Course Map
Route based on 2023 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is one of Africa's premier road races, a flat, fast, sea-level course set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain and the South African coastline. The route runs on smooth roads through the city and its leafy suburbs, with a gentle profile that has helped it earn a top World Athletics label and secure entry into the Abbott World Marathon Majors as the eighth race and Africa's first major. Held in May during the southern autumn, it offers cool, calmer conditions well suited to quick times after the race shifted from its traditional October date. Enthusiastic crowds and the spectacular mountain scenery add to the appeal without compromising the pace. It suits runners who want a fast, scenic race and a chance to run one of the world's newest major marathons on the African continent.
Course Insight
Cape Town pairs a fast, largely flat course with a Table Mountain backdrop and crisp Southern-Hemisphere spring air, a scenic route that still rewards quick, even running. With little gradient to govern your effort, the discipline falls to you on the open stretches. Spring sun and a coastal breeze are the main variables to manage. The setting tempts you to spend energy gawking rather than racing. Pace it patiently and the views become a bonus rather than a distraction.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (265m), tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 265m
- Elevation loss
- 275m
- Highest point
- 41m
- Net elevation
- -10m
- Start
- Green Point, Cape Town
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:04:55 — Mohamed Esa (Ethiopia), 2026
- Women's
- 2:22:22 — Glenrose Xaba (South Africa), 2024
Race History
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was established in 2007 and relaunched as an elite-level race in the mid-2010s, building toward major-race ambitions on a flat, fast, sea-level course beneath Table Mountain. It earned a top World Athletics label and completed the formal candidacy process, joining the Abbott World Marathon Majors as the eighth race and Africa's first major starting with the 2027 edition. In 2026 the race moved from its traditional October date to May, seeking calmer conditions after high winds forced the 2025 edition's cancellation. From its origins it grew into one of Africa's premier road races and a fast-rising destination, now drawing an increasingly international field to the South African city each May.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Cape Town International (CPT)
- Best area to stay
- The City Bowl for central hotels near the start, the V&A Waterfront for upscale stays with views, and Sea Point and Green Point for proximity to the seaside finish.
- Getting to the start
- The start is in the city centre; walk from City Bowl hotels or take a short ride, as central roads close early.