The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is one of Africa’s most spectacular and prestigious running events, combining world-class racing with some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. Set against the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain, the sparkling Atlantic Ocean and Cape Town’s vibrant city streets, every kilometre is an unforgettable experience.
Its elevation to the 8th Abbott World Marathon Major in 2026 has firmly established the event among the world’s most celebrated marathons, making it a must-run for marathon enthusiasts everywhere.
The excitement extends far beyond the finish line. Each year, thousands of runners and spectators create a great atmosphere of celebration, camaraderie and South African hospitality, making this an event unlike any other.
Travelling Fit is thrilled to be an Official International Tour Operator for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, and we’d love you to join us for this incredible adventure!
Choose from our 4-day/3-night or 6-day/5-night marathon packages, both designed to make your marathon weekend as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Your package includes a memorable pre-race pasta dinner at the luxurious InterContinental Table Bay Hotel, along with a lively post-race celebration on the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Our 6-day package also includes a half-day Cape Town sightseeing tour, featuring a visit to the summit of majestic Table Mountain, exploration of the city’s spectacular surrounds, and a stop at the official Marathon Expo. You will also get the opportunity to add an optional tour to Cape Point Tour which takes in one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes, including a visit to the iconic Cape of Good Hope and a visit to the famous colony of African penguins.
Looking to extend your South African adventure? Add our optional post-race Winelands Tour and discover some of the country’s world-renowned vineyards and stunning countryside.
Join us for an unforgettable marathon experience in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations!
The race begins on Fritz Sonnenberg Road adjacent to Green Point Stadium, setting runners off towards Granger Bay. The course winds through central Cape Town, heading out towards Newlands via Nelson Mandela Boulevard. Runners will pass through the neighbourhoods of Woodstock, Salt River, and Mowbray.
Key landmarks along the route include Rondebosch Common, the Castle of Good Hope, and Cape Town City Hall. These sites add a historical and cultural layer to the race experience.
As runners approach the middle of the race, they pass through the Company Gardens—a historical park in the city—and then along Long Street, which is known for its bustling atmosphere.
The route takes runners along the Sea Point promenade, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. This segment is both a highlight for its beauty and a challenge due to its proximity to the race’s conclusion.
The marathon finishes back near the starting area on Vlei Road, Green Point. This location is close to the coast, providing a picturesque end to the race.
The entry fee for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is incorporated into the price of the package.
There are no qualifying times for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
Note that all participants must be 18 years or older at the time of the race
42.2km Marathon — Batches A-N from 6:17am onwards.
There is a 6:30 cut-off for the Marathon.
There are also cut-off points along the course:
Distance | Time of Day | Time from Your Start |
7km | 8:15AM | 1:58: |
11km | 8:55AM | 2:38 |
14km | 9:25AM | 3:08 |
20km | 10:20AM | 4:03 |
30/5km | 11:55AM | 5:38 |
32.6km | 12:15PM | 5:58 |
36km | 12:50PM | 6:33 |
38.7km | 1:15:PM | 6:58 |
41.4km | 1:35:PM | 7:18 |
The 42.2km Marathon is timed using two systems:
TBC
Details to be advised closer to the time.
There are 13 Hydration stations on the 42.2km route, approximately 3km apart.
13 will have a combination of water, Coke, Coke No Sugar and Powerade, and 2 of which will serve water.
Hydration packs are permitted.
Please note, earphones/headphones are NOT permitted to be used during the race.
Our exclusive hotel is approximately 1.5km from the start and we will be providing transport to the start line.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Expo will be held at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Opening Hours (TBC)
| Thursday 20 May | 09:00 – 19:00 |
| Friday 21 May | 09:00 – 19:00 |
| Saturday 22 May | 09:00 – 15:00 |
All finishers will receive a medal.
The average temperature ranges from 15 to 20 °C (59 to 68 °F).
The Big Five Marathon is held in the African savannah, among some of the area’s unique wildlife. Runners from all over the world will converge on one of the ‘Big Five’ game reserves in Africa to enjoy this exceptional race.
Travelling Fit is offering a 7 Day Package staying at the private game reserve Entabeni, located in the Limpopo Province, There is also plenty of opportunity to experience several game drives.
You also have the option to stay longer and treat yourself to one of the 3 extension options which include:
PLEASE NOTE: The extension packages sell out so you need to book in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment
PACKAGE FLYERS
The Big Five Marathon is known for its challenging course, which takes runners through incredible scenery and showcases the natural beauty and wildlife of South Africa.
