Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is scheduled to take place on May 24, 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa, with the start and finish lines located in the Green Point and DHL Stadium area. Participants can expect a flat and fast road course that offers scenic views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. In late May, Cape Town typically experiences autumn conditions, with mild temperatures and the potential for cool breezes or occasional rainfall, making it a temperate environment for long-distance running.
What is the distance and format of the main marathon?
- →Full Marathon: 42.195 km road race
What other race distances are available during the event weekend?
- →43 km trail race
- →22 km trail race
- →11 km trail race
What are the age requirements and time limits for the marathon?
- →Minimum age: 16 years old on race day
- →Course cutoff time: 6 hours and 30 minutes
What makes the 2026 edition of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon unique?
The 2026 race is a significant milestone as it will host the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships. This makes the event particularly important for qualified masters runners participating through the AbbottWMM age-group process. Additionally, the marathon is recognized as Africa’s premier marathon and serves as a candidate in the Abbott World Marathon Majors pathway.
Is the marathon a trail or road race?
The main marathon is a road race designed with a flat and fast profile for speed. While the event weekend includes various trail races in the Table Mountain area, the primary marathon distance is held on the city road course.
Are there travel packages available for the event?
Yes, tour operators such as Dream ↗ provide guaranteed-entry packages that offer support throughout the race weekend.