Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Cape Town Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
Cape Town’s history is long and storied. It is a city with unrivalled culture and diversity, boasting a heady mix of old and new. Nothing speaks to this more than the iconic attractions made up of Cape Point, City Walk, Groot Constantia, Kirstenbosch, Robben Island Museum, Table Mountain Cableway and V&A Waterfront, that form the core of the Mother City.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has a vision of becoming one of the rare Abbott World Marathon Majors as it believes that it is the ideal host for an iconic African city marathon. The marathon organizers mission is to deliver a prestigious, sustainable, all-inclusive city marathon event that brings together world runners from elite athletes to wheelchair racers, as well as social and first-time runners, for an exceptional, world-class marathon experience. It is the only AIMS gold label marathon in Africa.
Choose from a range of full day options: Tour of the winelands of Stellenbosch, the Drakenstein Mountains and Paarl; Tour the spectacular coast on your way to the Cape of Good Hope at the tip of Africa; or cage dive with great white sharks. A trip to South Africa would not be complete without a visit to a safari lodge to game view, dine and relax after your races.
The Cape Town Marathon is an AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel World Age Group Qualifying Race.
Meals Included
Daily breakfasts included with accommodation
Trip Extension
Extra nights are available upon request
Accommodation
Four (4) nights’ accommodation
Entry
Guaranteed Cape Town Marathon entry at $TBC
Celebration Party
Post race celebration at a local venue
Excursions
Half day sightseeing tour included with package
A Helping Hand
Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel
Medal Bling
Finishers receive a medal, ASICS Shirt & goodie bag
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday, October 15
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and transfer on your own by taxi to the deluxe Radisson Blu Hotel just blocks from the Victoria & Albert Waterfront. Upon arrival you will have the day on your own to acclimate to the city.
Thursday, October 16
Today we will head to the heart of the Cape Winelands, through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Taking Helshoogte Pass into the Drakenstein Mountains, we visit Tokara Wine Estate at the summit of the pass with breathtaking views below. Enjoy tasting their Premium Reserve Collection before dinning at the restaurant for lunch where Chef Carolize Coetzee prepares a delicious treasure trove of contemporary cuisine inspired by the local countryside and farm produce. We continue our journey into the Drakenstein Valley and the Paarl Wine Route to stop at Fairview Wine Estate for a cheese and wine pairing and time to shop at the Deli.
When we arrive back you will enjoy a meet and greet with your fellow travelers at Marathon Tours & Travel’s hosted Welcome Reception and Race Briefing. Following you can enjoy dinner at one of the many fine restaurants or bistros along the famous Waterfront. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Friday, October 17
After breakfast, we will depart for a half-day sightseeing tour of this beautiful city including all the ‘must-sees” of Cape Town, which is a geographical and cultural extravaganza. You will see Cape Town, from its historical beginnings to the dazzling modern shopping malls. You’ll also enjoy a cable car ride to Table Mountain where you will be able to get a 360 degree view of Cape Town, Table Bay and the nearby peaks of the surrounding mountains. A stop at the expo to pick up your race kits will be included in the tour. The rest of the day you will have on your own to explore Cape Town. (Breakfast included)
Saturday, October 18
Enjoy a free day to explore Cape Town on your own or consider joining us for Full-Day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour. You can also opt to participate in the challenging 46K or 22K Trail Run or the 10K or 5K Peace Run. In the evening, Marathon Tours & Travel will host a pre-race dinner at the hotel overlooking Cape Town Harbor. (Breakfast and dinner included)
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Thursday, October 16
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and transfer on your own by taxi to the deluxe Radisson Blu Hotel just blocks from the Victoria & Albert Waterfront for your four night stay. Meet your fellow travelers at the Marathon Tours & Travel hosted Welcome Reception and Briefing. Following you can enjoy dinner at one of the many fine restaurants or bistros along the famous Waterfront.
