Season & Race Programme
Official season information for the 2026 Marlbank One Loft Race, including entry highlights, race programme, participant updates, auction terms and loft location details.
Season Progression
The 2026 season follows seven official hotspot races before the final race at Richmond. The programme is preliminary and may be adjusted due to weather or race-day operational factors.
Race 1
Winburg
Race 2
Bloemfontein
Race 3
Edenburg
Race 4
Springfontein
Race 5
Colesberg
Race 6
Noupoort
Race 7
Hanover
Final Race
Richmond
2026 Race Calendar
Preliminary liberation sites and distances as supplied by loft management.
| Race | Liberation | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
1Race 1 | Winburg | 215 km | Hotspot |
2Race 2 | Bloemfontein | 312 km | Hotspot |
3Race 3 | Edenburg | 365 km | Hotspot |
4Race 4 | Springfontein | 440 km | Hotspot |
5Race 5 | Colesberg | 520 km | Hotspot |
6Race 6 | Noupoort | 550 km | Hotspot |
7Race 7 | Hanover | 590 km | Hotspot |
FFinal Race | Richmond | 655 km | Final |
Race 1
Race 2
Race 3
Race 4
Race 5
Race 6
Race 7
Final Race
Official Rules Access
The full Marlbank OLR rules and regulations are available via the downloadable PDF and dedicated Rules page.
Marlbank OLR at Heron Banks
Physical Address
Heron Banks Golf Course
4 Minaar Street
Vaalpark, Sasolburg 1947
South Africa
GPS Coordinates
S 26°45'2.132"
E 27°51'20.599"
Key Participation Terms
Payments & Activation
Full payment is due no later than two weeks after the activation race. Unpaid birds will be removed from all results, and all payments remain non-refundable.
Ownership & Loft Authority
Once a bird is accepted into the loft, ownership transfers to Marlbank OLR. Only loft management may enter the loft or make final race-day and operational decisions.
Health, Care & Protection
Vaccination, feeding, medication, exercise and training are managed by loft management. Injury or illness treatment may be decided with Dr Piet van Zyl if required.
Reports & Updates
A WhatsApp group will be created for all participants.
Loft management will publish regular reports on training tosses, hot spots and the main race.
Times, bird counts and fancier names will be shared through social media updates.
Post-Season Auction
All birds will be auctioned after the final race.
All auction proceeds will be split 50/50 after a 20% sales commission.
If no pedigree is provided before auction, all proceeds shall be ceded to Marlbank OLR.
Pigeons not sold at auction may be offered for sale at loft management's discretion.
Join the 2026 season
Download the official rules, prepare your entries and contact Marlbank OLR for registration and loft management queries.