
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
Marathon Tours & Travel are the Official Tour Operator of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and have teams in offices around the world ready to support your journey to the start line.
Cape Town’s history is long and storied. It is a city with an 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.
Marathon Tours & Travel offers 4 & 5-night packages at the beachside Radisson Blu Collection hotel, walking distance from the race activities and in the heart of the city center.
Choose from a range of full day options: Tour of the winelands of Stellenbosch: enjoy the coast on your way to the Cape of Good Hope at the tip of Africa; or cage dive with great white sharks As part of our expertly created packages, we include a welcome reception, escorted race number pick-up, warm-up runs, pre-race dinner and post-race celebrations. Your Marathon Tours & Travel team will be on hand for guidance and support to help make your trip fun, experiential and a race to remember.
A trip to South Africa would not be complete without a visit to a Shamwarhi, a luxurious safari lodge where you can view game, dine, relax and make memories after your race. South Africa is a country that you will not forget!
The Cape Town Marathon is an AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel World Age Group Qualifying Race.
Travel Package Information
-
Itinerary
-
//
Wednesday, October 15
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and transfer on your own by taxi to the deluxe Radisson Blu Collection 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 enjoy wine tastings with breathtaking views and have lunch 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. (itinerary subject to change)
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. 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)
Monday, October 20
Enjoy a leisure 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 a morning transfer to the Cape Town Airport. (Breakfast included)
-
//
Thursday, October 16
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and transfer on your own by taxi to the deluxe Radisson Blu Collection Hotel just blocks from the Victoria & Albert Waterfront. Meet your fellow travelers at the Marathon Tours & Travel hosted Welcome Reception and Race 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. 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)
Monday, October 20
Enjoy a leisure 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 a morning transfer to the Cape Town Airport. (Breakfast included)
-
-
Extensions
-
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 Collection 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, 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 their 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. 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 is included with the tour. (Lunch included)
Duration: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (subject to change) Minimum of 25 Guests (if minimum is not met, pricing is subject to change) – Cape Point & Peninsula Tour
-
-
Packages & Rates
-
Deluxe 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 5*Radisson Blu Collection Waterfront Cape Town (Wednesday, October 15)
- Full Day Cape Winelands Tour (Thursday, October 16)
Deluxe Cape Town Tour | Four-Night Package: October 16 – 20, 2025
Features:
- Four (4) nights’ accommodation at the 5*Radisson Blu Waterfront
- Daily breakfasts, except on arrival day
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Welcome cocktail reception (Thursday, October 16)
- Race briefing
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with stop at expo
- Pre-Race Dinner
- Escorted walk to race start
- Post-Race Celebration dinner
- Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel
- All tourism/VAT taxes & tour guide gratuities included
- Guaranteed Race Entry – Additional Cost
Please Note:
- Extra nights are available upon request
Not Included:
- Race Entry Fee:
- Marathon – $180
- 10KM Peace Run – $55
- 5KM Peace Run – $35
- 46K Trail Run – $145
- 22K Trail Run – $130
- 11K Trail Run – $35
- All activities listed as optional
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals unless noted on the itinerary
Post-Race Extension to Shamwari Game Reserve | Three Night Package: October 20 – 23, 2025
- Three (3) nights’ accommodation at the Shamwari Game Reserve
- Transportation from the Radisson Blu Collection 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
- 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. If you are joining for the Winelands tour plan to arrive on Wednesday, October 15.
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
Rates (all prices are per person and in US dollars)
Additional nights upon request
Five-Night Package | October 15 - 20 Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Superior Room (non-ocean view) $1720 per person $2615 Junior Suite (ocean view) $2040 per person $3260 Four-Night Package | October 16 - 20 Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Superior Room (non-ocean view) $1335 per person $2050 Junior Suite (ocean view) $1595 per person $2570 Optional Tours | Saturday, October 18 Rates Full-Day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour $180 per person Post-Race Extension to Shamwari Game ReserveShamwari Game Reserve Extension Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Long Lee Manor $4345 per person $8000
-
-
Hotels
-
Radisson Blu Collection Waterfront Hotel
Guests wake up to the sound of gentle waves breaking in the background at the Radisson Collection Waterfront Hotel. This exceptional hotel, situated on the water’s edge offers breathtaking views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the Atlantic Ocean. Upgraded in 2024 you can be assured of a comfortable stay in tranquil surroundings and experience top service.
