Fish Hoek Athletics Club pioneers South Africa's first plastic-free marathon
The refill-only setup, tested by Fish Hoek Athletics Club, allows multiple runners to replenish their soft flasks without any single-use plastic.
Image: Erin Carelse
Fish Hoek Athletics Club has announced a major breakthrough for South African sport.
The 2026 Timbercity Red Hill Marathon, organised by the club in partnership with MANZI Water, will become the country’s first established marathon to go fully water refill-only, removing every single-use plastic cup, sachet and bottle from the route.
Every participant will receive a reusable MANZI water hydration bottle - a BPA-free 500ml soft flask designed for endurance events - which they will refill throughout the race.
Instead of grabbing sachets or cups, runners will top up their flasks directly from the MANZI Water Hydration System placed along the course.
MANZI Water holds exclusive rights to the patented system, allowing the company to deploy the technology at major South African events.
The design is built around modular, food-grade structures fitted with multiple high-flow valves, allowing several runners to refill in under ten seconds. High-capacity water tanks at every station will maintain pressure and ensure uninterrupted, hygienic refills at practical intervals along the route.
Pictured at the refill station during yesterday’s launch at Fish Hoek Athletics Club are, from left, club general manager Andre Blom, Michele Kasfikis, Karoline Hanks, Frank Stokell, Peter Holden, Alfred Chalis and Collette Van Eck.
Image: Erin Carelse
The club began testing the model last year after researching international examples, said Fish Hoek Athletics general manager, Andre Blom.
“We actually found a marathon in the United States that uses a system like this,” he said. “That got us thinking about how we could build something similar here.”
Mr Blom said he reached out to MANZI Water in Fish Hoek, where a representative connected him with one of the founding members, Frank Stokell, and “from there the relationship just kept building.”
The club trialled three refill systems last year, and now six are fully operational for the marathon.
Environmental advocate and Noordhoek runner Karoline Hanks praised the move.
“The shift to a water refill-only hydration system is a meaningful step that shows how sport can support environmental responsibility,” she said.
The 500ml MANZI Water soft flask runners will carry and refill throughout the 2026 Red Hill Marathon.
Image: Erin Carelse
“I am encouraged by the leadership shown by Fish Hoek Athletics Club and MANZI Water and look forward to supporting this important initiative.”
MANZI Water CEO Alfred Challis said the partnership reflects shared purpose.
“The Red Hill Marathon’s move to a full water refill-only model is an important milestone for sustainability in road running,” he said.
“We are honoured to support an event that shares our commitment to cleaner, more responsible and community-minded practices.”
Fish Hoek Athletics Club has long encouraged runners to support its #RunGreen efforts, and club spokesperson Mark Jacobs said the shift strengthens that mission.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to a plastic and sachet-free event,” he said.
“There will be more hydration stations than before, and every participant will receive a reusable soft flask in their goodie bag. We are thrilled to showcase our progress and look forward to seeing everyone at the starting line on Saturday, January 24.”
Race information is available through Fish Hoek Athletics Club, with entries via EntryNinja.