Cape Town Marathon 2027: Major, Entry & Race Guide
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon · Cape Town
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2027 takes place on Sunday, May 23, 2027, and this edition will make marathon history.
Cape Town will stage its first race as an Abbott World Marathon Major, becoming the eighth race in the series and the first World Marathon Major on the African continent.
That puts Cape Town alongside:
- Tokyo
- Boston
- London
- Sydney
- Berlin
- Chicago
- New York City
in the expanded Abbott World Marathon Majors series.
Demand has already changed as a result.
The 2027 general ballot ran in June 2026 and is now closed, while official charity and International Tour Operator entry routes opened afterward.
Cape Town also has race logistics that differ from most other Majors: the marathon uses two start areas, both near Green Point and Mouille Point, before everyone finishes on Vlei Road.
This guide covers:
- Cape Town Marathon 2027 date
- its new World Marathon Major status
- the 2027 ballot
- charity and travel-program entry
- the two start areas
- where to stay
- course cutoff
- hydration stations
- Expo and bib collection
- race-morning transportation
- weather
- spectator strategy
- how Cape Town fits into the Six Star and Nine Star systems
Cape Town Marathon 2027 quick facts
| Detail | Cape Town Marathon 2027 |
|---|---|
| Race date | Sunday, May 23, 2027 |
| Distance | 42.2 km / 26.2 miles |
| Major status | Abbott World Marathon Major |
| Major number | Eighth |
| Historic distinction | Africa's first World Marathon Major |
| Stadium start | Fritz Sonnenberg Road |
| Second start | Beach Road, Mouille Point |
| Finish | Vlei Road |
| Start times | To be announced |
| Course cutoff | 6 hours 30 minutes |
| Hydration stations | 15 |
| General ballot | Closed |
| Ballot period | June 10-24, 2026 |
| Ballot results | June 26, 2026 |
| Charity entry | Available through official partners |
| International Tour Operators | Official travel-entry program |
| Minimum marathon age | 18 |
When is the Cape Town Marathon 2027?
The 2027 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon takes place on:
Sunday, May 23, 2027
The broader race weekend is scheduled for May 22-23, 2027.
The Peace Run and Trail Run events take place on Saturday, May 22, while the 42.2 km road marathon takes place Sunday.
This corrects older provisional dates that circulated before the organizer finalized the 2027 event.
Is Cape Town Marathon a World Marathon Major?
Yes.
Cape Town officially completed the Abbott World Marathon Majors assessment process following the successful May 24, 2026 event.
AbbottWMM announced in June 2026 that Cape Town would join the series for its 2027 edition.
That means:
May 23, 2027 will be Cape Town's first race staged as a full Abbott World Marathon Major.
It is also the first Major on the African continent.
Did Cape Town become a Major in 2026?
The distinction is important.
Cape Town completed its final Major assessment in 2026, but its first edition as an official member of the series is 2027.
Finishers of the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon received provisional AbbottWMM stars.
After Cape Town passed its final assessment, those provisional stars were upgraded to full Cape Town stars.
So:
- 2026: successful final assessment; finishers' stars became valid
- 2027: first race staged as an official Major
Is Cape Town the eighth World Marathon Major?
Yes.
Cape Town becomes the eighth member.
The series currently includes:
- Tokyo
- Boston
- London
- Sydney
- Berlin
- Chicago
- New York City
- Cape Town
Shanghai remains the candidate that could eventually become the ninth.
Does Cape Town count toward the Six Star Medal?
No.
The traditional Six Star Medal still requires the original six:
- Tokyo
- Boston
- London
- Berlin
- Chicago
- New York City
Cape Town adds another Major star to your AbbottWMM profile but does not change the traditional Six Star requirement.
Does Cape Town count toward Nine Star?
Yes.
Cape Town is part of the expanded path toward the planned Nine Star Medal.
Sydney and Cape Town bring the current series to eight races.
If Shanghai successfully completes its candidacy process and becomes the ninth Major, AbbottWMM plans to introduce the Nine Star milestone.
For the full system, see our World Marathon Majors medal guide.
