Two Oceans Marathon

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Sports & AdventureCape Town
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
CrowdSmallAbout 27,000 people
Best forCompetition, enduranceBilled by organisers as the world's most
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: ZAR
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town

The Two Oceans Marathon is an annual road race held in Cape Town each April, pairing a 56 km ultramarathon with a 21.1 km half marathon. Run since 1970, the ultra crosses the Cape Peninsula between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines, from Newlands over Chapman's Peak to a finish at the University of Cape Town.

The Two Oceans Marathon began in 1970 as a modest club event and has grown into one of the most recognised ultramarathons in world running, known for a course that runners describe as scenery first, race second.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Billed by organisers as the world's most beautiful marathon, the ultra course climbs Chapman's Peak Drive and Constantia Nek with the Atlantic seaboard and False Bay both visible along the route, a backdrop few ultramarathons anywhere can match

02

The mystery stays covered

The half marathon sells out every year with around 16,000 entrants, making it the largest half marathon in South Africa, while roughly 11,000 runners tackle the 56 km ultra

03

The city starts moving

Finishers who complete the ultra within set time bands receive named medals, including the gold, silver and Ndlovu medals, and runners who reach ten ultra finishes earn a permanent blue race number

04

The water draws everyone in

A separate 5 km International Friendship Run along the Sea Point promenade and roughly 1,000-strong trail runs through Table Mountain National Park extend the weekend beyond the two headline distances

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The race retains strong ties to its Comrades Marathon heritage: the blue number awarded for ten Two Oceans ultra finishes mirrors the green number tradition at Comrades

Water and renewal

Living ritual

and many Western Cape club runners treat Two Oceans as the build-up peak for the Comrades season that follows in late May or June

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

Plan arrival around the route or course in Cape Town; closures can make normal travel slower.

What to wear

Technical running kit suited to a Cape autumn morning: layers that can be shed as the day warms, since start-line temperatures on Chapman's Peak can be markedly cooler and windier than the...

Safety

Two Oceans Marathon is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

For busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Two Oceans Marathon does not become the hardest part.

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
TransportPlan arrival around the route or course in Cape Town; closures can make normal travel slower.
Stay areaFor busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Two Oceans Marathon does not become the hardest part.

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 April.Compare faresFestival gearTechnical running kit suited to a Cape autumn morning: layers that can be shed as the day warms, since start-line temperatures on Chapman's Peak can be markedly cooler and windier than the finish at UCT. Bright or reflective clothing helps with visibility on the mountain sections for spectators tracking 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 Two Oceans Marathon?

Two Oceans Marathon is listed for Past edition: 11–12 April 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Two Oceans 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

How big is it?

Small: 27000

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 URLtwooceansmarathon.org.za
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusOfficial source linked
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