The start and finish line are situated at Lakeside Lodge on the upper escarpment. After the start, the marathon and half marathon routes take the runners past Ravineside Lodge, the Entabeni Monolith and further on to the lower plateau. This first section is run on dirt roads made up of red sand. Runners will pass a few hills (nothing too bad…the most challenging is yet to come!). And when you reach Hanglip View Point, you backtrack and run back before you reach Yellow Wood Valley. Pay attention to this section as the surface is very uneven with loose rocks, pebbles and holes.
The Yellow Wood Valley is the most dreaded part of the course. You are about to run down the steepest slope of your life! This sharp descent is on a paved surface. The next three kilometres or so will be excruciatingly hard on your quads as you negotiate the steep slope. You reach lion country after the descent. And, although the next nine kilometres are flat, you’re running through deep sand. Full marathoners do a 9km loop, whereas half marathon runners run a 2km loop.
This brings you back to Yellow Wood. And yes, you guessed correctly – you’re going up the dreaded hill this time! Be prepared to take things slowly as it’s virtually impossible to run up this hill.
The route carries on to Long Drive, a narrow valley, where marathon runners do a 6km loop. Half marathoners run across the valley and reach the final section of the route. This section is run on dirt trails, a welcome respite from the deep sand and loose stone terrain earlier on.
The end of the run is fairly hard (final four kilometres). You run halfway down the ridge, which provides you with a wonderful view out over the plateau’s lake. The surface is fairly bad, consisting of hard uneven stony ground with plenty of large rocks and stones of all sizes. This final part has quite a few hills and as the surface is loose, it pays to keep a careful watch on the ground as you run towards the finish. With the finish line in sight, you can now take it nice and easy.
The entry fee for the Big Five Marathon is incorporated into the price of the package you choose and cannot be purchased independently.
Please note that all competitors MUST be 18 years of age on race day
There are no qualifying times for the Big Five Marathon.
The marathon is planned to start at 09:00. Please note that the presence of wildlife near the route may cause delays.
Runners who haven’t reached the cut-off points in time will not be allowed to continue and will be picked up by a ranger vehicle and taken back to the finish line.
The cut-off times are strictly enforced to keep everybody safe!
Marathon runners will receive a wristband proving they went all the way past the Yellowwood Valley at the water station near Hanglip Mountain Lodge. The wristband must be worn for the remainder of the race to the finish line.
No wristband = Disqualification.
The Big Five Marathon will be accurately timed using the ChampionChip system.
You will get two copies of the your bib number for the Big Five Marathon. Both must be worn visibly during the race – one on the front of your body and one on your back.
T-Shirts and Race information (including race numbers) will be handed out to you on inspection day.
There are no pace setters in this event.
Drinks stations are located along the route at approximately every 4km (2.5 miles). Water and Coca Cola are served at all stations.
The drinks stations will be open until the last runner has passed. Electrolyte drinks and bananas are served at selected drink stations and at the finish line.
A team of Danish doctors and South African paramedics will also be present during inspection and race days.
It is possible to leave jackets, sweaters, hat and other personal belongings at the start and pick it up after finishing the race.
If possible, please leave personal belongings in a bag or backpack. Please mark your personal belongings clearly with your name and bib number! Do not place any valuables among the items you hand in on race day.
Although the personal belongings are under staff surveillance, Entabeni Safari Conservancy and the Big Five Marathon organisers cannot be held responsible for any lost items.
You will be transported to the start of the Big Five Marathon on race morning and transported back after the race.
There is no Expo associated with the Big Five Marathon
All finishers will receive a t-shirt, certificate and finishers medal.
All results will be net time, meaning your time starts from the moment you cross the start line.
However, the top three male and female finishers of both distances are decided on gun time – the first three to physically cross the finish line.
The weather is very dry, sunny and cool at this time of the year. Participants can expect an average temperature of around 15-20 Celsius, but with variations due to sun, shade, wind and altitude.
Please Note: It can drop to between 0 and 5 degrees Celcius in the early mornings and overnight so please be sure to bring a warm coat, gloves, beanie and scarf.
The Big Five Marathon is held in the African savannah, among some of the area’s unique wildlife. Runners from all over the world will converge on one of the ‘Big Five’ game reserves in Africa to enjoy this exceptional race.
Travelling Fit is offering a 7 Day Package staying at the private game reserve Entabeni, located in the Limpopo Province, There is also plenty of opportunity to experience several game drives.
