Races

PACERTRIP CITY EDITIONZA / RACE GUIDE

Cape Town Marathon

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

The city you want to run becomes your next trip.

Cape Town
ZA

Axxter99 · CC BY-SA 4.0Axxter99 · CC BY-SA 4.0Axxter99 · CC BY-SA 4.0Axxter99 · CC BY-SA 4.0Axxter99 · CC BY-SA 4.0Axxter99 · CC BY-SA 4.0HelenOnline · CC BY-SA 4.02026 Cape Town Marathon · wikimedia (CC BY-SA)Axxter99 · wikimedia (CC BY-SA)

Race date in 191 days: May 23, 2027 Sun
City · Distance: Cape Town · 42.195km · 21.1km
Entry fee: ZAR 800Varies by event and entry period
Status: ClosedSee how to enter ↗

2027Date May 23, 2027 · Entry Jun 10, 2026 ~ Jun 24, 2026

2026

2026Date May 24, 2026 · Entry Nov 6, 2025 ~ Nov 25, 2025

Official website ↗

Instagram

D-day as of Nov 13, 2026

About the race Runner stories How to enter Course Race Prep Travel

Why you dream of this race

THE DREAM

ABOUT THE RACE

A day you'll remember,
long past the finish line.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon starts near Fritz Sonnenberg Road in Green Point, by DHL Stadium,

and is known as a flat, fast course with views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic coastline and Robben Island.

It is the first Abbott World Marathon Majors race in Africa.

The road to your own record

Picture the course in advance
and find the pace that fits you.

When the city cheers

Streets lined with cheers, runners all around.
You'll be part of that scene.

The trip that follows the run

Take it slow with the finish still in you,
and meet the city all over again.

#May Marathon#CapeTown#CapeTownHalfMarathon#SanlamCapeTownMarathon#World Marathon Majors#Full marathon

Stories from runners who've been there.

From the joy of finishing to the tough moments — read what runners wrote themselves.

Race reports: 7

apricotrunnerRan in 2026 · Finish time 5:18:00

“Race completed in 5 hours 18 minutes – I was thrilled.”

After taking a long break from running, the runner took part after a short preparation period. They ran at their planned pace early on, but after 30km, they had to walk because of the hills and foot pain. The runner kept going to the finish and completed the race in 5 hours 18 minutes. They wrote that the support from aid stations, the volunteers, and the spectators was memorable.

Read the original on Run Apricot Run

VijayRan in 2026 · Finish time 2:47:17

“Cape Town ranks among my most enjoyable marathons.”

They described the gentle undulations, the rocky uphill section late in the race, and the coastal stretch as challenging. They maintained their fueling and pace and achieved their personal best.

Read the original on Geeks on Feet

thebraketesterRan in 2025 · Finish time 00:49:18

“Missed my PB by 2 seconds but the route is brutal. 3 massive hills.”

They ran a chip time of 49:18 at the 2025 Cape Town half marathon, two seconds short of a personal best, and called it a brutal course with three big hills.

Read the original on PistonHeads — The Running Thread

Mark & Karen JacobsRan in 2024

“The experience was amazing as the vibe was lifted by a breakout of traditional song by some runners, need to learn – goosebump stuff.”

These are the experiences of participants who started with parkrun and took on a marathon. They traveled to the start by an early shuttle bus and experienced a cold wait and congestion at the beginning. After the midpoint of course, they endured sections with less support, hills, and leg cramps to finish together.

Read the original on Fish Hoek Athletic Club

whereintheworldisTagRan in 2024 · Finish time 3:15:50

“I couldn´t find speed.”

Running into strong winds, the runner felt unwell from midway and eased off. They enjoyed the city views and the distinctive crowd support, but the final out-and-back along the coast was mentally tough, and they finished in 3 hours 15 minutes 50 seconds.

Read the original on WHERE IN THE WORLD IS TaG

Jessie BensonRan in 2024 · Finish time 3:57:16

“Overall, I had a very positive experience at the Cape Town marathon.”

The runner was satisfied with the start waves and the toilet facilities, and there were enough aid stations. The return section in the second half felt long in the heat and wind, but the runner dug deep at the end and finished in under four hours.

Read the original on The Right Fits

Anthony RimbaultRan in 2023 · Finish time 03:50:00

“Personal Best achieved. 3Hours 50Minutes”

Anthony ran the Cape Town Marathon past Table Mountain and along the coast, buoyed by strong crowd support, and pushed through the heat and fatigue in the final section to set a personal best of 3 hours 50 minutes.

Read the original on Fish Hoek Athletic Club

We translated a short line from each public race report and summarized the experience. Finish times are as stated by the author, and past editions may differ from this year's weather and operations.

See it on video,
feel it through their stories.

Preview the course and read what runners who went before you wrote.

2026 Elite Highlights | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Cape Town Marathon
View on YouTube

This may be from a past edition. Check the organizer for this year's course and operations.

