Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026
Official Tour Operator of Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Marathon Tours & Travel are the Official Tour Operator of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and has teams in offices around the world ready to support your journey to the start line.
Together, let’s make history and help make the Cape Town Marathon Africa’s 1st Major!
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2025 is a world-class event; Africa’s only AIMS Gold Label Marathon and an Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate. There is great excitement behind the event – a fantastic celebration of the cultural diversity of South Africa, showcasing what can be achieved when we unite behind a common purpose. Cape Town, known as the ‘Mother City’, has a long and well-documented history and really speaks for itself. There is plenty to see and do during your stay, with many internationally acclaimed restaurants, shops and attractions.
Marathon Tours & Travel offer 4 or 5-night packages staying at a choice of accommodation, located within walking distance from the race activities and in the heart of the city centre. As part of our expertly created packages, we include invitations for you to take part in activities such as a welcome reception, escorted race number pick-up, warm-up runs, pre-race dinner, post-race celebrations and the Marathon Tours & Travel team will be on hand for guidance and support to help make your trip a fun, enjoyable and successful time.
While in South Africa, take advantage of the diversity of the landscape and people and explore. Make memories—it’s a country that you will not forget!
Meals Included
Daily breakfasts included and dinner on Saturday
Guide
Trusted by the race organisers as their Official Tour Operator. Our experienced team will guide & support you
Transfers
Hotels are walking distance to the race activities or a shuttle service is provided
Trip Extension
Trip extension available upon request
Accommodation
Walking distance to race precinct
Entry
Guaranteed Sanlam Cape Town Marathon entry
Celebration Party
Post-race celebration included
Post-race celebration included
Excursions
Various sightseeing options
A Helping Hand
Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel
Medal Bling
Finishers receive a medal, race t-shirt & goodie bag
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Thursday 21 May 2026
Depending on the length of stay you have booked with us you might arrive before or depart on different days to the following itinerary.
The itinerary below reflects the 4 nights package. Extending your stay by adding a pre or post trip extension or adding extra nights is recommended as it allows you the time to enjoy the Country. For guidance on South Africa and what to expect please refer to our Destination Guide.
Welcome to Cape Town!
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) make your way from the airport to the hotel and check in. Tax/Uber is recommended and cost approx. $20-$30 AUD
If you arrive before the hotels standard check in time and your room is not ready you can leave your luggage at the hotel and explore your surroundings, or use the free time to visit the Expo to collect your race bib and any other extra items you may need. Detailed directions will be provided in your final itinerary. All hotels are either in the central city centre on the outskirts of or in the V&A Waterfront, within walking distance to all race activities and surrounded by top quality restaurants and entertainment.
Between 10:00-15:00 a representative will be waiting in the lobby to greet you and answer any questions you might have.
Friday 22 May 2026
We suggest you collect your race bib from the Expo today and/or get to know your fellow travellers take in the sights with the Marathon Tours & Travel group.
Various options available for you to pre-book and add to your package.
Half Day Cape Town Sightseeing Tour with Expo drop off.
Marathon Tours & Travel group. 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. If weather permits, you’ll also enjoy a cable car ride to the top of 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. Last stop is at the expo to pick up your race kits. Return from the expo is under your own arrangements (Uber taxi or walk). 08:00 to 13:00
(Breakfast included)
Saturday 23 May 2026
This morning before breakfast we run as a group, please join us! All fitness levels are welcome as it will be at an easy pace, no longer than 5km (approx. 3 miles). A perfect opportunity to loosend your legs, ask questions and get to know your fellow runners!
If you did not collect your bib yet today is your last chance.
Your day is free to explore. Why not explore with us? The following tour is available to prebook with your package.
This evening join the Marathon Tours & Travel team for a delicious and nutritious pre-race pasta dinner.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Sunday 24 May 2026
Race Day & Celebrations!
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon race day is here! After an early breakfast, please make your way to the start line. Marathon Tours & Travel will take escorted trips at key times and will be in the hotel lobby to provide guidance.
After the race, recharge with us in the International Tent . Meet up here to find us, your family and friends. For those who prefer not to walk back a shuttle bus service is provided.
Later today as the sun goes down we’ll meet up for post-race celebrations, saying cheers to all of our runners on an amazing accomplishment!