Friday, October 17
After breakfast, we will depart for a half-day sightseeing tour of this beautiful city including all the ‘must-sees” of Cape Town, which is a geographical and cultural extravaganza. You will see Cape Town, from its historical beginnings to the dazzling modern shopping malls. You’ll also enjoy a cable car ride to Table Mountain where you will be able to get a 360 degree view of Cape Town, Table Bay and the nearby peaks of the surrounding mountains. A stop at the expo to pick up your race kits will be included in the tour. The rest of the day you will have on your own to explore Cape Town. (Breakfast included)
Saturday, October 18
Enjoy a free day to explore Cape Town on your own or consider joining us for Full-Day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour. You can also opt to participate in the challenging 46K or 22K Trail Run or the 10K or 5K Peace Run. In the evening, Marathon Tours & Travel will host a pre-race dinner at the hotel overlooking Cape Town Harbor. (Breakfast and dinner included)
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Extensions
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Shamwari Game Reserve | Three-Night Package: October 20 – 23, 2025
Shamwari, meaning “my friend” in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5, stretching 25,000 hectares over a malaria-free landscape, it offers an award-winning nature experience along with the largest concentration of wildlife in Southern and Eastern Cape.
Itinerary:
Monday, October 20
Transfer from the Radisson Blu to Cape Town International Airport for the one-hour and twenty minute flight to Port Elizabeth. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Shamwari Game Reserve for lunch. Snacks and drinks will be served just before departing for your first game drive (approx. 4:00 PM). In four-wheel Land Rovers you will explore the expansive 55,000 acre reserve in search of lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffe, eland, buffalo and much more wildlife roaming through the hills and valleys. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday, October 21 and Wednesday, October 22
Today is an early morning wake-up (6:00 AM) with coffee available before departing for your morning game drive. This is a great time to view many animals visiting the water holes and/or predators hunting for its day food. We will return around 9:00 AM for breakfast and spend the balance of the day relaxing by the pool, going on game walks, and/or enjoying one of the many spa treatments available. We will head out for our last game drive at 4:00 PM and return for our Closing Reception and Dinner. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Thursday, October 23
After breakfast, the group will depart on their own from Port Elizabeth to their connecting flight home. We recommend flying directly to Cape Town (CPT) or Johannesburg (JNB) so that you can connect with your international flight home. Please note that your flight from Port Elizabeth to your connecting city is not included. (Breakfast included)
Optional Tour | Saturday, October 18, 2025
Full-Day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour | $TBC per person
This is an awe-inspiring tour to the towering headland known as Cape Point. Magnificent beaches, breathtaking views, and picturesque coastal villages are to be seen along the way. The tour takes you along the Atlantic Seaboard to Hout Bay via Chapman’s Peak to Cape Point, Simon’s Town & the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. A stop for lunch will be included with the tour. (Lunch included)
Duration: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (subject to change) Minimum of 25 Guests (if minimum is not met, pricing is subject to change) – Cape Point & Peninsula Tour
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Packages & Rates
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Cape Town Tour with visit to the Winelands | Five-Night Package: October 15 – 20, 2025
Features:
- All features included in the Four Night Cape Town Package (details below)
- One (1) additional night at the Radisson Blu Waterfront (Wednesday, October 15)
- Full Day Cape Winelands Tour (Thursday, October 16)
Cape Town Tour | Four-Night Package: October 16 – 20, 2025
Features:
- Four (4) nights’ accommodation at the Radisson Blu Waterfront
- Breakfast daily at the hotel
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Welcome cocktail reception (Thursday, October 16 at 6:00pm)
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour including admission aboard Table Mountain Cable Car
- Pre-Race Dinner at the Radisson Blu Waterfront
- Post-Race Celebration at local venue to celebrate your accomplishments!
- Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel
- All taxes included
- Guaranteed Race Entry – Additional Cost (Marathon – $TBC)
Please Note:
- Extra nights are available upon request
Not Included:
- Race Entry Fee:
- Marathon – $TBC
- 10KM Peace Run – $TBC
- 5KM Peace Run – $TBC
- 46K Trail Run – $TBC
- 22K Trail Run – $TBC
- All activities listed as optional
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals unless noted on the itinerary
- Gratuities and tips unless noted on the itinerary
Post-Race Extension to Shamwari Game Reserve | Three Night Package: October 20 – 23, 2025
- Three (3) nights’ accommodations at the Shamwari Game Reserve
- Transportation from the Radisson Blu Waterfront to the Cape Town International Airport
- Airfare from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (Monday, October 20)
- Roundtrip transfers from Port Elizabeth to Shamwari Game Reserve
- Three (3) meals per day (tea, coffee and water)
- Two (2) game drives per day
- Local beverages on Game Drive
- Guided Walks
- Visits to Educational Centers
- All taxes and tips are included
Not Included:
- Airfare from Port Elizabeth to your connecting international flight on Thursday, October 23.
