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The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate, offering a scenic and fast course through the heart of Cape Town.
Course Highlights
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon offers one of the most spectacular routes in world running, starting and finishing in the shadow of the iconic Cape Town Stadium. Runners traverse a fast and flat course that showcases the natural beauty and historical depth of the “Mother City.” Key landmarks include the majestic Table Mountain, the bustling city center, and the historic District Six. A significant portion of the race takes runners along the Atlantic seaboard, providing refreshing sea breezes and stunning views of the ocean as they pass through Mouille Point and Sea Point. The course is designed to be fast, making it ideal for both elite athletes chasing personal bests and social runners enjoying the scenery.
Race Details
The 2026 event marks a historic milestone as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon enters its final year of candidacy to become an Abbott World Marathon Major. If successful, it will join the ranks of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York as one of the world’s premier marathons. The race weekend is a true festival of running, featuring the main 42.2km marathon on Sunday, alongside 10km and 5km Peace road runs and a series of challenging trail runs on Table Mountain (11km, 22km, and 43km) on Saturday. Registration and the official race expo are held at the DHL Stadium, where thousands of local and international participants gather to collect their race packs and soak in the pre-race atmosphere.
Why Runners Love It
Runners from around the globe are drawn to Cape Town for its unique blend of urban energy and breathtaking natural landscapes. The event is renowned for its incredible vibe, with numerous “supporter zones” and “vibe points” along the route where local residents, bands, and dancers cheer on the participants. The prestige of running an Abbott World Marathon Major candidate race adds an extra layer of excitement and professionalism to the experience. Additionally, the marathon’s commitment to sustainability and its “Run for Charity” program allow participants to contribute to meaningful causes while achieving their fitness goals. Whether it’s the chance to run in Africa’s first potential Major or simply to enjoy the world-class scenery, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is a bucket-list event for every runner.
At a Glance
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape — South Africa
- Next Date: 2026-05-24
- Distances: 42.2km, 10km, 5km, 43km Trail, 22km Trail, 11km Trail
- Start Time: 06:15
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.capetownmarathon.com/
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate, offering a scenic and fast course through the heart of Cape Town.
Course Highlights
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon offers one of the most spectacular routes in world running, starting and finishing in the shadow of the iconic Cape Town Stadium. Runners traverse a fast and flat course that showcases the natural beauty and historical depth of the “Mother City.” Key landmarks include the majestic Table Mountain, the bustling city center, and the historic District Six. A significant portion of the race takes runners along the Atlantic seaboard, providing refreshing sea breezes and stunning views of the ocean as they pass through Mouille Point and Sea Point. The course is designed to be fast, making it ideal for both elite athletes chasing personal bests and social runners enjoying the scenery.
Race Details
The 2026 event marks a historic milestone as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon enters its final year of candidacy to become an Abbott World Marathon Major. If successful, it will join the ranks of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York as one of the world’s premier marathons. The race weekend is a true festival of running, featuring the main 42.2km marathon on Sunday, alongside 10km and 5km Peace road runs and a series of challenging trail runs on Table Mountain (11km, 22km, and 43km) on Saturday. Registration and the official race expo are held at the DHL Stadium, where thousands of local and international participants gather to collect their race packs and soak in the pre-race atmosphere.
Why Runners Love It
Runners from around the globe are drawn to Cape Town for its unique blend of urban energy and breathtaking natural landscapes. The event is renowned for its incredible vibe, with numerous “supporter zones” and “vibe points” along the route where local residents, bands, and dancers cheer on the participants. The prestige of running an Abbott World Marathon Major candidate race adds an extra layer of excitement and professionalism to the experience. Additionally, the marathon’s commitment to sustainability and its “Run for Charity” program allow participants to contribute to meaningful causes while achieving their fitness goals. Whether it’s the chance to run in Africa’s first potential Major or simply to enjoy the world-class scenery, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is a bucket-list event for every runner.
At a Glance
- Location: Cape Town, Western Cape — South Africa
- Next Date: 2026-05-24
- Distances: 42.2km, 10km, 5km, 43km Trail, 22km Trail, 11km Trail
- Start Time: 06:15
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.capetownmarathon.com/