(Breakfast included)
Monday 25 May 2026
Departure Day
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring on your own to the airport for your flight home. Additional nights are available on request if you would like to continue to explore Cape Town at your own pace. For those joining the post-race extension to Shamwari Game Reserve we will have an early morning transfer to the Cape Town Airport. For those joining the post-race Winelands extensions, we will leave later in the morning.
Unless you have booked extra nights with us then we will bid you farewell today. It’s not goodbye, but instead we’ll see you next time as we hope you will join us for another Marathon Tours & Travel trip.
(Breakfast included)
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Extensions
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Please refer to the Packages & Rates section for costs. These extension packages can be added during the main Sanlam Cape Town Marathon package booking process. Please click the Book Now button.
WINELANDS EXTENSIONS
Step into a world where elegance meets adventure, and every sip tells a story. The Winelands region of the Western Cape isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that awakens your senses and soothes your soul.
The Winelands offer luxury, culture, and nature in perfect harmony. Imagine waking up to golden sunrises, strolling through historic towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, visiting rolling vineyards, indulging in world-class wines crafted by generations of passionate vintners, and excellent cuisines choices. Every moment here is unforgettable and just what you need to relax before or after the marathon.19 – 21 May 2026 / Pre Sanlam Cape Town Marathon main package includes the following;
- Accommodation in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek as selected, arrival 19 May 2026
- Daily breakfasts, except on arrival day
- Accommodation taxes, Tourism Levy & 15% VAT
- Full day sightseeing & lunch
- Transport from hotel to main Cape Town package hotel
- Guidance and support from Marathon Tours & Travel host
The above package does not include transport to your accommodation on 19 May 2026. If you are arriving from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) we suggest taking a taxi / Uber Black to Stellenbosch (30 minutes, $30-$40 AUD) or Franschhoek (1 hour, $70-$90 AUD)
Accommodation choices available at Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa or Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa.
25 – 27 May 2026 / Post Sanlam Cape Town Marathon main package includes the following;
- Transport from main Cape Town package hotel to selected hotel in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek
- Accommodation in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek as selected, arrival 25 May 2026
- Daily breakfasts, except on arrival day
- Accommodation taxes, Tourism Levy & 15% VAT
- Full day sightseeing & lunch
- Guidance and support from Marathon Tours & Travel host
The above package does not include transport from your accommodation on 27 May 2026. If you are leaving for Cape Town International Airport (CPT) we suggest taking a taxi / Uber Black from Stellenbosch (30 minutes, $30-$40 AUD) or Franschhoek (1 hour, $70-$90 AUD)
Accommodation choices available at Oude Werf Hotel, Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa or Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa.
LUXURY SAFARI EXTENSION
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.
Please Note: All children must be 6 years or older to join parents on this extension, and must be supervised at all times.
25 – 28 May 2026 / Shamwari Post Sanlam Cape Town Marathon main package
includes the following:
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- 3 nights accommodation at 5* Shamwari Game Reserve, arrival Monday 25 May 2026
- Accommodation taxes, Tourism Levy & 15% VAT
- Hotel taxes (15% vat & 1% tourism levy)
- Conservation Fees
- Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon Tea / Dinner each day
- Game drives / Guided walks
- Coach transfer from Cape Town to Cape Town airport (25-May)
- Flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth one way (25-May)
- Coach transfer from Shamwari to Port Elizabeth airport (28-May)
- Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel
- Game Reserve Staff Gratuities
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Tuesday 19 May 2026
If you arrive before the hotels standard check in time and your room is not ready you can leave your luggage at the hotel and explore your surroundings.
Between 15:00-17:00 a representative will be available to meet you and answer any questions you might have.
Wednesday 20 May 2026
After breakfast we set off on foot for a walking tour of the town. The local tour guide will explain the history, culture and visit monuments and key sights before meeting the coach driver for a tour of the Cape Winelands. Its true that it is renowned for its crisp white and classic French style red wines, fantastic cheeses and olives but it also has a stunning wealth of natural rustic beauty with vast estates shaded from the African sunshine by giant oak trees and towering mountains overlooking lush valley. The tour includes lunch, 2 or 3 wine tastings and a cellar tour. 08:00 to 16:00.
