Cape Town Marathon

Cape Town Marathon Countdown

45

Days

04

Hrs

12

Min

20

Sec

Next Race

May 24, 2026

46

days to go

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is a World Marathon Majors Candidate Race, positioning itself to become Africa's first WMM event. The stunning course loops through the Mother City with the flat-topped Table Mountain as an ever-present backdrop. Runners pass through the vibrant V&A Waterfront, the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, the leafy suburbs of Rondebosch and Newlands, and along the sweeping coastline. The favorable October weather, fast course, and world-class elite fields have produced consistently quick times, making Cape Town a rising star on the global marathon calendar.

WA Gold Label

Est.

2014

Distance

42.195km / 26.2mi

Course

Loop

Surface

Road

Elev. Gain

85m

Elev. Loss

85m

Field Size

~15,000

When

May

Time Limit

6.5h

THE COURSE

Gain

+85m

Loss

-85m

MI 0

KM 0

Green Point & Cape Town Stadium

The race starts at the striking Cape Town Stadium, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Runners set off along the Green Point promenade with Table Mountain looming directly ahead — a view that defines the entire marathon.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 0

KM 0

Green Point & Cape Town Stadium

The race starts at the striking Cape Town Stadium, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Runners set off along the Green Point promenade with Table Mountain looming directly ahead — a view that defines the entire marathon.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 3.7

KM 6

V&A Waterfront & Bo-Kaap

The early miles pass the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront harbor before climbing gently into the iconic Bo-Kaap neighborhood, famous for its brightly painted houses stacked against Signal Hill. The vibrant colors and Cape Malay culture make this stretch unforgettable.

ELEV: 25ft

MI 3.7

KM 6

V&A Waterfront & Bo-Kaap

The early miles pass the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront harbor before climbing gently into the iconic Bo-Kaap neighborhood, famous for its brightly painted houses stacked against Signal Hill. The vibrant colors and Cape Malay culture make this stretch unforgettable.

ELEV: 25ft

MI 12.4

KM 20

Southern Suburbs & Newlands

The course winds through the leafy southern suburbs beneath the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The towering oaks of Newlands and the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden provide welcome shade and natural beauty.

ELEV: 35ft

MI 12.4

KM 20

Southern Suburbs & Newlands

The course winds through the leafy southern suburbs beneath the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The towering oaks of Newlands and the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden provide welcome shade and natural beauty.

ELEV: 35ft

MI 17.4

KM 28

Rondebosch & University of Cape Town

Runners pass the University of Cape Town campus, nestled on the slopes of Devil's Peak. The dramatic mountain backdrop and tree-lined avenues make these middle miles among the most scenic on any marathon course in the world.

ELEV: 45ft

MI 17.4

KM 28

Rondebosch & University of Cape Town

Runners pass the University of Cape Town campus, nestled on the slopes of Devil's Peak. The dramatic mountain backdrop and tree-lined avenues make these middle miles among the most scenic on any marathon course in the world.

ELEV: 45ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Sea Point & Stadium Finish

The final stretch runs along the Atlantic Ocean coastline through Sea Point, with views stretching to Robben Island. Runners loop back to Cape Town Stadium with Table Mountain as the ultimate finish-line backdrop.

ELEV: 10ft

MI 26.2

KM 42.195

Sea Point & Stadium Finish

The final stretch runs along the Atlantic Ocean coastline through Sea Point, with views stretching to Robben Island. Runners loop back to Cape Town Stadium with Table Mountain as the ultimate finish-line backdrop.

ELEV: 10ft