The hotel is located 10 minutes’ walk from the DHL stadium (start and finish line of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon!)
Check-in starts at 3:00PM – check out before 11:00AM
Collection Superior – these modern rooms feature a private bathroom, comfortable bed(s) with cotton linens, a work desk, an in-room safe, coffee/tea station, hairdryer, minibar and bathrobe/slippers.
Junior Suite (Ocean View) – these rooms feature separate sleeping and living areas. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views from your private balcony with the added benefit of the facilities and amenities available in all rooms. A sleeper couch is available and adequate for 2 children under the age of 12 to share or 1 child under the age of 17. Families, please contact marcie.clawson@marathontours.com for a quote.
Single rooms sleep 1 adult – Room has 1 king size bed.
Double rooms sleep 2 adults – Room has 1 king size bed.
Twin rooms sleep 2 adults – Room has 2 single beds.
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.
-
-
Event Information
-
Race Date: Saturday 18 October (all races except marathon) / Sunday 19 October 2025 (Marathon)
Race Time:
Start Times (Saturday)
43-46km Cape Town Trail Marathon — 06:00AM
22km Cape Town Trail Run — 6:45AM & 06:47AM
11km Cape Town Trail Run — Two batches starting at 7:30AM
10km Peace Run — First start time 7:00AM; batches will leave every 5 mins
5km Peace Run — First start time 8:05AM; batches will go every 5 minsStart Times (Sunday)
42.2km Marathon — Various 6:00AM
Elite wheelchairs — 6:10AM
Elite field 6:15AM — Batches will then go every 2 minsStarting Times and Bib Numbers: Allocation of start times and bibs is by Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. 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 organizers 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.
Temperature: Average temperatures are between 17 – 20 degrees Celsius (62 to 68 Fahrenheit)
Entry Fee:
- Marathon – $180
- 46K Trail – $145
- 22K Trail – $130
- 10K Peace Run – $55
- 5K Peace Run – $35
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
Time Limit & Cut-Offs: The course has a strict 6 hour 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. See the route map for details of all cut-off times
- 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.
-
-
Registration & Booking
-
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 1, 2025 will require full payment at the 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.
-
-
Testimonials
-
"Our seventh Marathon Tours & Travel trip and one of our best..." - 2024
Our seventh marathon tours trip and one of our best. Loved Cape Town. The hotel was terrific. Everything was very organized. Loved the race. It was just perfect
"Beautiful city. Excellent race! Great hosts in Marathon Tours & Travel!" - 2024Beautiful city. Excellent race! Great hosts in Marathon Tours & Travel!
"Marathon Tours & Travel has never disappointed me in any event..." - 2024Marathon Tours & Travel has never disappointed me in any event that we have attended. (I think 6 trips now) The hotels are always near the start or finish, the breakfast is always outstanding and the attention to detail is always awesome.
"Amazing City! A must visit!..." - 2024Amazing City! A must visit! I would totally go back.
"Perfect location! Great for getting out for a run while watching the sun rise..." - 2024Perfect location! Great for getting out for a run while watching the sun rise. Felt safe. Amazing staff! Food was excellent! Room was nice & comfortable. Greatly appreciated the waters. Loved the huge tub! All the extras, bath salts, pre-race bags, were icing on the top!
"Shamwari Extension - Amazing!..." - 2024Shamwari Extension – Amazing! The hospitality! The staff! The food! The Guides! The rooms! The massage! Felt like royalty! Trip of a lifetime!
"Experience of a Lifetime!..." - 2024Experience of a Lifetime! The best Memories! Could not recommend this Marathon & Extension any higher! I want to go back!
"Our Shamwari Game Reserve Ranger Siya was unbelievable!" - 2019Our 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
-
-
Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championship
-
This event is an Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship (AGWC) Qualifying Race. If you achieve the automatic qualifying time for your age group, found here, you’ll be invited to the 2026 Age Group World Championship. Location still to be determined. The qualifying period begins on January 1, 2025, and will conclude on December 31, 2025.
If you received an AGWC invitation for the 2025 race to be held in conjunction with the TCS New York City Marathon on November 2, 2025, Congratulations! We invite you to book the Official AGWC Package here.
For more information on the Age Group World Rankings and Championship click here.
-
Meet the Reps
Marcie Clawson
Trip Designer


Marcie Clawson
Trip Designer
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”.