Cape Town Marathon 2027 ballot
The general 2027 ballot opened:
June 10, 2026
and closed:
June 24, 2026
Both successful and unsuccessful applicants were notified on:
June 26, 2026
Successful applicants were scheduled to have their payment card charged June 26.
If the first payment failed, additional attempts were scheduled for:
- June 30
- July 3
If payment remained unsuccessful after the final attempt, the entry was forfeited.
Is the Cape Town Marathon 2027 ballot still open?
No.
The general ballot closed on June 24, 2026.
Runners looking for a place now need to investigate official alternative entry routes rather than waiting for the general ballot.
Can you still enter Cape Town Marathon 2027?
Potentially.
The organizer opened both:
- International Tour Operator entries
- charity entries
on June 26, 2026.
Availability can change as those allocations fill.
These are the main official routes worth checking if you missed the ballot.
Cape Town Marathon charity entry
Cape Town has an official charity program.
International runners can apply through participating international charity partners.
Charity entry normally involves:
- guaranteed or allocated marathon entry
- fundraising commitment
- charity-specific application
- charity-specific deadlines
The organizer currently lists international charity opportunities for runners who missed the ballot.
South African charity-entry rules are handled separately.
Cape Town Marathon International Tour Operator entry
Cape Town has an extensive official International Travel Program.
Approved operators can offer packages that may combine:
- marathon entry
- hotel
- transportation
- tours
- other travel services
This is particularly relevant now that Cape Town is a Major and international demand is likely to increase.
Only use operators recognized by the marathon organizer.
Do not buy an entry from an unofficial bib reseller.
Can Cape Town Marathon entries be transferred?
No.
The organizer states that 2027 marathon entries are non-transferable and substitutions are not permitted.
Running under another person's bib is prohibited.
A deferral window is expected to open closer to race day for eligible runners who can no longer participate.
Sponsored 2027 entries have stricter rules and cannot be transferred, substituted or deferred.
Where does the Cape Town Marathon start?
Cape Town uses two start areas for the marathon.
Which one you use depends on your official seeding.
Stadium Start
The Stadium Start is on:
Fritz Sonnenberg Road
next to DHL Stadium in Green Point.
Beach Road Start
The second start is on:
Beach Road in Mouille Point
near the Green Point / Atlantic Seaboard precinct.
Your race information will identify which start area, wave and batch you have been assigned.
Why does Cape Town Marathon have two starts?
The two-start system was introduced to improve:
- runner flow
- safety
- start-line density
- road capacity
- wave organization
The starts are geographically close but not interchangeable.
Do not simply navigate to "Cape Town Stadium" on race morning without checking your seeding.
Your race pack and final instructions should clearly identify whether you need:
Stadium Start
or
Beach Road Start.
What time does Cape Town Marathon 2027 start?
The exact 2027 start times have not yet been announced.
The official FAQ says start times will be communicated closer to race day.
That is important because previous editions' times should not be copied into a 2027 itinerary as if they are confirmed.
Expect wave-based starts, but wait for the final 2027 instructions before planning an exact hotel departure time.
Where does Cape Town Marathon finish?
All events finish on:
Vlei Road
in the Green Point race precinct.
That makes Green Point particularly valuable for runners because you can potentially stay within walking distance of:
- either start area
- finish
- Race Village
- stadium precinct
Where to stay for the Cape Town Marathon
1. Green Point - best overall race logistics
For most runners, Green Point is the strongest choice.
Advantages:
- beside DHL Stadium
- close to the Stadium Start
- close to Beach Road
- close to the Vlei Road finish
- potentially walkable race morning
- easy post-race return
- restaurants and cafés
- near the V&A Waterfront
If eliminating race-morning transportation risk is your priority, begin your hotel search here.
2. Mouille Point - excellent for Beach Road Start
Mouille Point sits directly along the Atlantic and close to the Beach Road start.
Advantages:
- excellent Beach Road access
- flat waterfront environment
- close to Green Point
- oceanfront promenade
- relatively short walk to race precinct
If your seeding ultimately assigns you to Beach Road, this can be nearly ideal.
3. V&A Waterfront - best for tourism
The V&A Waterfront is one of Cape Town's most popular visitor bases.
Advantages:
- large hotel inventory
- restaurants
- shopping
- harbour views
- tourist infrastructure
- close to Green Point
The race-morning transport plan deserves attention.
