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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.