Cape Town Marathon 2026

The 42.2km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is a world-class city race welcoming everyone from elite athletes to social runners. The spectacular course showcases Cape Town’s iconic natural and cultural landmarks, with Table Mountain as a constant backdrop, sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, vibrant street art, the Madiba Statue at City Hall, and the lively neighborhoods of Woodstock. With typically dry weather and a cool early morning temperature averaging 57°F, the flat, fast route offers ideal running conditions. The race is fully supported with numerous water and nutrition stations along the course – and the start area even features 12 coffee stations to fuel you before the race begins.

Getting to Cape Town:
International travelers arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), approximately 20 km (12 miles) from the city center. UK and EU residents require a valid passport, and depending on your stay, a visa may be necessary – always check the latest South African government travel guidelines before departure.
• Taxi & Ride-Sharing: Taxis are available at the official rank outside the arrivals hall, with trips to central Cape Town taking around 20–30 minutes and fares averaging ZAR 300–400 ($20–25). Popular ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt offer convenient and reliable alternatives.
• Car Rental: Rental cars are available at the airport and are useful if you plan to explore areas outside the city, such as the Cape Winelands or Cape Point.

Getting around the city:
Private Transport: The safest and most efficient way to navigate Cape Town is by ride-sharing services (Uber, Bolt), pre-arranged taxis, or hotel shuttles. These options provide security, reliability, and flexibility, especially during marathon weekend.
Public Transport: Cape Town has a public transport network, including minibus taxis and the MyCiTi Bus service. Minibus taxis can be unpredictable and are generally not recommended for tourists. The MyCiTi Bus is a safe, affordable, and efficient option connecting the city center with the airport, suburbs, and key areas of interest

With Sports Tours, you never run alone. We’ll meet you at your hotel, escort you to the race expo and get you to the start line with ease. Join us for a 5KM shakeout run, meet fellow runners and celebrate together post-race.

Make your way from the airport to the hotel and proceed with check-in. In the evening, join us for complimentary welcome drinks – a great opportunity to meet your fellow runners and the Sports Tours International team, who will be on hand to provide information and support ahead of race day.

Join our 5KM shakeout run – the perfect way to loosen up ahead of race day. Our team will guide you on a scenic route through the surrounding area of Cape Town. Following the run, we’ll host a pre-race briefing, offering last-minute tips and answering any final questions to ensure you’re fully prepared.
In the afternoon, experience the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town on a guided one-day sightseeing tour, taking in the spectacular views of Chapman’s Peak Drive, the dramatic coastline of Cape Point, and the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Later, our team will accompany you to the race expo to collect your bibs.

Today is registration day for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. Our team will accompany you to collect your race bib from the expo. Please note that all participants must register and collect their race numbers and materials prior to race day – this is a mandatory requirement. In addition to registration, today also features the 5km and 10km Peace Runs, as well as the Mountain Marathon Trail events, including the full marathon, 22km, and the newly introduced 11km trail distances.

Race day has arrived! The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon takes place today, and we’ll be supporting you on course from our Sports Tours cheer zone – family and friends are warmly invited to join us and cheer you on.

In the evening, celebrate your incredible achievement at our exclusive post-marathon after-party. Join your fellow runners and the Sports Tours team for complimentary food, drinks, and a well-deserved evening of celebration.

Please check out of your hotel as scheduled and proceed with your onward travel. Should you wish to extend your stay, additional nights can be arranged on request, subject to availability, either before or after the official package dates.

What date is the Cape Town Marathon 2026?

The Cape Town Marathon 2026 takes place on May 24th 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. The event is currently in its candidate period for the Abbott World Marathon Majors, meaning runners who complete it will earn a temporary Abbott star. If the race is later confirmed as a Major, these will become an official Abbott World Marathon Major star.

How can I register for the Cape Town Marathon?

The simplest way to secure your place is by booking one of our Sports Tours International Cape Town Marathon packages, which include guaranteed race entry. This removes the need to manage own arrangements or worry about availability. Your race bib and all registration details are included as part of the package, ensuring a smooth registration process.

What are the Cape Town Marathon qualifying times?

There are no qualifying times required when booking through Sports Tours International. Entry is guaranteed within our packages, so US runners can focus on training and travel rather than navigating the ballot system.

What travel and accommodation options are available?

Our Cape Town Marathon packages include carefully selected hotels, designed for convenience and comfort. Highlights include:

This ensures a stress-free experience from arrival to race day

What are the official organizations involved in the Cape Town Marathon?

The Cape Town Marathon 2026 is organized by the local race team in partnership with the City of Cape Town, and sanctioned by Athletics South Africa, the country’s official governing body for athletics. The event is supported by local sponsors and authorities to ensure a safe and well-managed marathon experience.

What is the expected weather during the Cape Town Marathon?

May in Cape Town is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 59–68°F. Runners can expect mostly dry conditions and a scenic route along the coast.

Where is the Cape Town Marathon start line?

The 2026 Cape Town Marathon starts on Fritz Sonnenberg Road in Green Point, near the Cape Town Stadium. Runners will gather in this dedicated start area before setting off on a scenic route that showcases the city’s stunning coastal and urban views.

Where is the Cape Town Marathon finish line?

The finish line is located on Vlei Road in Green Point, adjacent to the Cape Town Stadium, creating a central and accessible race finish. This area is well set up for spectators and celebrations, with easy access from nearby accommodation and local attractions.

How much is the entry fee for the Cape Town Marathon 2026?

The registration fee varies depending on entry method. When booking through Sports Tours International, the entry fee is included as part of the marathon package, alongside accommodation and expert support.

What is the history of the Cape Town Marathon?

The Cape Town Marathon has quickly become one of South Africa’s premier road races. Runners pass iconic landmarks and enjoy world-class organization.

As the race is currently a candidate Abbott World Marathon Major, participants in 2026 will earn a temporary Abbott star, which will become official if the event is confirmed as a Major.