CAPE TOWN MARATHON 2026

24 MAY 2026

The Cape Town Marathon has emerged as Africa’s premier city marathon, a race that blends athletic excellence with breathtaking scenery. Taking place on 24 May 2026, it is the continent’s first candidate for the Abbott World Marathon Majors, standing alongside the likes of Boston, London, Tokyo, Chicago, New York, and Berlin. The event attracts thousands of runners from across the globe, united by the chance to compete on a course that is both flat and fast, yet uniquely scenic. Starting and finishing at Green Point Stadium, the route showcases Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks: the Atlantic seafront, the historic Company’s Garden, the vibrant streets of the city center, and the towering majesty of Table Mountain.

With its cool May weather, world-class organization, and the energy of South African crowds lining the streets, Cape Town offers runners the perfect stage for personal bests and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re chasing a qualifying time, running for charity, or simply embracing the spirit of Africa’s running capital, the Cape Town Marathon delivers an experience where every stride celebrates resilience, diversity, and the beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular cities.

Event Overview

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is committed to delivering the best possible experience for runners. With race‑day enjoyment as its guiding principle, every decision aims to elevate the event. Continuing the journey toward becoming Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors race, one of the most significant changes is the shift to May 2026. Cooler autumn weather reduces the risk of overheating and minimizes the chance of Cape Town’s notorious south‑easterly winds, creating optimal conditions for fast performances.

Explore Travel from Bucharest, Romania, together with marathoner Dragos Pirnog, will be your running partner for 2026, guiding you through the entire Cape Town experience. Beyond the marathon, we’ve prepared a travel program showcasing Cape Town’s highlights: the Cape Winelands, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach penguin colony, and Table Mountain—one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

Local Experiences

  • Admire Cape Town from Table Mountain

  • Climb to the lighthouse at the Cape of Good Hope

  • Visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach

  • Try Malay cuisine in the Bo‑Kaap district

  • Taste South African wines in the Cape Winelands

 

Itinerary

Day 01 – 21.05.2026: Welcome to Cape Town

  • Arrival at Cape Town airport, shuttle transfer to hotel.

  • Check‑in at 15:00, free afternoon to relax.

  • Evening marathon briefing in hotel lobby.

  • Accommodation: President Hotel Cape Town 4* (Seapoint)

  • Experience: Welcome to Cape Town & program briefing

Day 02 – 22.05.2026: Cape Town City Tour

  • Morning run along the Atlantic promenade.

  • Guided city tour: Castle of Good Hope, City Hall, Company Gardens, Parliament, Planetarium, National Museum.

  • Visit Bo‑Kaap neighborhood and District Six Museum.

  • Lunch at Time Out Cape Town (not included).

  • Afternoon visit to Marathon Expo for kit collection.

  • Accommodation: President Hotel Cape Town 4*

  • Experience: City tour & Expo Marathon visit

Day 03 – 23.05.2026: Cape of Good Hope

  • Excursion to Cape Point via Chapman’s Peak.

  • Climb to the old lighthouse.

  • Visit Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach penguin colony.

  • Easy day with minimal walking, relaxation before marathon.

  • Accommodation: President Hotel Cape Town 4*

  • Experience: Cape of Good Hope excursion

Day 04 – 24.05.2026: Marathon Day

  • Transfer to Starting Point.

  • Run the scenic Cape Town Marathon.

  • Shuttle transfer back to hotel after finish.

  • Optional evening dinner at Gold Restaurant (immersive African experience).

  • Accommodation: President Hotel Cape Town 4*

  • Experience: Cape Town Marathon 2026

Day 05 – 25.05.2026: Medal Monday on Table Mountain

  • Visit Table Mountain with Fast Track cable car tickets.

  • Afternoon leisure at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

  • Accommodation: President Hotel Cape Town 4*

  • Experience: Table Mountain visit

Day 06 – 26.05.2026: Cape Winelands

  • Excursion to Stellenbosch and Cape Winelands.

  • Wine & chocolate pairing at Boschendal.

  • Wine tasting at Vergelegen Low Wines.

  • Lunch at leisure in Stellenbosch.

  • Accommodation: President Hotel Cape Town 4*

  • Experience: South African wine tasting

Day 07 – 27.05.2026: Departure

  • Breakfast and transfer to airport.

  • Farewell Cape Town.

Package Includes

  • Guaranteed entry for Cape Town Marathon 2026 (not included for travel partners)

  • Medal for all finishers

  • Official Marathon T-shirt

  • Transfers to the start and back from the finish area to the hotel

  • Transfers and local assistance for travel partners on marathon day

  • 6 nights’ accommodation in Cape Town at a 4-star hotel

  • Daily breakfast in Cape Town

  • Guided tour of Cape Town

  • Fast Track tickets to Table Mountain

  • Excursion to the Cape of Good Hope

  • Entrance tickets to Boulders Beach penguin colony and Cape of Good Hope National Park

  • Excursion to the Cape Winelands with 2 tastings at different wineries

  • All transfers and visits included in the itinerary with private luxury transport and bottled water

  • Visits and excursions as mentioned in the program with a local English-speaking guide

  • Guide services provided by Explore Travel

  • Assistance in obtaining a South African visa

Package Excludes

  • Flight tickets to Cape Town

  • Visa fee (varies by nationality)

  • Meals not mentioned in the program

  • Optional excursions and activities

  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff (€35 per person, payable in cash to the group leader at the beginning of the stay)

 

Accommodation: President Hotel

Address: 4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town 8001

  • Infinity pool and terrace bar with panoramic views of Lion’s Head Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean

  • 3-minute walk from Queen’s Beach

  • Full English breakfast served daily

  • Air-conditioned, contemporary guest rooms with flat-screen TV, semi self-catering kitchenettes (tea/coffee facilities, bar fridge, microwave)

  • Dining options: The Island Restaurant (buffet and à la carte) and The Senate Bar (cocktails and drinks)

  • Located 6 km from Cape Town Stadium and the V&A Waterfront shops and attractions

  • Approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Cape Town International Airport

 

Recommended Flight Options

  • Turkish Airlines

  • Qatar Airways

  • KLM

Costs

  • Runner in Double Room: €1650

  • Runner in Single Room: €1950

  • Travel Partner: €1350

 

Registration Conditions

  • Advance payment: 30% of the trip value at the time of registration

  • Second installment: 30% of the trip value by 15 November 2025 (after Cape Town Marathon is announced as a Marathon Major in New York)

  • Final payment: Full balance no later than 60 days before departure

 

Travel Conditions

  • Biometric passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel

 

Cancellation Conditions

  • No penalty if Cape Town fails to become a Major Marathon (participants may still choose to travel and run, or cancel without penalties)

  • 50% penalty for cancellations between 120 and 60 days before departure

  • 100% penalty for cancellations less than 60 days before departure

BOOK NOW

0+
Participants
0+
Nations
0 of 7
Majors
0+
Supporters