Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series and Puma South Africa confirm four-year partnership extension

Stillwater Sports, the organisers of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, proudly welcomes Puma’s renewed commitment as the official footwear and apparel partner of South Africa’s premier road running series.

Puma has confirmed its involvement for another four-year period, extending a remarkable partnership that has been instrumental to the series’ success since its inception.

“Puma has been an integral part of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series from the very beginning. They saw, understood, and supported our vision since the series’ inception in 2015. Over the past decade, Puma has solidified its reputation as a pioneer in road running, driving innovation and pushing boundaries that elevate both the sport and athlete performances. Their presence at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has consistently ignited exhilarating races, inspired elite performances, and created unforgettable experiences for both runners and spectators. We are proud to continue this dynamic partnership as we take the series to new heights over the next four years – and beyond,” shared Michael Meyer, the managing director of Stillwater Sports and the series founder.

As one of a select group of sponsors that has been with the series since the inaugural event in Cape Town in 2015, Puma continues to leave a lasting mark on the series.

Each year, Puma introduces its latest Puma Nitro range of running shoes, offering athletes the opportunity to wear-test cutting-edge innovations in the lead-up to events. The partnership has also brought exciting elements such as generous prizes, vibrant on-route activations across all five cities, and captivating performances by Puma Elites.

In 2024, Glenrose Xaba, representing the Boxer Athletics Club (AC) and competing in Puma, set a new South African women’s 10km record at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, finishing fourth in an extraordinary time of 31:12, shaving a second off of Elana Meyer’s record (31:13) that was set in 2001. Fellow Boxer AC athlete, Lebo Phalula, also in Puma gear, shattered the veteran women’s national record with a time of 34:01, surpassing Sonja Laxton’s 1989 record of 34:17. Xaba’s phenomenal form continued with gold-medal victories at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K and Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. 

ALSO READ: Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series partners with CANSA as its official charity for 2024

“We’re excited to re-sign with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series for another four year period. The series perfectly aligns with our vision, generating outstanding elite performances, exciting racing, and fostering unique opportunities to bring together a variety of brands that share beliefs, visions, and goals, particularly in building a healthier, more active future for all,” said Brett Bellinger, the marketing director at Puma.

At Puma, their commitment to the values of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES runs deep, which is why they proudly celebrate their annual wellness day at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K. 

“Our staff are encouraged to participate, with entry fees covered by Puma and dedicated hospitality at the start and finish lines. It’s not just about supporting the event – it’s about living the brand and fully embracing what it means to be part of this incredible journey. We can’t wait to see what the next four years will bring for the series, the sport, and Puma,” Bellinger said.

Puma’s continued involvement underscores its dedication to driving innovation, celebrating athletic excellence, and elevating the Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES as a highlight on South Africa’s sporting calendar.

EVENT DATES: 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES

• Sunday, April 13, 2025: Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
• Sunday, May 11, 2025: Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
• Sunday, July 13, 2025: Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
• Sunday, August 24, 2025: Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K
• Wednesday, September 24, 2025: Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series proudly supports the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as the official charity of the entire series of events. A non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, CANSA enables research, educates the public and advocates for and supports all people affected by cancer, while leading SA towards a cancer-free society. When entering an Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series event online, runners can show their support by donating towards CANSA. 

For more information, visit www.runyourcityseries.com