All Cape Town Marathon 2026 finishers will receive a provisional star which will be fully recognised if Cape Town passes its 2026 evaluation. Full report here.
Africa’s only AIMS Gold Label Marathon and currently an Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate. Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will host the AGWC in 2026.
Date
Saturday 23 May (all races except marathon) / Sunday 24 May 2026 (Marathon)
Start Times (Saturday)
Stadium Start
Marathon Start Times (Sunday)
Stadium Start
Beach Road Start
Starting Times and Bib Numbers
Although we are licensed to sell official entries for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2025 events we have no influence over the allocation of starting times and bib numbers.
Closer to the event we will ask for your expected pace and other details to complete the registration process for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026. The organisers will allocate you a starting time and bib based on the information you provide.
Race Rules
All official race rules must be followed.
Course
Starting and finishing outside the iconic Cape Town Stadium, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon winds through the city in the shadow of Table Mountain along a fast route down to the southern suburbs and back, to loop next to the sea and the finish line. Hosted in a unique city that brings the best of all worlds together, the marathon will enable runners from Africa and around the globe to experience the spirit of running an African Major. Set in the beautiful, international city of Cape Town on the tip of South Africa, it embodies the beauty of the sea and mountains of the Cape. Alongside the marathon (Sunday) the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon weekend includes 10km & 5km Peace Runs and some mountain trail runs (Saturday); 43-46km, 22km & 11km.
Time Limit & Cut Offs (TBC)
Cut-off times
42.2km Marathon – 6.5 hours
See the route map for details of all cut-off times
Weather
Average temperatures range between 17 to 20 deg C (62 to 68 deg F)
Eligibility
In accordance with Athletics South Africa (ASA) Rules and Regulations, participants must meet the minimum age requirement for each event by the event date.
42.2km Marathon: 18 years
Awards
Everyone who finishes the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will receive a medal, ASICS Shirt and goodie bag
Event difficulty
Moderate. Fairly flat course with a couple of long hills. As flat as it can be in Cape Town!
