The Cape Town Marathon is Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major, joining the series in 2027 as the eighth race. The scenic course starts and finishes at DHL Stadium with views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic coastline. With rolling terrain and around 205 metres of total climbing, it is the only AIMS Gold Label marathon on the continent and a landmark race for runners worldwide.
Cape Town Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Cape Town Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 23 May 2027 with a 6:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 205 m of climbing on a rolling with notable climbs layout.
Part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Compare all eight majors, dates, and courses on our hub page.
The Cape Town Marathon is a loop starting and finishing at DHL Stadium in Green Point, following the Atlantic seaboard through Sea Point and Camps Bay before returning via the city centre and V&A Waterfront with Table Mountain in view. Rolling climbs around Sea Point and Green Point make the route tougher than it first appears, and support is strongest on the coastal road, in the city bowl, and at the stadium finish.
Official course map — view on race website
The Cape Town Marathon course is rolling with notable climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 205 metres of climbing and 203 metres of descent, with a net climb of 2 metres from start to finish.
Official elevation profile — view on race website
Entry is through open registration on the official capetownmarathon.com website, typically opening several months before race day. Demand is expected to increase substantially as WMM status approaches and the event grows internationally. Categories include open entries for local and international runners, charity places, and wheelchair athlete divisions. For the inaugural WMM edition in 2027, it is advisable to register as early as possible.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Cape Town.
The Johannesburg Marathon draws approximately 9,500 finishers on an urban road in Johannesburg, South Africa. The course starts and finishes in the city centre. The route passes through northern suburbs and along major arterial roads at altitude (1,750 m). Mostly flat with gentle undulations; thin air is the main challenge.
Next race: Sunday, 28 March 2027
The Soweto Marathon is one of Africa's largest marathons, drawing about 35,000 finishers each November through Johannesburg's historic Soweto township. The course passes the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street (home of Mandela and Tutu), and FNB Stadium. November summer weather and powerful historical symbolism make it South Africa's most significant mass-participation marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
The Durban International Marathon attracts about 3,500 finishers each May in South Africa's warm Indian Ocean port city. The course follows the Golden Mile beachfront and passes Moses Mabhida Stadium and the Durban harbour. May subtropical weather and flat coastal terrain make it one of South Africa's most accessible city marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Dolphin Coast Marathon near Ballito on South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal north coast draws about 4,000 finishers each July along the Indian Ocean shoreline. The course passes salt-water pools, resort beaches, and the dolphin coast headlands with warm winter sunshine. July mild KZN north coast weather makes it a popular South African winter destination marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 27 June 2027
The Elands Marathon is one of South Africa's oldest and most traditional marathons, drawing about 2,500 runners each August on a rural point-to-point through KwaZulu-Natal's green hills. The course runs between Eshowe and Empangeni (or the reverse in alternating years) on country roads through Zululand. August winter dryness and rolling rural terrain make it a classic among South African club runners.
Next race: Saturday, 22 August 2026
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