- Beverages unless noted on the itinerary
- Meals unless noted on the itinerary
- Gratuities and tips unless noted on the itinerary
- All activities listed as optional
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
Airfare:
Cape Town Package Only: Flights should be booked in and out of Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and should arrive on Thursday, October 16, 2025 before 4:00 PM.
Cape Town and Shamwari Extension: Flights should be booked into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and back from Port Elizabeth (PLZ). You should plan to arrive on Thursday, October 16, 2025 before 4:00 PM to ensure that you arrive in time for the Welcome Reception. Plan to depart from Port Elizabeth on Thursday, October 23, 2025 in the mid-afternoon to connect with your international flight home.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents
2024 Rates (all prices are per person and in US dollars) – 2025 Rates Coming Soon
Additional nights upon request
Five-Night Package | October 15 - 20 Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Standard Room (non-ocean view) $1500 per person $2275 Premium Room (ocean view) $1775 per person $2840 Four-Night Package | October 16 - 20 Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Standard Room (non-ocean view) $1190 per person $1820 Premium Room (ocean view) $1400 per person $2265 Optional Tours | Saturday, October 18 Rates Full-Day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour $160 per person Post-Race Extension to Shamwari Game ReserveLong Lee Manor Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Garden Room $3840 per person $4880 Plains Room $3975 per person $5050 Manor Suite $4445 per person $5660 Family Suite $7645 per person N/A Bayethe Lodge Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Standard Room $3975 per person $5050
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Hotels
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Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel
Take in the beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the private marina at the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront in Cape Town. This seaside hotel is in the city center and is near all the big cultural offerings. The striking ocean views set the stage for a memorable stay in Cape Town. Wake to the sound of gentle waves breaking in the background. The hotel is located within a mile of the start and finish line of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon!
Long Lee Manor (Shamwari Game Reserve Extension)Overlooking the magnificent plains of Shamwari you’ll find the exquisite Long Lee Manor. This newly redesigned lodge boasts Edwardian styled suites and a stupendous rim-flow pool. Long Lee Manor redefines elegance in nature.
In addition to the rolling landscapes, the extravagant Long Lee Manor boasts the original Manor House and offers several unique features that will keep you comfortable during your stay.
Bayethe Lodge (Shamwari Game Reserve Extension)Overlooking the magnificent plains of Shamwari you’ll find the exquisite Bayethe Lodge. Bayethe Safari Lodge offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in utter tranquility, surrounded by the rich vegetation of the unique location. This canopy paradise provides privacy and a feeling of seclusion with spectacular views of the African bush.
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Event Information
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Race Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Race Time: 6:30 AM
Course: The course begins at Beach Road and runs along a spectacular route where you will take in the famous natural beauty of Cape Town’s mountains and sea, as well as many of the city’s great attractions and will finish at Cape Town Stadium. The course is ideal for athletes who aim to achieve fast times and for first-timers who want to finish their inaugural marathon.
Temperature: Average temperatures are between 17 – 20 degrees Celsius (62 to 68 Fahrenheit)
Entry Fee:
- Marathon – $TBC
- 46K Trail – $TBC
- 22K Trail – $TBC
- 10K Peace Run – $TBC
- 5K Peace Run – $TBC
Eligibility: Marathon entrants must be 20 years of age and over
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
Number Pickup: Time will be organized for the group to stop at the expo to pick up your race number during the city tour. The expo is located at the Century City Conference Centre.
- Friday, October 17: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, October 18: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Awards: Everyone who finishes the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will receive a medal, ASICS Shirt and goodie bag
Difficulty: Moderate. Fairly flat course with a couple of long hills.
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: All prices are based on current exchange rates and may change due to currency fluctuations. All payments to Marathon Tours & Travel will be processed in USD.
Reservation and Payments: A completed tour application together with a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment must be received before July 15, 2025. Final payments received after July 15, 2025 are subject to a $50 late payment fee. Bookings made after July 15, 2025 will require full payment at time of booking.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Not Included in Price: All items not specifically listed under tour features. The race entry fee is additional.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Testimonials
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"Our Shamwari Game Reserve Ranger Siya was unbelievable!" - 2019
Our Shamwari Game Reserve Ranger Siya was unbelievable! He was so knowledgeable and really made the game drives a wonderful experience. We were able to see animals and country side we had only been able to see in movies or on TV. Just can’t say enough good things about the experience.