The way in that fits you

YOUR ENTRY

How to reach the start line —
start with what fits you.

Here are the ways to enter and what each requires.
Check the organizer's page for whether entries are open.

Lottery entry has closed

It ran Jun 10, 2026–Jun 24, 2026.
Check separately whether other entry routes are open and spots remain.

Registration history · The 2027 race opened entry on Wed, June 10, 2026

Lottery

Entry cost TBD

General participants for the 2027 Cape Town Marathon full marathon could enter the official lottery.

You must apply during the lottery period set by the race and complete payment if selected for your entry to be confirmed.

Organizer's page

Charity

Entry cost TBD

You can apply for a 2027 full marathon entry through the official charity entry route.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

You must check the charity program’s application requirements and fundraising commitment.

Organizer's page

International travel agency

Entry cost TBD

You can apply for a 2027 full marathon entry through an official international tour operator.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

You must check the package conditions of the official international tour operator designated by the race.

Organizer's page

Official tour operators

Official tour operators listed by the race organizer. Check whether race entry is included and confirm the application requirements with the operator.

Official race website Entry options

From the start line to the finish

RACE WEEK

Your 42.195km

Know the course and time limit, and race day comes into focus.

From the 2026 edition

Runners start · local timeFrom 08:00

Time limit6 hours

6 hours and 30 minutes

Event	Start	Time limit
Marathon42.195km	08:00	6h30

ZAR 225~
Starting price; increases by category and entry phase

START

Fritz Sonnenberg Road, near Green Point Stadium

Start · Google Maps

FINISH

Vlei Road, Green Point

Finish · Google Maps

Cutoff
2027 official cut-off point: time limit for the full 42.2km marathon is 6.5 hours.

Original course map · capetownmarathon.com

The roots of the Cape Town Marathon go back to an event held at Mutual Park in Pinelands in 1994.

It took its current name when Sanlam became the title sponsor in 2014, and in 2017 it became the first African marathon to receive the IAAF Gold Label.

The 2020 event was cancelled because of COVID-19, and in 2025 it was cancelled because strong winds damaged facilities and course was unsafe on race day.

The current course starts near Cape Town Stadium, passes through the city centre,

Woodstock, Salt River, Mowbray and the southern suburbs, and returns to Green Point.

Along the way, you pass Rondebosch Common, the University of Cape Town area, the Castle of Good Hope,

Cape Town City Hall, St George's Cathedral, the Company's Garden, the V&A Waterfront and the Sea Point Promenade.

At approximately 35km, mark includes a 6.43km section that passes the finish area before heading back towards Sea Point,

making late-race pacing especially important.

World Athletics Label: Platinum Label
AIMS Certified: Member race of the AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races)
Typical race-season temperature: around 17°C (62°F): Short sleeves — hydrate for the warmth
Aid stations: On the 42.2km course, there are 15 aid stations at intervals of approximately 3km (13 stations with water, cola and Powerade; 2 with water only)

Participant benefits

Timing chip

Marathon · Peace Runs · Trail Runs

Water stations

Marathon

Finisher medal

Marathon

Event T-shirt

Marathon

Finisher certificate

Marathon

Bag drop

From the most recent edition

Aid stations 2026

Marathon

Bag drop 2026

Marathon

Race expo 2026

Marathon

Finisher medal 2026

Marathon

Pacers 2026

Marathon

Restrooms 2026

Marathon

Timing chip 2026

Marathon

Water stations 2026

Marathon

This may change for the next edition.

Hotels544m from the start · ★8.8

To the start line,
step by step.

Pick up your bib, check your wave.
So on race morning, you can just run.

From the 2026 edition

Bib pickup

You must present the official participation confirmation message (including a unique QR code) received by email or WhatsApp.
Pickup is not possible on the day of the race, and the last day (Saturday) is a pickup day for marathon participants only.
Based on the 2026 edition — Thu May 21, 9:00am-7:00pm; Fri May 22, 9:00am-6:00pm; Sat May 23, 10:00am-5:00pm

DHL Stadium

Cape Town Stadium · Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point, Cape Town, South Africa

Google Maps Directions

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

May 23, 2026

Shakeout run

A relaxed group run to loosen up before race day. No pace pressure — everyone's welcome.
Based on the 2026 race. This year's schedule is usually announced 1–3 weeks before race day.