In 2026, the official event shuttle did not operate from the V&A Waterfront to the marathon start on Sunday morning.
Do not assume the 2027 shuttle plan will be identical, but confirm it before relying on a shuttle.
4. Sea Point - strong value and coastal location
Sea Point provides a good combination of:
- hotels
- apartments
- restaurants
- Atlantic views
- promenade access
- proximity to Green Point
It can offer better value than the Waterfront while still being close to the race area.
5. De Waterkant / City Bowl - best urban base
These neighborhoods work well for travelers who want to experience central Cape Town beyond the race.
Advantages include:
- restaurants
- nightlife
- access to the CBD
- central location
- short rides to Green Point
The disadvantage is race morning.
Road closures make rideshare timing less predictable than on a normal Sunday.
Cape Town Marathon hotel strategy
When comparing hotels, look at:
- walking distance to Green Point
- walking distance to Beach Road
- route back from Vlei Road
- race-morning road closures
- breakfast hours
- late checkout
- cancellation policy
- transportation to the Expo once 2027 details are confirmed
For Cape Town, a slightly more expensive hotel within walking distance of the race precinct can eliminate a significant amount of uncertainty.
Where to eat before the Cape Town Marathon
Cape Town is an excellent food city.
Before the marathon, keep your choices predictable.
Saturday dinner
Choose a familiar carbohydrate-heavy meal such as:
- pasta
- rice
- potatoes
- bread
- simple pizza
- familiar lean protein
Green Point, Sea Point and the Waterfront all provide plenty of choices.
Make a reservation.
Major status will likely increase race-weekend restaurant demand.
Race morning
Because 2027 start times are still to be announced, do not depend on a hotel breakfast schedule yet.
Buy the food you normally use before a marathon beforehand.
After the race
This is when Cape Town's food scene becomes part of the trip.
Post-race options include:
- Waterfront seafood
- Cape Malay cuisine
- South African restaurants
- steaks
- Green Point and Sea Point restaurants
- nearby Winelands dining once you are ready to travel farther
Cape Town Marathon Expo 2027
The full 2027 Expo dates and hours have not yet been published as of August 24, 2026.
Do not copy the 2026 Expo timetable directly into a 2027 travel itinerary.
For context, the 2026 Expo was held at:
DHL Stadium, Green Point
from Thursday through Saturday before the marathon.
Because the stadium is directly beside the race precinct, Green Point accommodation was especially convenient.
Confirm the official 2027 Expo location and hours once the organizer publishes them.
Cape Town Marathon bib pickup
Detailed 2027 race-pack collection procedures will be published closer to the event.
Plan to arrive early enough to complete:
- registration verification
- race-pack collection
- seeding confirmation
- start-area confirmation
before race day.
International runners should avoid booking a last-minute arrival immediately before the marathon.
Cape Town Marathon cutoff
The official 2027 FAQ lists a:
6.5-hour cutoff
for the 42.2 km marathon.
For non-elite runners, timing is mat-to-mat.
That means your official race time begins when you cross the starting timing mat rather than when an earlier wave begins.
The event also uses intermediate course cutoffs so roads can reopen.
Review the final route and cutoff table before race morning.
How is Cape Town Marathon timed?
The marathon uses:
- gun-to-mat timing for elites
- mat-to-mat / net timing for other marathon runners
That is particularly useful in a large wave-start event.
A runner starting later does not automatically lose those minutes from their official net finishing time.
Cape Town Marathon hydration stations
The organizer currently lists:
15 hydration stations
along the 42.2 km route.
They are positioned roughly every 3 km.
Most stations are expected to offer a combination of:
- water
- Coke
- Coke No Sugar
- Powerade
while two stations are listed as water-only.
Check the final race guide for any product or location changes.
Are hydration packs allowed?
Yes.
The current 2027 event FAQ says hydration packs are permitted.
Can you wear headphones at Cape Town Marathon?
No.
The organizer states that earphones and headphones are not permitted.
That includes all types.
This is worth knowing before race morning if you normally race with music or podcasts.