"This (Cape Winelands Tour) was GREAT..." - 2019This (Cape Winelands Tour) was GREAT. Guide was very knowledgeable and other attendees were fun to hang out with.
"This is the BEST marathon I have run in overseas..." - 2019This is the BEST marathon I have run in overseas. The organization was fantastic. Loved the water bags (though probably not good for the environment. They were great for runners). The crowd support was exceptional. The finish line amazing. I could go on and on. I am so glad that you have put this on the Marathon Tours list. It was also the first marathon I have participated in that had a diverse, inclusive look. Running clubs from around the region–and a real people’s marathon. I know that Two Oceans gets alot of press–deservedly so. But The Cape Town marathon competes with it on other grounds–also important to runners.
"Seeing fellow runners and reconnecting..." - 2019Seeing fellow runners and reconnecting. It is just nice to be with like-minded people, all keen to do a marathon. We also appreciate the work that is done to get us into a hotel that is near to the start line. Efforts to provide a smooth transition are excellent too. Also love the fact that it is inter-generational. People of all ages are running–very hard to get such a mix with other tours.
"WOW!!!" - 2019WOW!!! The views, the experience and sights were just wonderful! Very glad we went and we just can’t say how much we enjoyed the tour.
"We enjoy everything, we have been very lucky..." - 2019We enjoy everything, we have been very lucky to be in a group with friendly people and every time we make new friends and meet old friends from previous trips. Excellent and friendly staff. They (Jeff, Thom) were excellent, compassionate and respectful handling an unexpected health problem with a member in the group.
"Being my first visit I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the coast..." - 2018Being my first visit I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the coast, the tours, meeting different people, running in a new country. The Safari was well organized!
"Stunning scenery in parts of the race..." - 2018Stunning scenery in parts of the race – especially the first few kilometers and the stretch that went out to the southern/western neighborhoods.
"Location was the best!" - 2018Location was the best! Loved being by the coast, loved being walking distant to start and finish! Huge plus! Loved the proximity to shopping and the Grand Beach!
"This was an amazing trip..." - 2018This was an amazing trip — to see SA up close and personal, to experience the blending of multiple cultural influences was humbling and exhilarating at the same time.
"Magical experience & worth every penny..." - 2018Shamwari Extension – Magical experience & worth every penny. Guaranteed animal sightings. Accommodations are comfortable. I liked the afternoon tea before Safari and early morning coffee and breakfast before Safari. The staff were very friendly. Our guide placed hot water bottles on our blankets – well taken care of. Sundown cocktails… overall exceptional experience
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Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championship
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This event is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship Qualifying Race. If you achieve the automatic qualifying time for your age group, found here, you’ll be invited to the 2025 Age Group World Championship race (destination still to be announced). For more information on the Age Group World Rankings and Championship click here.
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Recommended Resources
Meet the Reps
Marcie Clawson
Trip Designer | Cycling Product Manager
Marcie Clawson
Trip Designer | Cycling Product Manager
Born and raised in Canada, Marcie discovered the magic of road cycling in grade six after earning a 10-speed bike selling oranges for her school fundraiser. Although active in soccer, basketball and rowing during her school years, she admits that physical activity took a backseat to a career in design.
While raising her kids in New England, she rekindled her love of cycling in 2016 and, as a personal challenge, added running and swimming in 2018 to compete in her first 70.3 Triathlon in Prague, CZ to celebrate her 50th birthday. Since then, she has completed two full and five half distance triathlons; and a number of gravel and CX races. Her love of travel and cycling has spurred her to ride her bike more than 24,000 miles in the last six years including multi-day adventures across Czech Republic and three different states. She has circumvented Lake Champlain and conquered mountains in Austria, Canada and the US on two wheels.
Though competitive in nature and fueled by the excitement of a new venue, Marcie found that her greatest joy in racing Triathlon came from the challenge of planning for the unexpected and getting to know people along the course, hearing their stories and motivations and finding out their “WHY”.
A self-admitted “Jack of all trades”, Marcie comes to MTT with work experiences as both a bicycle mechanic and a producer of custom cycling endurance apparel. Marcie currently manages running packages to Big Five, Petra, Iceland Volcano, Polar Circle, Midnight Marathon, Lost City, First Light, Queenstown, Great Wall, and our very own Patagonia Running Festival. She is excited be a part of your journey and to help you to achieve your “WHY”.
