Marathons in South Africa 2026: Routes, Dates & Elevation

South Africa is home to 6 marathons in our database, spread across cities including Ballito, Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg, and more.

The country hosts an Abbott World Marathon Major — Cape Town Marathon — putting it among the most sought-after destinations on the global racing calendar. Soweto Marathon is the largest race in the lineup, typically drawing around 35,000 finishers, while the full spread offers everything from fast urban courses to scenic regional events.

Browse the races below for course maps, elevation profiles, typical weather, and practical race-day detail to help you choose your next start line.

World Marathon Major

Cape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa

Cape Town Marathon

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.

Next race: Sunday, 30 May 2027

BallitoKwaZulu-NatalSouth Africa

Dolphin Coast Marathon

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

DurbanKwaZulu-NatalSouth Africa

Durban International Marathon

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

UlundiKwaZulu-NatalSouth Africa

Elands Marathon

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, 28 August 2027

JohannesburgGautengSouth Africa

Johannesburg Marathon

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

JohannesburgGautengSouth Africa

Soweto Marathon

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