Cape Town Marathon course
The Cape Town course combines:
- Green Point
- city streets
- views of Table Mountain
- urban neighborhoods
- Southern Suburbs
- Atlantic Seaboard
- Sea Point
- return to Green Point
The route has evolved as the event has grown.
The two-start system allows the field to spread before runners merge into the wider marathon course.
Use the final 2027 route map rather than relying on an older GPS file.
Is Cape Town Marathon flat?
Cape Town is not as uniformly flat as Berlin or Chicago.
The course includes rolling terrain and sections where runners accumulate climbing through the middle of the race.
Wind can also be a meaningful factor along exposed portions near the coast.
It can still produce fast performances—the 2026 race produced major course records—but runners should not assume an entirely flat profile.
Was Cape Town Marathon 2025 cancelled?
Yes.
The 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was cancelled because of severe weather and dangerous winds.
The decision was made for runner, volunteer and event-staff safety.
That cancellation delayed Cape Town's final AbbottWMM assessment.
The event returned successfully in May 2026 and completed the final evaluation needed to become a Major.
Cape Town Marathon weather
May is autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
Cape Town can provide excellent marathon weather, but conditions are variable.
Potential factors include:
- cool temperatures
- rain
- strong winds
- coastal exposure
- sunshine and warming temperatures later in the morning
The 2025 cancellation is a reminder that wind should be taken seriously.
Do not finalize clothing or pacing decisions until race week.
Cape Town Marathon transportation
Cape Town is more car-oriented than cities such as London, Berlin or New York.
Race weekend is different.
Extensive road closures make driving directly into Green Point difficult.
Recent event transport plans have included:
- free event shuttles
- MyCiTi
- park-and-ride
- designated e-hailing points
- pedestrian routes
- tour-operator buses
The organizer specifically discourages trying to drive directly into the start/finish precinct because of congestion and parking restrictions.
Walk to the start if possible
This is the strongest argument for staying in:
- Green Point
- Mouille Point
- nearby Waterfront locations
Walking removes uncertainty around:
- road closures
- rideshare surge
- parking
- shuttle timing
Review your assigned start carefully because Stadium Start and Beach Road Start require different pedestrian routes.
Cape Town Marathon spectator strategy
Cape Town offers spectators a combination of city and coastal viewing points.
The best strategy is usually:
- choose one early or middle-course location
- choose a late-course location
- agree on a post-race meeting point
Trying to drive repeatedly across the course will be difficult because of closures.
Use walking, shuttles or public transport where possible.
Where should spectators meet runners after the race?
Do not use:
"somewhere near the stadium."
The Green Point precinct will be crowded.
Choose something precise:
- hotel lobby
- named restaurant
- designated reunion area once announced
- specific landmark outside the finish chute
Mobile networks can be overloaded during major sporting events.
What to do before the Cape Town Marathon
Cape Town is full of activities that can accidentally exhaust your legs.
Save the biggest ones for after the race.
Sea Point Promenade
Flat, scenic and close to the race area.
Excellent for a short shakeout or easy walk.
V&A Waterfront
A low-stress way to experience restaurants, harbour views and shops.
Table Mountain cableway
If you visit Table Mountain before the race, take the cableway rather than turning it into a major hike.
Weather can close the cableway, so keep plans flexible.
Avoid a pre-race Lion's Head hike
Lion's Head is excellent.
It is not an ideal taper-day activity.
Save it for after the marathon.
What to do after the Cape Town Marathon
Table Mountain
Once the race is finished, explore more aggressively if your legs feel good.
Cape Peninsula
A mostly driving-based day can include:
- Chapman's Peak
- Cape Point
- Boulders Beach
which makes it surprisingly recovery-friendly.
Winelands
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are natural additions to a marathon trip.
A Winelands day gives you scenery, food and wine without requiring another endurance event.
Waterfront
If your legs are wrecked, staying near the harbour for a long meal may be the better decision.
Should you extend a Cape Town Marathon trip?
Yes.
Cape Town is one of the strongest Majors for turning race weekend into a larger vacation.
Potential extensions include:
- Cape Peninsula
- Stellenbosch
- Franschhoek
- Hermanus
- Garden Route
- safari elsewhere in Southern Africa
For travelers coming from North America, Europe or Asia, the long flight makes adding several days especially worthwhile.
