Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Capital Classic Marathon is a southern African capital-city road race run at altitude, touring the streets and surroundings of the highland city on terrain that rolls with the region's elevated landscape. The thin air and undulations shape the day more than any single feature. Held in a favourable window, it offers cool highland conditions and a passionate local field. The altitude and the cityscape define the day. It suits runners who want an off-the-beaten-path African race at elevation and don't mind the rolling terrain over a sea-level personal best.
Course Insight
The Capital Classic runs on the Highveld at altitude over rolling terrain, a southern African marathon where thin air and undulation shape the effort. Adjust your pace for the elevation and run the rises by feel. The high-veld setting is open and exposed. Bank nothing on the descents. Pace conservatively for the altitude and the course stays manageable.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (656m), meaningful altitude.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 656m
- Elevation loss
- 665m
- Highest point
- 1549m
- Lowest point
- 1357m
- Net elevation
- -9m
- Start
- Starts and finishes at Phobians Club, 378 Queens Cres, Lynnwood, Pretoria.
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Race History
The Capital Classic Marathon is a southern African capital-city road race run at altitude, touring the streets and surroundings of the highland city on rolling terrain. Its thin air and undulations, with a passionate local field, gave it character. Over the years it built a regional following. It remains an off-the-beaten-path African race at elevation.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- O.R. Tambo Johannesburg (JNB), Lanseria (HLA)
- Best area to stay
- The Tshwane centre for proximity to the route, the leafy eastern suburbs for quieter guesthouses, and Sandton for upscale options a short drive away.
- Getting to the start
- The start is in the Tshwane/Pretoria area; drive or arrange a ride to the start, as transit is limited.