(Breakfast & Lunch included)
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Monday 25 May 2026
After breakfast and a leisurely morning you check out of the main Sanlam Cape Town Marathon package hotel and our coach leaves for yoour Winelands extension. Journey time to Stellenbosch (45 minutes) or Franschhoek (1 hour). If we arrive before the hotels standard check in time and your room is not ready you can leave your luggage at the hotel, enjoy the hotel facilities/restaurant and explore your surroundings.
Tuesday 26 May 2026
After breakfast we set off on foot for a walking tour of the town. The local tour guide will explain the history, culture and visit monuments and key sights before meeting the coach driver for a tour of the Cape Winelands. Its true that it is renowned for its crisp white and classic French style red wines, fantastic cheeses and olives but it also has a stunning wealth of natural rustic beauty with vast estates shaded from the African sunshine by giant oak trees and towering mountains overlooking lush valley. The tour includes lunch, 2 or 3 wine tastings and a cellar tour. 08:00 to 16:00.
(Breakfast & Lunch included)
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Monday 25 May 2026
Its an early start as we transfer from the main Cape Town Marathon package hotel to Cape Town International Airport for the 80 minute flight to Port Elizabeth (scheduled to depart at 06:10). Upon arrival you will be transferred to Shamwari Game Reserve, settle in and enjoy the lodge facilities before departing for your first game drive. 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.
(Lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday 26 & Wednesday 27 May 2026
Today is an early morning wake-up (06:00) 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 09:00 for breakfast and spend the middle 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 16:00 and return for our Closing Reception and dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Thursday 28 May 2026
After breakfast, guests will depart on their own from Port Elizabeth to their connecting flight home. We recommend flying directly to Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) 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)
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Packages & Rates
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Guaranteed Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026 Entry
We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry to the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon events. You can buy the entry from Marathon Tours & Travel if you also buy the accommodation package from us.
STANDARD Marathon Tours & Travel Cape Town Marathon Package includes the following:
- 4 nights’ accommodation at the AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront, situated in the V&A Waterfront.
- Breakfast daily, except on arrival day
- Meet & greet desk
- Welcome Reception – Thu
- Half Day City Tour w/expo stop – Fri
- Pre-race dinner – Sat
- Race Day Shuttle from the Hotel to the Start and Finish to the Hotel
- Post-race celebration
- Guidance and support from the Marathon Tours & Travel team in Cape Town
Optional extras bookable online at additional cost
- Extra nights include room, tourism levy and breakfast only
- Race entries, all race distances
Travelling with children or extra nights?
Contact us for a quote.
Room Policy
Marathon Tours & Travel’s policy is that anyone staying in our room block must be part of our package. If you plan to bring a spouse or guest, they must purchase our package. For example, if there are two of you, the rate would be the double occupancy rate (per person). If you purchase a single occupancy rate package, then only you are allowed in your room. To attend any of our activities, you must be part of our package.
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Itinerary / 4 Nights / 21 - 25 May 2026AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Harbour King Room $2,075 $2,875 Double Double Room ( 2 x double beds) $2,169 Mountain King Room $2,115 $3,025 Guaranteed Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026 EntryGuaranteed Marathon Entry $598 Tours & ExtrasHop-on Hop-off Cape Town Sightseeing Bus Ticket $37.00 Full Day Cape Peninsula Sightseeing Tour $345.00 Full Day Constantia Wine & Kirstenbosch Gardens Tour with Lunch $345.00
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Hotels
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AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront
Experience a perfectly crafted stay at AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront, one of the top hotels in Cape Town. Our 188 spacious rooms offer stylish efficiency, with stunning views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill. Located just minutes from the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and a short drive from Cape Town International Airport, this Cape Town hotel is the ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.Indulge in Spanish-inspired tapas at the AC Lounge & Bar or enjoy dining options at the nearby Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Unwind with a drink at our bar, featuring locally crafted spirits, and connect with our expert bartenders to discover the true energy of the city. With an excellent location to the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the convenience of the V&A Waterfront, our hotel is the perfect base for your visit to Cape Town.
Room Types
Single rooms sleep 1 adult. The room has 1 large bed.Double rooms sleep 2 adults. The room has 1 large bed.
Twin rooms sleep 2 adults. The room has 2 Double beds.
Triple rooms sleep 3 adults. The room has 2 Double beds.
Families, please contact our staff for a quote and availability
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Event Information
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Run the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon with Marathon Tours & Travel!
Run the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon with us; Africa’s only AIMS Gold Label Marathon and an Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate. Our package takes care of you so you can enjoy the event, sightseeing and make the most of the Mother City.
