Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

About the Event

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026 is a landmark event in global distance running, serving as Africa’s first official Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate. Scheduled for May 23–24, 2026, the event aims to showcase the diverse cultures and iconic landscapes of Cape Town on a world stage. The 2026 edition is particularly historic, featuring a record-breaking elite field and serving as the first stop on legend Eliud Kipchoge’s world tour.

Event Feature	2026 Details	Key Highlights
Race Dates	May 23–24, 2026	Marathon, Track, Peace Runs, Trail
Elite Headliners	Eliud Kipchoge, David Weir, Manuela Schär	World-class wheelchair & running field
Starting System	Two Start Areas	Five-wave "Smart Start" system
Status	World Marathon Major Candidate	Pursuing the "Seventh Star" status

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

-- Kipchoge’s World Tour: The 11-time Major champion has selected Cape Town as his first stop. For Kipchoge, finishing this race would represent his "eighth star" in his quest to conquer the world's most prestigious marathons.
-- Smart Start System: To accommodate the growing number of participants and ensure a smooth flow, the 2026 race introduces a dual-start area with a five-wave system, designed to reduce congestion and improve personal best opportunities.
-- Prize Purse & Field: Organizers have unveiled the strongest elite field in the race's history, supported by an increased prize purse to attract top-tier international talent.
-- Inclusion and Diversity: The event features prominent wheelchair racing icons, including British legend David Weir and multiple Major champion Manuela Schär, highlighting the race’s commitment to para-athletic excellence.
-- Course Beauty: Often cited as the most beautiful marathon route in Africa, the course takes runners through the heart of the "Mother City," offering views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic seaboard.
-- Entry Types: Participation options include International Entries for global travelers and Charity Entries, allowing runners to raise funds for various social causes supported by the marathon.
-- Brand Evolution: As of April 2026, the race has unveiled a new logo and medal design titled "More Than a Medal," symbolizing the event's journey toward becoming a World Marathon Major.
-- Event Range: Beyond the standard 42.2km marathon, the weekend includes trail running events, track competitions, and community "Peace Runs," making it a comprehensive festival of running.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026 is not just a race, but a mission to prove Africa’s capability to host a World Major, blending elite performance with the vibrant spirit of South African culture.

Races Offered

11 km Trail Run

May 23, 2026

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Distance — 11K

terrain

Type — Running

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06:00

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$32.25

22 km Trail Run

May 23, 2026

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Distance — 22K

terrain

Type — Running

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06:00

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$73.50

43 km Trail run

May 23, 2026

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Distance — 43K

terrain

Type — Running

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06:00

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$127.75

May 24, 2026

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Distance — 42.2K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

06:00

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$220.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Cape Town.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 12.0° / 19.4°

wb_sunny 10.2° / 17.5°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 11.6 /

water_drop 80.3%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 12.0° / 19.4°

wb_sunny 10.2° / 17.5°

air 11.6 km/h

water_drop 80.3%

About Cape Town

Learn more about the host city, Cape Town.

Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa. The capital of Western Cape Province, it is also the legislative capital of the nation. Cape Town is on South Africa's southwestern coast close to the Cape of Good Hope, and is the southernmost city on the African continent. It is the gateway to the globally renowned Cape Winelands which includes the towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl.

Hotels & Places to Stay

Video

Watch highlights and course previews from previous years.

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Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

About the Event

Races Offered

11 km Trail Run

22 km Trail Run

43 km Trail run