Running South Africa - Day 4 of 9 : Gauteng, the long walk to freedom

Day 4 of 9 - Gauteng. Johannesburg. This run came on the back of a tough day in Secunda. Day three started badly, tested our patience, and ended up teaching us a valuable lesson in resilience. We carried that mindset straight into Johannesburg. From the early morning uncertainty to finding rhythm in the city, this run marked a shift. Gauteng brought back the big-city energy we had missed over the previous days — familiar streets, landmarks, and a different kind of buzz that helped lift the legs and the spirit. The route took us through some iconic parts of Johannesburg and delivered a strong, enjoyable run overall. But as the kilometres ticked down, the pressure built. The finish became a mental battle as I chased a sub-6-hour marathon time, making the closing stages both exciting and nerve-wracking. Day four reminded us why we love running through cities — the energy, the movement, and the feeling of being part of something bigger — while still demanding focus and discipline right to the end. Next up: Day 5 of 9 — KwaZulu-Natal | uMnambithi