Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

Cape Town Marathon

View on map
Sports & AdventureCape Town
DatesDates TBA · Usually MayCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceThe race's confirmation as an Abbott World
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: ZAR
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in Cape Town

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is an annual standard-distance marathon centred on Green Point and Cape Town Stadium, tracing its history to 1994. It became the first marathon in Africa awarded World Athletics Gold Label status in 2017 and was confirmed as an Abbott World Marathon Major in 2026.

The marathon now known as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon began in 1994 under the organisation of Celtic Harriers, starting from Mutual Park in the suburb of Pinelands in an early form quite different from today's stadium-centred event.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The race's confirmation as an Abbott World Marathon Major makes it the first African event admitted to that elite circuit alongside Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York and Tokyo, a landmark for African distance running

02

The mystery stays covered

The marathon has passed through several organisational eras, from its 1994 origins under Celtic Harriers at Mutual Park in Pinelands, through a Western Province Athletics phase, to its Sanlam-sponsored era launched in 2014

03

The city starts moving

It has also hosted the South African marathon championships and, since 2025, has shown how exposed the Green Point course is to Cape Town's weather, after that year's race was cancelled on the day itself when severe wind damaged event infrastructure

04

The water draws everyone in

Wheelchair divisions have drawn top international competitors, with course records in 2026 set by David Weir and Manuela Schar

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

As South Africa's marathon championship host on multiple occasions

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the race carries national significance for competitive club athletes

The sacred route

Living ritual

while its Gold Label and

The local code

Living ritual

Major status have made it an increasingly common target race for international marathon tourists collecting major-marathon medals

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually May

Getting around

For route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Cape Town to work differently.

What to wear

Lightweight marathon kit suited to Cape Town's May conditions, which can swing from cool and calm to windy with little warning given the Atlantic-facing course; a discardable layer for the...

Safety

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Cape Town.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

ZAR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map33.93 S, 18.42 EOpen in Google Maps

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Nearest airportCPT — Cape Town
TransportFor route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Cape Town to work differently.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Cape Town.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Cape Town via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Cape Town, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare faresFestival gearLightweight marathon kit suited to Cape Town's May conditions, which can swing from cool and calm to windy with little warning given the Atlantic-facing course; a discardable layer for the start is common practice among local runners.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for South Africa and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Sanlam Cape Town Marathon?

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is listed for Past edition: 23–24 May 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Sanlam Cape Town Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Cape Town, South Africa. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLcapetownmarathon.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually May
Source statusOfficial source linked
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