Pirates 21K
- Sunday 21 February 2027
- Johannesburg
The Pirates 21K is a 21.1 km hilly road race in Johannesburg on Sunday 21 February 2027, with about 464 m of climbing.
Course injury risk by body part
- QuadricepsModerate risk
477 m of descent: a moderate eccentric load.
Include downhill running in your training. Light compression can help on the day.
- Calves and AchillesModerate risk
4.1 km of steep descent, steeper than 5%.
Keep calf raises in your training. Calf sleeves or taping can support the Achilles.
- Plantar fasciaLow risk
A long time on your feet over 21.1 km.
Race in shoes with the arch support you trained in. Taping can add support.
Your fuel, stop by stop, on this course
Pick your goal time and the fuel you carry. The planner places every stop on this course, at the rate your gut can take, with fluid and sodium. Free, and no sign-up to try it.
Road all the way, and hilly: the big climbing is over Northcliff Hill between about 9 and 14 km, topping out near 1,760 m, then the last 7 km run mostly downhill to Greenside. Start on Cruden Bay Rd above Sir Lionel Phillips Park, finish at Pirates Club, 25 Braeside Rd, Greenside.
Late February on the Highveld: a mild 16 to 18 °C at the 06:00 start, warming fast after sunrise, often humid, with afternoon storms more likely than morning rain.
Start 06:00. Field capped at 5,000. Water about every 3 km.
Joburg's toughest half, run by Pirates Road Running Club from Greenside. Over Northcliff Hill, where the first man and woman to the top win King and Queen of the Mountain, then through Fairland, Risidale and Montroux and back past Franklin Roosevelt Park to finish at Pirates Club. About 444 m of climbing, at 1,600 m above sea level.
Questions about this race
When is the Pirates 21K in 2027?
Sunday 21 February 2027, in Johannesburg.
How hilly is the Pirates 21K?
About 464 m of climbing over 21.1 km, between 1565 m and 1762 m above sea level.
How do I enter the Pirates 21K?
Start 06:00. Field capped at 5,000. Water about every 3 km.
Take this race to the start line.
Set your goal for the Pirates 21K, and Glyco builds the weeks before it, the carb load and your fuel on race day, then sends them to your watch.