Starting and finishing outside the iconic Cape Town Stadium, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon winds through the city in the shadow of Table Mountain along a fast route down to the southern suburbs and back to loop next to the sea and the finish line. Hosted in a unique city that brings the best of all worlds together, the marathon will enable runners from Africa and around the globe to experience the spirit of running an African Major. Set in the beautiful, international city of Cape Town on the tip of South Africa, it embodies the beauty of the sea and mountains of the Cape. Alongside the marathon (Sunday) the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon weekend includes 10km & 5km Peace Runs and some mountain trail runs (Saturday); 41km, 22km & 11km.
Whilst in South Africa take advantage of the diversity of the landscape and people and explore. Make memories – it’s a country that you will not forget.
Guaranteed Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2025 Entry
We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2025 events. You can buy the entry at an additional cost if you also buy the accommodation package with us.
Date: Saturday 18 October (all races except marathon) / Sunday 19 October 2025 (Marathon)
Start Times (Saturday)
43-46km Cape Town Trail Marathon — 06:00am
22km Cape Town Trail Run — 06:45am & 06:47am
11km Cape Town Trail Run — Two batches starting at 07:30am
10km Peace Run — First start time 07:00am; batches will leave every 5 mins
5km Peace Run — First start time 08:05am; batches will go every 5 minsStart Times (Sunday)
42.2km Marathon — Various 06:00am
Elite wheelchairs — 06:10am
Elite field 06:15am — Batches will then go every 2 minsStarting Times and Bib Numbers
Although we are licensed to sell official entries for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2025 events we do not influence the allocation of starting times and bib numbers.
Closer to the event we will ask for your expected pace and other details to complete the registration process for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2025. The organisers will allocate you a starting time and bib based on the information you provide.
Race Rules
All official race rules must be followed.
Course
The marathon course begins outside the iconic Cape Town Stadium 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, finishing back at the 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.
Time Limit & Cut Offs (TBC)
Cut-off times
42.2km Marathon – 6.5 hours
See the route map for details of all cut-off timesTrail Events:
43-46km Cape Town Trail Marathon – 10 hours
22km Cape Town Trail Run – 5 hours
11km Cape Town Trail Run – 4 hoursPeace Runs:
10km Peace Run – 2.5 hours
5km Peace Run – 1.5 hoursWeather
Average temperatures range between 17 to 20 deg C (62 to 68 deg F)
Eligibility
In accordance with Athletics South Africa (ASA) Rules and Regulations, participants must meet the minimum age requirement for each event by the event date.
5km Peace Run: 9 years
10km Peace Run: 14 years
11km Cape Town Trail: 18 years
22km Cape Town Trail: 18 years
43-46km Cape Town Trail Marathon: 20 years
42.2km Marathon: 20 years
Awards
Everyone who finishes the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will receive a medal, ASICS Shirt and goodie bag
Event difficulty
Moderate. Fairly flat course with a couple of long hills. As flat as it can be in Cape Town!
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Registration & Booking
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Conditions of Sale
Please note we cannot sell race entry without an accommodation package. Race entry is not refundable.
If you wish to make any changes to your reservations, administration and/or service fees might apply. For our general T&C’s please see here.
How to Book
To make your booking, click on the button at the top of the page, ensuring that you select the correct number of rooms and types for all members in your party, plus all the required extras. When you book, we will require a deposit to confirm your place.
Payments
When you confirm your booking, we will take a deposit payment. Subsequent payments are taken automatically.
Travel advice
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for South Africa’s current entry restrictions and requirements.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance with sufficient healthcare cover. Make sure that you are insured for existing medical conditions, any activities you plan to do and any equipment that you plan to take. Travel insurance covers you if anything doesn’t go to plan before you travel as well, so we recommend sorting it at the time of booking.
Guaranteed Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Entry
We are pleased to offer you guaranteed entry for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2025 events. You can buy the entry at an additional cost if you also buy the accommodation package with us.
Starting Times and Bib Numbers
Although we are licensed to sell official entries for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2025 events we have no influence over the allocation of starting times and bib numbers.
Closer to the event we will ask for your expected pace and other details to complete the registration process for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2025. The organisers will allocate you a starting time and bib based on the information you provide.
Race Rules
All official race rules must be followed.
Security 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.
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