5km Peace Run

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon · 5 km

When: Sat, May 23, 2026 10:00
Where: Green Point precinct adjacent to DHL Stadium
How to join: Ticket required

Sign-up & details Google Maps

Stations & transport near the venue

Getting to the startNo direct train service to start; free event shuttles run from six city hubs…
Transit cardGet a myconnect card (MyCiTi's reloadable transit card) from a station kiosk for around R40, then load it with Mover pay-as-you-go value or a multi-day pass — this is the most reliable way to ride the MyCiTi bus network as a visitor. Where to buy
Getting to the finishSame shuttle network as start serves the combined Start · Finish precinct (Green Point

Source · checked Aug 20, 2026 · Source · checked Aug 17, 2026

More details

Getting to the start

No direct train service to start; free event shuttles run from six city hubs (V&A Waterfront, CTICC, Civic Centre/Thibault, Green Point parking areas, Canal Walk, UCT) to the Start/Finish precinct at Green Point/DHL Stadium. Nearest train station is Cape Town Station, ~10 min walk to the Thibault MyCiTi stop where the free shuttle can be caught. · 10 min walk

Free shuttles serve Start/Finish from: V&A Waterfront (4 stops), CTICC (Parking Area P1), Civic Centre (Thibault stop), Green Point (paid parking P9/P12/P13, limited days), Canal Walk, and UCT. Typical hours Thu-Sat 08:30-19:30/22:00, Sun-to-venue 05:30-06:45, Sun return 11:00-17:30. Paid Park & Ride buses (R50) run direct from UCT, Theo Marais Park, CTICC, Civic Centre, Century City: depart 04h00-05h00, return 10h00-14h30. e-Hailing drop-off points at CTICC, Civic Centre, Green Point P13/P14 (vehicle access closes 05h45 race morning).

MyCiTi bus disrupted by road closures Sat-Sun -- free event shuttle recommended instead. No street parking near venue in Green Point/Sea Point/Mouille Point -- vehicles towed.

Road closures apply Saturday and Sunday of race weekend around Green Point/Sea Point/Mouille Point; no public or street parking, cars towed. If parking at V&A Waterfront race morning, arrive by 07:30 (Beach Rd/Portswood Rd close after 07:30 for Wheelchair Race at 07:50).

Free secure bicycle park at P4 near Stadium Start. The transport guide currently published references the 2026 edition (24 May 2026) -- the 2027-specific update (23 May 2027) is not yet posted, though venue/shuttle structure is typically reused.

Road Closures page still shows 2023/2024-dated content -- treat exact closure times as unconfirmed for 2027.

Getting to the finish

Same shuttle network as start serves the combined Start/Finish precinct (Green Point/DHL Stadium Race Village)

Transport guide treats Start and Finish as one venue area served by the same shuttles/buses/e-Hailing points; no finish-specific section on the site.

Map

Start shuttle

Free event shuttles from V&A Waterfront, CTICC, Civic Centre (+Thibault), Green Point, Canal Walk and UCT. Separate paid Park & Ride coaches (R50) from UCT, Theo Marais Park, CTICC, Civic Centre and Century City, departing 04h00-05h00, returning 10h00-14h30.

Transit card

myconnect

MyCiTi station kiosks and participating retailers (full retailer list published on myciti.org.za) Not accepted at the gates — get the local card above

Alternative: 1-Day / 3-Day / 7-Day Pass (loaded onto a myconnect card) — Worth it if you'll take 3+ MyCiTi rides in a day, e.g. combining airport transfer, race expo, and sightseeing trips.

MyCiTi's own site states EMV (bank card) fare payment was discontinued as of 4 December 2025 in favor of the revamped myconnect card system — so don't rely on tapping a foreign bank card. MyCiTi mainly serves the CBD, Atlantic seaboard, and airport route (A01); it does not cover the whole metro, so many runners also use Uber/Bolt.

Where to buy

Source · checked Aug 20, 2026 Source · checked Aug 17, 2026

READY TO RUN

From race morning to after the finish.

Your start time, fuel and bag drop.
Know them ahead and the run feels easier.

Both the start and finish are centred around Cape Town Stadium and Green Point.

Choosing accommodation in this area makes it easier to plan your race-day travel.

Because course makes a wide loop from the city centre through Woodstock, Salt River and Mowbray to the southern suburbs before returning,

it is practical to arrange one meeting point for family or companions in Green Point.

Include wind as a factor in your plans for May 23. The event was cancelled on race day in 2025 because of strong winds,

so check the weather and wind conditions before the start and prepare an outer layer that protects you from the wind.

After approximately 35km, you still have 6.43km to run even with finish in sight, so do not start too fast and save energy and nutrition for the later section.

You can also choose the 10km or 5km Peace Run or a trail event instead of the marathon.

Times are local to Cape Town. Check the latest official information before the race.

A trip built around the race

STAY A LITTLE

MAKE IT A RUNTRIP

The race is one day,
the trip can be longer.

From a hotel that makes race morning easy,
to the meals and views you'll enjoy with the medal on.

Never At Home Green Point

Hostel · 544m · 8-minute walk

8.8/10(1137)

View on Booking.com

Cape Town Bo-Kaap Malay Cooking Class and Lunch

Cape Malay Cooking Class · ZAR 864

Cape Town Marathon

About Cape Town Marathon — what makes it special

A day you'll remember,long past the finish line.

The road to your own record

When the city cheers

The trip that follows the run