Cape Town Marathon 2026
For the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon (Cape Town Marathon) or any of its other races, we offer you a trip at the heart of South African culture. Whether you prefer short or long distances, on road or trail in the middle of nature, there is something for everyone.
To make sure Cape Town and its region hold no more secrets for you, we have put together a superb tour in addition to your sporting event. Over the course of 13 days, you will discover its nature, culture, history, the city itself, and its beauty.
Still in the running to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2026, Cape Town is well on its way to becoming the 8th Major. In order not to penalize runners and the marathon organizers following the cancellation of the 2025 edition, if the race succeeds in joining the Majors in 2026, all participants of that same edition will be able to add a new star to their record.
It is therefore a fantastic opportunity to take part in it ahead of time.
The advantages of this stay:
No time difference between the mainland and Cape Town, a hotel close to the race starts, a welcome reception and another to celebrate after the race.
Requirements
- Minimum age:
- Marathon: 20 years
- 10km : 14 years
- 5km : 9 years
- Trail 46km : 18 years
- Trail 22km : 18 years
- Trail 11km : 18 years
- Registration fees:
- see prices
Marathon
10K
5K
Trail 43K
Trail 22K
Trail 11K
Marathon Overview
Enjoy a unique stay in South Africa to discover the wonders of this city and run one of the superb races (Cape Town Marathon on Sunday or another on Saturday). The event organizers offer you a weekend entirely dedicated to sport. Everyone will find an event suited to their interests. This is why the organizers of the marathon and other races count nearly 20,000 road and trail runners.
We’ll kick off on Saturday with the 5km and 10km road races. The courses take place in the city center, starting and finishing in the Green Point neighborhood. These two races are designed to be open to as many people as possible, with particularly comfortable time limits.
On the same day, you also have the option to run one of the three trails: 11 km, 22 km, or 43 km. You will enjoy, effort aside 😉, every kilometer spent in the famous Table Mountain National Park, with panoramic views over the entire city and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a treat for runners who love wide open spaces and nature. Many species of flora and fauna observed along this trail cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. For the 43 km route, a total elevation gain of 1,895 m awaits you. Runners will depart from Cape Town Stadium above the city, passing through unique flora and fauna, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. For the 22 km route, the elevation gain is 830 m, and for the 11 km route, it is 390 m. Once your effort is complete, you will return to the Green Point area to cross the finish line.
Sunday will be dedicated to the marathon, with the course planned through the city center of Cape Town. It is the largest marathon on the African continent. You will enjoy the warm sporting hospitality of this country. The 42.2 km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is a prestigious global city race, open to a wide range of running enthusiasts. Throughout the course, you will discover Cape Town’s famous natural mountain, the Atlantic Ocean, as well as numerous city attractions from the street art to the Madiba statue at City Hall, and the lively atmosphere of Woodstock. The different neighborhoods of the city will hold no secrets for you.
Logistically, you’ll need to pick up your race number directly at the marathon expo and the other races on Friday and Saturday. It’s located at the Cape Town Stadium. Refreshments will be provided along the course. Details will be announced later. You’ll receive a T-shirt and a finisher’s medal at the end of your athletic challenge.
We offer two packages: one with a simple stay in Cape Town, and another including a full tour so that this amazing country will hold no more secrets for you.
You’ll have the opportunity to discover the city of Cape Town, its peninsula with its unique wildlife and flora, learn about the country’s history and Nelson Mandela’s legacy, enjoy musical and culinary cultural experiences, and even meet iconic African animals during a safari.
In short, we’re offering you a trip you’ll never forget.
Discover our full program now!
Cape Town marathon map
Marathon course
Trail route 43km
Trail route 22km
2026 rates
These prices include / and do not include:
- Round-trip flight (regular flights)
- Domestic flight
- one piece of checked baggage per person (20kg on domestic flights and 23kg on international flights)
- 6 nights in Cape Town hotel
- 2 nights in a lodge in Kruger
- 1 night in a hotel in Sabi
- 1 night in a hotel in Johannesburg
- Breakfasts included during the stay (provided as a packed meal on marathon day for runners and during the morning safari).
- Other meals not mentioned in the tour details
- Sightseeing as mentioned in the tour details
- Driver and local guide on the mentioned tours
- A backpack with a Planet Tours jersey will be offered for collection at the agency if you do not opt for delivery.
- Airport taxes (according to the rate valid on date and subject to change before departure).
- Marathon registration €330 (booked by your Planet Tours agency).
- 10km: €55, 5km: €35, 43km trails: €135, 22km: €120 and 11km: €35 (on request: contact us by email)
- Cancellation/loss of luggage insurance: €140 per person / with the included HEALTH PROTECTION extension: €205
- Personal expenses and tips
- Any potential fuel surcharges
Important: please read carefully
If you are traveling alone and ask to share your room with another rider, we will try to accommodate your request, provided we have another participant who has expressed the same wish. Failing this, you will be upgraded to a single room at the single room rate.
Trip offered without transportation. You will need to make your own way to the hotel.
These prices include / and do not include:
- 4-night hotel stay
- Breakfasts included during the stay (provided as a packed meal on marathon day for runners).
- A backpack with a Planet Tours jersey will be offered for collection at the agency if you do not opt for delivery.
- A Planet Tours representative on site.
- A city tour with a French speaking guide
- Marathon registration €330 (booked by your Planet Tours agency).
- 10km: €55, 5km: €35, 43km trails: €135, 22km: €120 and 11km: €35 (on request: contact us by email)
- Cancellation/loss of luggage insurance: €140 per person / with the included HEALTH PROTECTION extension: €205
- Transfer to the hotel
- Transportation or plane tickets to Cape Town
- Extra nights available upon request (€135 per room, breakfast included).
- Personal expenses
Important: please read carefully
If you are traveling alone and ask to share your room with another rider, we will try to accommodate your request, provided we have another participant who has expressed the same wish. Failing this, you will be upgraded to a single room at the single room rate.
Our hotels
StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl hotel or equivalent
StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl is a modern and comfortable hotel located in the heart of the city center, close to Long Street and the V&A Waterfront. Its varied buffet breakfast is perfect for starting the day off right. The rooms are bright, well-equipped, and offer excellent comfort for the price. Its strategic location provides easy access to the main tourist attractions. Cape Town Stadium is just 2 km away: you can walk there in about 20 minutes or reach it in a few minutes by MyCiTi bus or taxi.
Nkambeni Safari Camp à Kruger or similar
Nkambeni Safari Camp offers an authentic immersion in the heart of Kruger National Park, with comfortable tents seamlessly integrated into nature. You’ll enjoy direct access to safaris to observe wildlife from dawn onward.
The camp combines African charm, environmental respect, and unforgettable experiences — an ideal setting to experience the very essence of South African adventure.
Mount Sheba à Sabie or similar
Mount Sheba welcomes you into a warm atmosphere in the heart of Mpumalanga’s misty forests.
You will discover enchanting landscapes, perfect for hiking and relaxation.
Located near Sabie, the region’s waterfalls and scenic viewpoints are must-see attractions.
It is an ideal place to combine nature, charm, and exploration of the most beautiful sites of the Highveld.
Misty Hills à Johannesburg or similar
Misty Hills is a lush haven on the outskirts of Johannesburg, blending African charm with modern comfort.
Its large outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by luxuriant gardens, offers the perfect place to relax after your trip or excursions.
An ideal spot to end your stay in South Africa in complete serenity.
Did you know?
Best times
You can find the sales conditions for this trip here.