About the trip
Travel facts
The race
Programme
Tour leaders
HotelsSanlam Cape Town Marathon
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is a candidate for the Abbott World Marathon Majors – a series of seven of the largest and most famous marathons in the world. The goal is to become the 8th major. Unfortunately, the October race was cancelled due to high winds. This meant that the race could not be evaluated and thus not become a Major. However, the organiser has promised that anyone who runs on 24 May 2026 will receive their Major Star afterwards if the race is approved after 2026.
The trip
During the trip we offer a solid programme with a variety of excursions to make sure you get the most out of South Africa. Many lunches and dinners are included. Of course we will show you Godahoppsudden, Table Mountain, the wine country and much more.
Multiple distances
The races showcase Cape Town at its best and just the environment you run in is a big part of the experience. If you don’t want to run a marathon, there’s now the chance to run 5km or 10km and you can also choose a trail race over 22km or 46km.
Cape town marathon
Travel facts
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Cape Town is South Africa’s second largest metropolitan area (after Johannesburg), with 3.5 million inhabitants in the metropolitan municipality, The city is also nicknamed the mother city (Afrikaans: moederstad / English: mother city). The city is located on the Atlantic coast in the south-west of the country.
Cape Town is known for its relaxed atmosphere and active nightlife. The city’s locals (known as ‘Capetonians’) always find a reason to enjoy life in general, which is probably the main reason for the rich variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. While Johannesburg is known for its suit-clad careerists, Cape Town is known for its artists, creatives, performers, surfers, climbers and people in general who have chosen this city to maximise their quality of life!
The city attracts large numbers of tourists every year thanks to its favourable climate, beautiful environment and well-developed infrastructure. The proximity to great nature experiences and abundant wildlife also contribute. Those interested in food and wine will of course visit the wine country and one of the many vineyards.
About the race
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is now on the list to become the 8th major.
The marathon is a very scenic race that winds along the Atlantic coast. You’ll pass many of the city’s attractions so keep your eyes peeled. Running this race is an exciting way to experience much of what the city has to offer. You will run past, among others. Liesbeek River, the Rondebosch Common, the Newlands Cricket ground, Groote Schuur, the University of Cape Town, Robben Island and Table Mountain. You will run out of the city and then turn back and aim for Table Mountain and the city centre again. The finish line is in the centre of Green Point and you cross the finish line with Table Mountain as a backdrop. A powerful feeling. It’s a great atmosphere and there’s a lot going on. Those who participate and do not want to run will still get a really nice experience.
The participants are a mix of elite runners and others. So the course is suitable for those aiming for a really good time as well as for those who have no time target to meet.
Maximum time is 6h30min and age limit of 20 years.
Starting places
Saturday 23 May
5 km tarmac. Max time 1h 30min
10 km tarmac. Maximum time 2h 30min
11 km off-road race. Maximum time 4h
22 km off-road race. Maximum time 5h
46 km off-road race. Maximum time 10h
Sunday 24 May
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
Max time 6h 30min.
Must be 20 years old.
Prices
Marathon: 4950 SEK, T-shirt, chip and licence.
10 km: 1500 kr, chip and licence.
5 km: 1200 SEK, chip and licence.
Cross-country race
11 km: 1200 SEK, chip and licence.
22 km: 2100 SEK, chip and licence.
46 km: 2200 SEK, chip and licence.
Abbott World Marathon Majors
Do you dream of running among the world’s top marathon cities and joining an exclusive group of runners? Then the Abbott World Marathon Majors is your ultimate challenge – a journey that takes you across six iconic cities, six unforgettable races and a destination that symbolises pure running joy and determination.
The Abbott World Marathon Majors consist of six of the world’s most prestigious marathons: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Together they form the ultimate marathon journey – a chance to experience new cultures, atmospheres and courses, while challenging both body and mind.
Each race you complete earns you a star on your way to the coveted Six Star Medal, proof that you have completed all six. The journey requires careful planning, perseverance and passion – but each goal you cross becomes a memory for life.
Beyond the races, you also become part of a global community of runners through the World Marathon Majors system, with rankings, virtual challenges and the opportunity to track your progress against the world’s best in your class.
When you run your last of the six races and receive your Six Star Medal, it’s more than a race you’re finishing – it’s a journey you’ve conquered.
The TCS Sydney Marathon has officially become the seventh member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors from 2025. The race has undergone a multi-year evaluation process in which the organisation, safety, spectator support and participation numbers have been improved to meet the high standards required to become a Major. The course takes runners through the city’s most iconic settings, including running across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing at the world-famous Opera House.
Looking ahead, further expansion of the series is planned. Two marathons are currently in the candidate phase: the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in South Africa and the Shanghai Marathon in China. If the races fulfil all the criteria, they are expected to become official Majors in 2027.
With these additions, the Abbott World Marathon Majors could comprise a total of nine races, and there has already been discussion about the possibility of introducing a new Nine-Star Medal for those runners who complete all the marathons in the expanded series.
Programme
Preliminary programme (Please note that the programme is subject to change)
Tuesday 19 May
- Departure from Arlanda, Kastrup on request, night flight to Cape Town
Wednesday 20 May
- Arrival at noon, we start right away with a small city tour
- Check-in at President Hotel
- Welcome dinner
Thursday 21 May
- Breakfast
- Guided day trip south along the Cape Peninsula
- Lunchtime
- The licence plate fair
- Pasta dinner included
Friday 22 May
- We visit a shanty town and here we take a short jog with a local running group. Lunch will follow.
- In the afternoon we go up Table Mountain. Wonderful view.
- Dinner on your own
Saturday 23 May
- Breakfast
- Today the trail runs 43km and 22km and 10km road
- If you are planning to visit Robben Island, this is a good day to do so. Pre-booking is required.
Sunday 24 May
- Today is the marathon race!
- We celebrate the race in a nice restaurant
Monday 25 May
- Breakfast
- Today’s excursion is to the Franschhoek wine region, where we will enjoy wine and lunch.
Tuesday 26 May
- Full day excursion to Hermanus and the Hemelen Aarde wine district via the coastal road
- Closing dinner included
Wednesday 27 May
- Breakfast
- Free morning. Transfer to the airport and start the journey home
Thursday 28 May
- Early arrival
Program
Our hotel
The President Hotel
The President Hotel 4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay Cape Town, South Africa, 8001 Wake up to sea breezes and sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean at The President Hotel – a stylish hotel in the heart of Bantry Bay. Stay close to the beach with spacious rooms, a pool with a view and a top-class restaurant. …
Shepherds Tree Game Lodge
Shepherds Tree Game Lodge R565 Pilanesberg National Park Bojanala Sun City, 0316, South Africa Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge is an exclusive and luxurious safari lodge located in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve in malaria-free north-west South Africa, surrounded by the vast grasslands and rock formations of the savannah. Set in its own secluded zone of the …
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