You also have the option to stay longer and treat yourself to one of the 3 extension options which include:
PLEASE NOTE: The extension packages sell out so you need to book in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment
PACKAGE FLYERS
The Big Five Marathon is known for its challenging course, which takes runners through incredible scenery and showcases the natural beauty and wildlife of South Africa.
The start and finish line are situated at Lakeside Lodge on the upper escarpment. After the start, the marathon and half marathon routes take the runners past Ravineside Lodge, the Entabeni Monolith and further on to the lower plateau. This first section is run on dirt roads made up of red sand. Runners will pass a few hills (nothing too bad…the most challenging is yet to come!). And when you reach Hanglip View Point, you backtrack and run back before you reach Yellow Wood Valley. Pay attention to this section as the surface is very uneven with loose rocks, pebbles and holes.
The Yellow Wood Valley is the most dreaded part of the course. You are about to run down the steepest slope of your life! This sharp descent is on a paved surface. The next three kilometres or so will be excruciatingly hard on your quads as you negotiate the steep slope. You reach lion country after the descent. And, although the next nine kilometres are flat, you’re running through deep sand. Full marathoners do a 9km loop, whereas half marathon runners run a 2km loop.
This brings you back to Yellow Wood. And yes, you guessed correctly – you’re going up the dreaded hill this time! Be prepared to take things slowly as it’s virtually impossible to run up this hill.
The route carries on to Long Drive, a narrow valley, where marathon runners do a 6km loop. Half marathoners run across the valley and reach the final section of the route. This section is run on dirt trails, a welcome respite from the deep sand and loose stone terrain earlier on.
The end of the run is fairly hard (final four kilometres). You run halfway down the ridge, which provides you with a wonderful view out over the plateau’s lake. The surface is fairly bad, consisting of hard uneven stony ground with plenty of large rocks and stones of all sizes. This final part has quite a few hills and as the surface is loose, it pays to keep a careful watch on the ground as you run towards the finish. With the finish line in sight, you can now take it nice and easy.
The entry fee for the Big Five Half Marathon is incorporated into the price of the package you choose and cannot be purchased independently.
Please note that all competitors MUST be 16 years of age on race day
There are no qualifying times for the Big Five Half Marathon.
The Half Marathon is planned to start at 09:00. Please note that the presence of wildlife near the route may cause delays.
Runners who haven’t reached the cut-off points in time will not be allowed to continue and will be picked up by a ranger vehicle and taken back to the finish line.
The cut-off times are strictly enforced to keep everybody safe!
Half Marathon runners will receive a wristband proving they went all the way past the Yellowwood Valley. You will will receive the wristband after the dam. Your wristband must be worn for the remainder of the race to the finish line.
No wristband = Disqualification.
The Big Five Half Marathon will be accurately timed using the Champion Chip system.
You will get two copies of the your bib number for the Big Five Half Marathon. Both must be worn visibly during the race – one on the front of your body and one on your back.
T-Shirts and Race information (including race numbers) will be handed out to you on inspection day.
There are no pace setters in this event.
Drinks stations are located along the route at approximately every 4km (2.5 miles). Water and Coca Cola are served at all stations.
The drinks stations will be open until the last runner has passed. Electrolyte drinks and bananas are served at selected drink stations and at the finish line.
A team of Danish doctors and South African paramedics will also be present during inspection and race days.
It is possible to leave jackets, sweaters, hat and other personal belongings at the start and pick it up after finishing the race.
If possible, please leave personal belongings in a bag or backpack. Please mark your personal belongings clearly with your name and bib number! Do not place any valuables among the items you hand in on race day.
Although the personal belongings are under staff surveillance, Entabeni Safari Conservancy and the Big Five Half Marathon organisers cannot be held responsible for any lost items.
You will be transported to the start of the Big Five Half Marathon on race morning and transported back after the race.
There is no Expo associated with the Big Five Half Marathon
All finishers will receive a t-shirt, certificate and finishers medal.
All results will be net time, meaning your time starts from the moment you cross the start line.
However, the top three male and female finishers of both distances are decided on gun time – the first three to physically cross the finish line.
The weather is very dry, sunny and cool at this time of the year. Participants can expect an average temperature of around 15-20 Celsius, but with variations due to sun, shade, wind and altitude.
Please Note: It can drop to between 0 and 5 degrees Celcius in the early mornings and overnight so please be sure to bring a warm coat, gloves, beanie and scarf.
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