How long should you stay in Cape Town?
A practical international itinerary might be:
Wednesday: arrive
Thursday: light sightseeing
Friday: Expo / race-pack collection once 2027 hours are confirmed
Saturday: shakeout, easy sightseeing and early dinner
Sunday: Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Monday: recovery day
Tuesday: Peninsula or Winelands
Wednesday onward: additional Cape Town sightseeing or extended South Africa trip
If you are traveling across many time zones, arrive earlier.
Cape Town Marathon 2027 FAQ
When is the Cape Town Marathon 2027?
The marathon takes place on Sunday, May 23, 2027.
Is Cape Town Marathon a World Marathon Major?
Yes.
The 2027 race will be Cape Town's first edition staged as an Abbott World Marathon Major.
Is Cape Town Africa's first World Marathon Major?
Yes.
Cape Town is the first Abbott World Marathon Major on the African continent.
Is Cape Town the eighth Major?
Yes.
Cape Town joins as the eighth member of the series.
Did Cape Town become a Major in 2026 or 2027?
Cape Town completed its final assessment in 2026.
Its first race as an official Major is 2027.
Do 2026 Cape Town finishers get a Major star?
Yes.
Their provisional stars were upgraded after the race successfully completed its final Major assessment.
Does Cape Town count toward Six Star?
No.
Six Star still requires the original six Majors.
Does Cape Town count toward Nine Star?
Cape Town is part of the expanded series expected to form the Nine Star journey if Shanghai successfully becomes the ninth Major.
When was the Cape Town Marathon 2027 ballot?
The general ballot ran June 10-24, 2026.
When were Cape Town ballot results announced?
Results were sent on June 26, 2026.
Is the 2027 ballot still open?
No.
The general ballot is closed.
Can I still get a 2027 Cape Town Marathon entry?
Potentially through official:
- charity partners
- International Tour Operators
subject to availability.
Can I transfer my Cape Town Marathon entry?
No.
2027 entries are non-transferable and substitutions are not permitted.
Where does Cape Town Marathon start?
There are two starts:
- Stadium Start on Fritz Sonnenberg Road
- Beach Road Start in Mouille Point
Your seeding determines which one you use.
Where does Cape Town Marathon finish?
The marathon finishes on Vlei Road.
What time does Cape Town Marathon 2027 start?
The organizer has not yet published the final 2027 start times.
What is the Cape Town Marathon cutoff?
The marathon cutoff is 6 hours 30 minutes.
How many hydration stations are there?
The organizer lists 15 hydration stations on the marathon route.
Can I use headphones?
No.
Earphones and headphones are prohibited.
Can I use a hydration pack?
Yes.
Hydration packs are allowed.
Where should I stay?
For most runners:
- Green Point is best overall.
- Mouille Point is ideal for Beach Road access.
- V&A Waterfront is strongest for tourism.
- Sea Point offers good value and coastal access.
- De Waterkant / City Bowl provides an urban base.
When is the Cape Town Marathon Expo 2027?
The full 2027 Expo schedule has not yet been published.
Was the 2025 Cape Town Marathon cancelled?
Yes.
The 2025 marathon was cancelled because of severe weather and high winds.
The race returned successfully in 2026.
Continue planning your World Marathon Majors
Continue with:
- World Marathon Majors medal guide
- Tokyo Marathon travel guide
- Boston Marathon travel guide
- London Marathon travel guide
- Sydney Marathon travel guide
- Berlin Marathon travel guide
- Chicago Marathon travel guide
- NYC Marathon travel guide
Turn your Cape Town Marathon entry into a trip
Cape Town may now be a Major, but the marathon can be only one part of a much larger South Africa trip.
Claira can keep your flights, hotel, Expo visit, assigned start area, transportation, restaurants, spectator plan, Winelands trip and post-race activities together in one itinerary.
Plan your Cape Town Marathon trip →
Cape Town Marathon entry availability, start times, Expo details, route operations, hydration products, transportation and other event procedures can change. This guide was updated August 24, 2026. Always confirm current information directly with the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon before booking travel or making race plans. Claira is an independent travel-planning tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, Sanlam or Abbott World Marathon Majors.