Ultra-Trail Cape Town

Next Race

November 21, 2026

227

days to go

Ultra-Trail Cape Town is the World Trail Majors series finale, set on a spectacular loop across Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula. Runners traverse fynbos-covered ridges high above the Atlantic Ocean, tackle steep climbs on iconic peaks, and navigate technical rocky trails with sweeping views of Cape Town and the coastline. The race has rapidly established itself as one of the most scenic and competitive trail ultras in the Southern Hemisphere.

ITRA 5 Endurance Points

Est.

2014

Distance

100km / 62mi

Course

Loop

Surface

Technical Trail

Elev. Gain

4300m

Elev. Loss

4300m

Field Size

~1,500

When

November

Time Limit

24h

THE COURSE

Gain

+4300m

Loss

-4300m

MI 0

KM 0

Newlands Forest Start

The race begins in the forested slopes above the University of Cape Town campus. Runners enter the Newlands Forest trail network and immediately begin climbing into the Table Mountain National Park.

ELEV: 120ft

MI 8

KM 13

Table Mountain Traverse

The course traverses the top of Table Mountain, one of the New7Wonders of Nature. Runners navigate rocky terrain with 360-degree views of Cape Town, the harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean far below. The exposed ridgeline can be battered by wind.

ELEV: 1050ft

MI 25

KM 40

Hout Bay & Chapman's Peak

The route descends to Hout Bay before climbing the dramatic Chapman's Peak. This iconic section runs high above the Atlantic coastline, with sheer cliffs dropping to the ocean and views stretching to Kommetjie and Noordhoek.

ELEV: 592ft

MI 48

KM 77

Constantia Nek & Devil's Peak

After crossing through the vineyards and forests of the Constantia area, runners face the final brutal climb up Devil's Peak. The nighttime ascent under headlamp with the city lights twinkling below is one of the most memorable moments in trail running.

ELEV: 940ft

MI 62

KM 100

King's Blockhouse & Finish

The final stretch passes the historic King's Blockhouse above Cape Town before a steep, technical descent through the forests back to the UCT campus. The finish-line atmosphere in Newlands is joyous as runners complete the spectacular Cape Peninsula loop.

ELEV: 120ft