Following the success of the 2025 Series, the partnership returns with four races across the country and a prize: a Balwin-built, fully furnished apartment valued at R1-million, including 12 months of free levies, says the radio station.

The 2026 Series will run from February to September and continues its mission of promoting health and wellness while giving South Africans a real chance at home ownership.

Every participant who completes any distance — 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km or 42.2 km — in any of the Series events, stands a chance to win. To enter, runners simply need to complete any one of these races and then visit any Balwin show apartment nationwide, with each visit counting as an additional entry. The more developments visited, the more chances to win the apartment, adds the radio station.

The 2026 race calendar includes the Peninsula Race on Sunday, 15 February, the Pretoria Race on Sunday, 22 February, the Dolphin Coast Race on Sunday, 22 March, and the Jeppe Race on Sunday, 20 September. Each event offers distances for all fitness levels, bringing together elite athletes, casual runners and families for some of the most anticipated road-running moments of the year. 5FM will be 'Ampli5ing' these events with live broadcasts in Gauteng and live crossings in Cape Town and Durban, says the radio station.

Adding even more inspiration to the Series, 5FM's own Tshepi "Big Chief" Moji returns as an official ambassador. After documenting his journey into running last year, Moji is aspiring for 2026 with a dedicated fitness coach and a commitment to completing all four races. He will be sharing every milestone, challenge and victory with listeners across 5FM's platforms, adds the radio station.

Joining him is another 5FM athlete in the form of Nick Archibald — a seasoned athlete, having competed in multiple running events previously. His energy, determination and positivity makes him a powerful addition to the 2026 ambassador team, and he will be running the full Series alongside Moji, says the radio station. 

According to Masi Mdingane, Business Manager for 5FM and Good Hope FM, the partnership continues to reflect the station's commitment to both lifestyle and upliftment.

"It's an honour for 5FM to once again partner with Balwin Properties to give South Africans the chance to win a R1-million apartment while also encouraging the country to get fit, healthy and active. 5FM has always been the home of the most banging tunes, epic events and the most mind-blowing giveaways, and this Series is the perfect example of how we bring energy, purpose and life-changing opportunities to all of Mzansi. We're proud to champion home ownership, wellness and the spirit of pushing yourself further than you ever thought possible."

Ryan Kalk, Managing Director of Balwin Sport, commented that from an athlete's perspective, the Run Series has built its reputation by delivering genuine value, enabled by strong partnerships that transform each event into a broader lifestyle experience rather than simply a race. He added that runners entering the Series will receive R3 000 in value-added offers from partner brands.

"That same collaboration is why Balwin Properties supports the Series, because running is one of the most accessible ways to improve health, build community and create lasting impact for both organised athletes and everyday participants."

"The R1-million apartment give-away brings that commitment to life. It represents real home ownership, as we have seen with previous winners, and really affirms Balwin commitment to building quality homes and getting as many South Africans as possible onto the property ladder, and what better way than through rewarding people for getting fit and healthy and exploring the Balwin Lifestyle," adds Kalk.

For the first time since the Balwin Run Series began, the R1-million apartment prize will be located in KwaZulu Natal, at one of Balwin's lifestyle developments, including Izinga Eco Estate in Umhlanga, Ballito Hills on the North Coast or Shongweni Eco Park in Westown, between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The final location will be announced soon, says the radio station.

The races themselves each bring a unique flavour to the Series. The Peninsula Race offers a scenic, fast coastal route ideal for personal-best chasers. The Pretoria Race challenges runners with iconic climbs and sweeping city views. The Dolphin Coast Race delivers a family-friendly coastal experience from Ballito to Durban. And the Jeppe Race, one of Gauteng's most established races, closes the Series with a proud community atmosphere and a long-standing running tradition. Each of these races and the clubs behind them support development runners and reinforces Balwin's commitment to runner development through the Balwin Foundation, adds the radio station.

More information can be obtained by listening to 5FM, dowloading the Balwin Sport or 5FM App, or on www.balwinsport.co.za, or www.5fm.co.za. You can also follow 5FM on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor