Pretoria

Long before the modern city, communities lived and traded across the landscape now known as Tshwane. Pretoria was founded in 1855 and became the administrative capital of South Africa after the Union was formed in 1910. Its history includes colonial rule and apartheid, as well as the struggle to build a democratic South Africa. The Union Buildings, completed in 1913, became a powerful symbol of change when Nelson Mandela was inaugurated there in 1994.

Today the city is home to diplomatic missions from around the world. Its embassies and high commissions make it an especially meaningful gathering place for people whose lives and families span borders. Freedom Park honours the country's complex past and the many lives that shaped its future.

Pretoria's cultural life is shaped by the wider Tshwane region: Sepedi, Setswana, isiZulu, Afrikaans, English and many other languages meet in its streets. Marabastad's trading history, community markets and food traditions tell stories of migration, resilience and exchange. Music travels between gospel, jazz, choral traditions, amapiano and contemporary sounds.

Jacaranda blossoms transform parts of the city in spring, but its deeper character lives in the people, neighbourhoods, artists and communities who continually remake it.

Running belongs in a city of broad avenues, parks and hills. Local clubs, community runs and school athletics bring people together across Tshwane, while Loftus Versfeld has long hosted major rugby and football occasions. Pretoria's mix of open civic spaces and historic streets gives a road race a distinctive setting.

For the 2027 Diaspora Marathon, the planned distances are 42K, 21K, 10K and a 5K Walk. The vision is a route passing embassies, the Union Buildings and cultural attractions; final course details have not yet been announced.