- Duration: 3 nights/4 days
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Available Seat: On Request
- Price: From INR 94000
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is now an Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate
Sunday, 24 May, 2026
Package dates: 22– 25 May 2026
Join the excitement of 2026 The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, one of Africa’s most prestigious running events! Established in 2007, this marathon has gained global recognition, earning IAAF Gold Label Status and now aiming to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major.
Renowned for its flat and fast course, the race offers a breathtaking journey through Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks, starting and finishing near the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point. Runners will experience the city’s rich history, stunning ocean views, and an energetic local crowd cheering them on throughout the route.
Beyond the race, this marathon is committed to sustainability, previously recognized for its eco-friendly initiatives, including extensive recycling and climate-neutral efforts. It is known as one of the greenest marathons in the world.
In 2025, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was cancelled due to severe weather while it was in the final stage of evaluation to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors. The good news is that all Cape Town 2026 finishers will still receive a provisional star, which will become fully recognised if the event successfully passes its 2026 evaluation.. Full report here.
Whether you’re an elite athlete chasing records or a first-time marathoner seeking an unforgettable challenge, this race offers an incredible experience in one of the world’s most scenic cities.
Don’t miss out—be part of history in 2026!
*2025 route map. Route map for 2026 will be updated soon…
Day 1: Friday, 22 May 2026 - Arrive in Cape Town
Welcome to Cape Town! Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel for check-in (on your own). Standard check-in time is around 2:00 PM; however, if you arrive earlier, the hotel will be happy to store your luggage until your room is ready.
Your accommodation, SunSquare Cape Town Gardens, is conveniently located approximately 4.5 km from the Green Point Stadium area and 7.1 km from the Sea Point Promenade.
After freshening up, you may proceed to the Expo for your bib collection.
Day 2: Saturday, 23 May 2026 - Bib collection and Day at Leisure [Breakfast included]
Today is at leisure. Those who did not collect their race bibs the previous day should do so today. You may also opt for a half-day city tour with Table Mountain (at an additional cost).
In the evening, gather in the hotel lobby to meet fellow runners and prepare for the race the next day.
Day 3: Sunday, 24 May 2026 - The Race Day [Breakfast included]
Race day has arrived! Enjoy an early breakfast before making your way to the starting line. A 32 seater vehicle is made available, to take you in groups to the start line. Kindly follow the timings allocated to you.
After completing the race, take some time to relax at the finish area, where you will reconnect with friends and family. Return back to the hotel by the vehicle.
Later in the evening, celebrate your achievement with fellow runners
Day 4: Monday, 25 May 2026 - Departure [Breakfast included]
Post breakfast you will check out if you have not opted for optional post tours. Transfer to the airport on your own.
Package rates for 3 nights/4 days itinerary with stays at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens (3-star):
From INR 129000* Single occupancy runner (in standard room, inclusive of breakfast)
From INR 94000* Per Person on Twin / Double Room Sharing Basis (in standard room, inclusive of breakfast).
From INR 48500* for non runner sharing a room with a runner (in standard room, inclusive of breakfast).
*Rates are calculated at 1 USD = 90 INR. Rate of Exchange will be applied on the day of Remittance to our partner. GST and TCS is applicable in addition to the mentioned prices. TCS you may claim back in ITR.
Payments:
ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON REFUNDABLE
A NON-REFUNDABLE ADVANCE OF INR 50000 TO BE PAID TO CONFIRM YOUR PARTICIPATION. BALANCE AMOUNT TO BE PAID ON OF BEFORE 15 JANUARY 2026. ALL PAYMENTS NOT RECEIVED BY THE DUE DATE WILL RESULT IN CANCELLATION OF THE BOOKING.
Note:
- All the above rates are per person for the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. Rates are dynamic and subject to availability.
- Above package cost is only for marathon runners and / or their companions.
- All rates are in INR. Rates are subject to change if there are any additions/modifications in incremental taxes and/or major changes in rates of exchange prior to receiving 100% payment.
- The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is on the final path to become one of the rare Abbott World Marathon Majors. All Cape Town 2026 finishers will receive a provisional star which will be fully recognized if Cape Town passes its 2026 evaluation. Full report here
- Standard terms and conditions apply.
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3 nights’ accommodation at SunSquare Cape Town Gardens, checking in on Friday, 22 May 2026 and checking out on Monday, 25 May 2026
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Daily breakfast included
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1 guaranteed race entry as part of the runner’s package
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Race Day Transfers (24 May 2026): Group bus transfers from the hotel to the race starting point, and return transfers from the race finish area back to the hotel
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Visa application charges. As a Trusted Tour Operator for South Africa, booking with us allows you to apply for your South Africa visas online with minimal documentation.
All we require from you are 3 months’ bank statements, and a scanned copy of your passport showing at least 4 blank pages.
- All airfares including International and Domestic airfares.
- Travel insurances, etc
- Optional activities and post tours
- Meals, unless noted on Itinerary
- Personal expenses, tips, porterage, etc
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
- GST and TCS as applicable. TCS can be claimed back when file your ITR
The event information is tentative as of 17 November 2025. Kindly check of any updated information closer to the travel dates.
Race Start Time: 6:30 AM for the Marathon
Start Point: Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point/near Cape Town Stadium
Finish Point: Vlei Road, Green Point (adjacent to Cape Town Stadium)
Temperature: Average temperatures in May are expected to be around 17 °C to 20 °C.
Eligibility: Participants in the 42.2 km marathon must be 20 years or older.
Time Limit & Cut-Offs: The course has a strict 6 hours and 30 minutes time limit. The timing is based on gun to gun. Due to IAAF requirements the race organizers will be strictly enforcing cut-off times in certain locations. There will be pick up buses for all athletes that do not make the cut-off times at the following points. Roving pick-ups will also take place.
- Marathon – Cut-Off Points (subject to change)
- 8:15 AM – at 10.1km (Center Helen Suzman and Buitengracht Street)
- 9:40 AM – at 18.7km (Water Station 6)
- 11:10 AM – at 29km (Water Station 10)
- 12:20 PM – at 35.9km (Water Station 13)
- 12:48 PM – at 38.5km (Water Station 14)
- At Finish Line: 6h30m
Bib / Number Pickup: The race expo is used for bib collection. While the exact 2026 expo pickup times are not clearly published, international tour operators note the expo is at Century City Conference Centre. All runners must pick up their bibs in person.
- Friday, May 22, 2026: To be Announced
- Saturday, May 23, 2026: To be Announced
Awards: Everyone who finishes the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will receive a Finishers medal, Finishers T-Shirt and Goodie bag
Difficulty: Moderate. Fairly flat course with a couple of long hills.
Post Marathon Tour Options Available on Request
Secure your 3N/4D race package with guaranteed entry. Call Now!
+91 9833128208 or marketing@namastetourism.com