With dramatic natural landscapes and an incredible local spectator culture, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon stands as the continent’s ultimate road race. Whether you’re targeting a fast personal best, seeking an unforgettable destination marathon, or taking on your very first 26.2-mile challenge for charity, Cape Town delivers a world-class event in every sense.
Starting in the shadow of Table Mountain and finishing near the oceanfront at the V&A Waterfront, the course showcases the natural majesty and rich cultural diversity of South Africa’s "Mother City." Add in vibrant spectator zones featuring traditional drumming groups, pristine coastal breeze, and warm local hospitality, and it’s easy to see why runners fly in from every continent.
Cape Town Marathon 2027 at a glance
- Distance: Marathon, 26.2 miles
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Date: Sunday 17 October 2027
- Start: Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point
- Finish: V&A Waterfront Precinct / Green Point Common
- Terrain: Road / Asphalt
- Course profile: Relatively flat and fast overall, with gentle rolling sections along the slopes of Table Mountain during the middle miles.
The Cape Town Marathon route
The Cape Town Marathon course offers an awe-inspiring grand tour of the Mother City, taking you from coastal ocean views to mountain foothills and historic urban hubs.
The race begins outside of the DHL Stadium in Green Point, where thousands of runners assemble as dawn breaks over Table Bay. The first six miles guide you through the city centre towards the historical district of District Six and Woodstock, where the local community brings energy to the streets.
Miles 6 to 14 take you east towards Rondebosch and Newlands, running beneath the magnificent, sheer rock faces of Table Mountain and Devil's Peak. This section offers steady, leafy roads where you can lock into a stable pace while taking in the panoramic views.
The second half of the course loops back through the vibrant neighbourhoods of Salt River and Observatory, before heading toward the Atlantic oceanfront. The final stretch along Mouille Point and Sea Point promenade offers broad ocean views across the Atlantic, before bringing you into the finish line at the V&A Waterfront.
Cape Town Marathon 2027: Course highlights
- Table Mountain & Devil's Peak Backdrop
Running through the southern suburbs offers towering views of Cape Town’s famous mountain ranges framing the skyline.
- District Six & City Bowl
A rich cultural stretch through historic neighbourhoods, filled with cheering spectators, live music, and traditional gumboot dancers.
- Atlantic Ocean Coastal Finish
The closing miles along the ocean promenade offer an unrivalled crisp sea breeze and a roaring crowd to push you over the finish line.
Top tips for running the Cape Town Marathon
- Manage the early coastal wind
Cape Town is famous for its sea breezes. Try to draft within a pace group during open sections along the promenade to conserve energy for the closing miles.
- Pace the gentle suburban gradients
While the course is predominantly flat, miles 7 to 12 feature subtle, rolling inclines as you approach the mountain slopes. Maintain your effort level rather than forcing pace uphill.
- Hydrate for spring weather
October in Cape Town marks the transition into summer. Temperatures can rise quickly, so take advantage of hydration and water points early in the race.
- Practice drinking from water sachets
South African races often utilise recyclable plastic water sachets alongside cups at aid stations. Practice biting off the corner of a soft pouch during training runs so you can hydrate smoothly on the move.
Most common questions about Cape Town Marathon
Is Cape Town Marathon a fast course?
Yes! The course was specifically redesigned to be fast, smooth, and accessible. It features low total elevation gain, wide roads, and continuous sea-level running, making it ideal for setting a personal best or qualifying for major international events.
Is the Cape Town Marathon flat?
The course is mostly flat. There are a few gentle, long gradients through the suburban miles around Rondebosch, but total elevation gain across the full 26.2 miles is under 150 metres.
Is the Cape Town Marathon a good marathon for beginners?
Yes! The generous 6-hour and 30-minute cut-off time, excellent water and medical infrastructure, and enthusiastic crowd support make it a great choice for your first full marathon.
How many people run the Cape Town Marathon?
The main 26.2 mile race attracts over 20,000 runners every year, with tens of thousands more participating in the surrounding trail runs, 10k, and community events across race weekend.
How can I get a place in the Cape Town Marathon 2027?
General entries open directly via the official event portal in early 2027. International runners can also secure guaranteed entry packages through official sports travel operators or by signing up to fundraise for official partner charities through realbuzz.
Ready to take on Cape Town Marathon 2027?
From sweeping mountain horizons and oceanic views to a top-tier global organisation, the Cape Town Marathon is a bucket-list running experience like no other.
