Cape Town Marathon 2026

The Cape Town Marathon holds an IAAF Gold Label — the highest certification awarded to road races globally — placing it alongside events in Berlin, London, and Tokyo. The race runs each September through one of the most visually striking urban courses in the world, with Table Mountain dominating the skyline for much of the route.

The course

The full marathon (42.2 km) traces a loop taking in the V&A Waterfront, De Waal Drive, the slopes above Sea Point, and the Atlantic Seaboard promenade before finishing on the Grand Parade in the city bowl. Runners get close-up views of the mountain, the ocean, and the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. The half marathon follows a shorter loop on the same route infrastructure. Both races start near the Grand Parade and finish at the same point.

Elevation is gentle for the first half but includes a testing climb on the De Waal section — plan your pace accordingly if you are targeting a time.

What to expect on race day

Start time is typically 06:30 for the full marathon to beat the midspring heat. September in Cape Town can bring anything from cool overcast conditions to warm sunny mornings, so layer up for the start and expect to warm up by kilometre 10. Thousands of spectators line the Atlantic Seaboard section, and the finish on the Grand Parade has a genuine festival atmosphere.

Water tables, energy gels, and medical stations are well spaced throughout. A bag drop operates at the start village the morning of the race.

Practical information

Entries open several months in advance and sell out quickly for both distances. Check capetownmarathon.com for registration dates and entry fees. Entry prices increase in tiers as the race fills up, so register early for the best rate.

Race morning road closures affect large parts of the city centre, the Foreshore, and the Atlantic Seaboard. If you are staying in the city bowl, plan to walk to the start rather than drive. The Green Point area and V&A Waterfront hotels put you within easy walking distance. For more on where to base yourself, see our Cape Town neighbourhood guide.

Public transport into the city is limited early on a Sunday morning, so many runners arrange accommodation within the cordon or organise a lift before road closures begin.

Tips for visitors

• Spectating is free. The Atlantic Seaboard strip between Sea Point and the Waterfront is the best spot for atmosphere and photos.
• If you plan to run, check whether your target finish time qualifies for the seeded start pens — the race uses chip timing but faster runners benefit from earlier wave positions.
• September falls in South Africa’s spring and coincides with southern right whales in False Bay. It is one of the best months to be in the Western Cape, and many runners extend their trip east along the Garden Route.
• Book accommodation at least three months ahead — September weekends in Cape Town fill fast, particularly near the course.
• Carry your own electrolyte tabs for the warm-up miles, as the first water table is typically at 5 km.