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The Two Oceans Marathon is a world-renowned 56km ultramarathon held annually in Cape Town, celebrated as the ‘world’s most beautiful marathon’ for its scenic coastal route.
Note: The next race date has not yet been confirmed by organizers. This page will be updated as soon as the official date is announced.
Course Highlights
The spectacular 56km loop around the Cape Peninsula begins on Main Road in Newlands. The first half is relatively flat, taking runners through Muizenberg and Kalk Bay along the Atlantic coastline. The challenge intensifies with the iconic climb up Chapman’s Peak Drive, which offers world-class views of Hout Bay. After a descent, athletes face the grueling ascent of Constantia Nek, the final major obstacle before the route passes Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The race concludes with a celebratory finish on the UCT Rugby Fields. The terrain is paved road with significant elevation changes throughout the second half.
Why Runners Love It
Known globally as ‘the world’s most beautiful marathon,’ this event is iconic for its breathtaking views between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It is a pinnacle of South African road running, featuring the prestigious Blue Number Club for ten-time finishers. The atmosphere is unrivaled, with over 30,000 participants and thousands of spectators lining the route to cheer on runners. The unique 56km distance offers a supreme challenge that bridges the gap between standard marathons and longer ultras, attracting elite international athletes and passionate amateurs alike to the Mother City every year.
Race Details
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Distances: 56km Ultra Marathon, 21.1km Half Marathon, 24km Trail Run, 16km Trail Run, 5.6km Fun Run, 2.1km Fun Run
- Next Race Date: To Be Announced
- Typical Start Time: 05:15
Race Weekend Tips
Plan to arrive in Cape Town several days early and collect your race pack at the official Expo, typically held at the CTICC. Accommodation in Newlands or Claremont is ideal, but must be booked months in advance. On race day, use the official shuttle services or e-hailing apps, as parking at the start line is extremely limited and strictly enforced. Cape Town’s autumn weather is unpredictable, so prepare for varied conditions ranging from cool morning mist to warm coastal winds.
History & Charity
Founded in 1970 as the Celtic 35 Mile Road Race with just 26 runners, the event was renamed the Two Oceans Marathon in 1972 and has grown into an international spectacle. The race’s philanthropic heart is the Two Oceans Marathon Initiative (TOMI), which supports education, environmental conservation, health, and athletics development. Since 2012, TOMI has served as a central pillar for social impact, raising millions of Rands for various charities through fundraising platforms like GivenGain to benefit local South African communities.
Visit the official race website for the latest updates.
Cape Town, Western Cape 7700 South Africa
The Two Oceans Marathon is a world-renowned 56km ultramarathon held annually in Cape Town, celebrated as the ‘world’s most beautiful marathon’ for its scenic coastal route.
Note: The next race date has not yet been confirmed by organizers. This page will be updated as soon as the official date is announced.
Course Highlights
The spectacular 56km loop around the Cape Peninsula begins on Main Road in Newlands. The first half is relatively flat, taking runners through Muizenberg and Kalk Bay along the Atlantic coastline. The challenge intensifies with the iconic climb up Chapman’s Peak Drive, which offers world-class views of Hout Bay. After a descent, athletes face the grueling ascent of Constantia Nek, the final major obstacle before the route passes Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The race concludes with a celebratory finish on the UCT Rugby Fields. The terrain is paved road with significant elevation changes throughout the second half.
Why Runners Love It
Known globally as ‘the world’s most beautiful marathon,’ this event is iconic for its breathtaking views between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It is a pinnacle of South African road running, featuring the prestigious Blue Number Club for ten-time finishers. The atmosphere is unrivaled, with over 30,000 participants and thousands of spectators lining the route to cheer on runners. The unique 56km distance offers a supreme challenge that bridges the gap between standard marathons and longer ultras, attracting elite international athletes and passionate amateurs alike to the Mother City every year.
Race Details
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Distances: 56km Ultra Marathon, 21.1km Half Marathon, 24km Trail Run, 16km Trail Run, 5.6km Fun Run, 2.1km Fun Run
- Next Race Date: To Be Announced
- Typical Start Time: 05:15
Race Weekend Tips
Plan to arrive in Cape Town several days early and collect your race pack at the official Expo, typically held at the CTICC. Accommodation in Newlands or Claremont is ideal, but must be booked months in advance. On race day, use the official shuttle services or e-hailing apps, as parking at the start line is extremely limited and strictly enforced. Cape Town’s autumn weather is unpredictable, so prepare for varied conditions ranging from cool morning mist to warm coastal winds.
History & Charity
Founded in 1970 as the Celtic 35 Mile Road Race with just 26 runners, the event was renamed the Two Oceans Marathon in 1972 and has grown into an international spectacle. The race’s philanthropic heart is the Two Oceans Marathon Initiative (TOMI), which supports education, environmental conservation, health, and athletics development. Since 2012, TOMI has served as a central pillar for social impact, raising millions of Rands for various charities through fundraising platforms like GivenGain to benefit local South African communities.
Visit the official race website for the latest updates.