Big Race at Bonkolo Dam – But There’s One Rule for Residents!

Komani – The Bonkolo Marathon, featuring both a Half Marathon and a 10km race, is set to take place this Saturday, 8 November 2025, starting at 05h30 from the Yacht Club at Bonkolo Dam, Queenstown. Residents are being urged to take special precautions, particularly dog owners, to ensure the safety of participants and the smooth running of the event.

Why Residents Need to Secure Their Dogs

Ward 10 Councillor Tokkie Deysel has issued a formal notice asking all residents to ensure that their dogs are safely secured within properties or yards during the marathon. The call comes after concerns about stray and aggressive dogs roaming streets in the area.

“Any incident involving dogs attacking or endangering participants may result in legal action being taken,” the notice emphasises. Councillor Deysel said the cooperation of the community is critical to making the event safe and successful for runners, officials, and spectators.

Event Overview: Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km Races

The Bonkolo Marathon is one of the most prominent annual running events in the Chris Hani District, drawing participants from across the Eastern Cape.

Full Event Schedule and Race Details

The Bonkolo Marathon 2025 will start early in the morning, with staggered start times to accommodate all categories:

The races start from 05h30 from the Yacht Club at Bonkolo Dam, offering stunning scenic views along the dam and surrounding roads. The marathon route is designed to challenge athletes while highlighting the natural beauty of Queenstown.

Safety Measures and Community Cooperation

To ensure the safety of runners, volunteers, and spectators, law enforcement and event organisers have implemented several measures:

• Traffic marshals and road signage along key points of the race route

• Patrols by local law enforcement to monitor stray or aggressive dogs

• Coordination with private security services to safeguard participants

Residents are urged to keep pets secured, particularly in areas close to the race route, to avoid incidents. Dog owners are reminded that failure to secure pets could have legal implications if their animals pose a threat to participants.

Why This Marathon Matters to Queenstown

The Bonkolo Marathon is more than just a race; it is a community event that promotes:

• Fitness and health awareness among residents

• Tourism and local economic activity in Queenstown

• Community engagement and volunteerism

Thousands of spectators and athletes are expected to attend, making it one of the most high-profile sporting events in the area this year. The scenic backdrop of Bonkolo Dam adds a unique appeal for runners and photographers alike.

Tips for Residents and Visitors During the Marathon

Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow these guidelines:

1. Secure pets indoors or within fenced areas

2. Plan travel carefully, as certain roads may have temporary closures

3. Avoid parking on the marathon route to allow smooth passage for runners

4. Report stray or aggressive dogs to local authorities immediately

5. Cheer responsibly from designated spectator areas

By following these measures, residents can contribute to a safe and memorable marathon experience for everyone involved.

Key Event Details

• Event: Bonkolo Marathon – Half Marathon & 10km Fun Run

• Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025

• Time: 05h30 start

• Location: Yacht Club, Bonkolo Dam, Queenstown