running stores in Durban include Durban Runner, and chains like Nike, Totalsports, Adidas, New Balance, and Tekkie Town.

There is also a huge selection of running groups, mostly set up by neighborhood. These include:

Crusaders Running Club

Savages Athletic Club

Regent Harriers

Queensburgh Harriers 

Riverside Sports 

You can also find Parkrun events at Durban Point, North Beach, Blue Lagoon, Westville, KwaMashu, and Umhlanga.

There are group runs at Giba Gorge on Sundays.

 

 

The Comrades Marathon and Durban City Marathon are Durban’s signature running events.

KZN hosts lots of local trail races. See “Group Runs” for weekly Parkrun races.