2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Secure your entry for Africa’s first potential World Major
Chase History: The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon – The Next Abbott World Marathon Major
History is calling! The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is set to become the next Abbott World Marathon Major, and all 2026 finishers will receive a provisional 8th Star. Marking a momentous milestone in global running history. Following the event’s successful 2024 evaluation, the 2026 race will complete its final review, officially joining the world’s most prestigious marathon series.
As a show of continued support, Abbott World Marathon Majors has confirmed that all finishers of the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will receive a provisional 8th Star. These stars will become fully recognised once Cape Town successfully completes its second and final evaluation in 2026.
Run beneath Table Mountain and along the Atlantic coastline, where culture, colour, and rhythm fill the streets. Hosted in one of the world’s most breath-taking cities, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon offers an unforgettable experience. A marathon that unites passion, diversity, and heart in every stride. From the beat of the drummers to the cheers of the crowds, every kilometre celebrates the soul of South Africa and the joy of running.
Secure your spot today!
Premium Cape Town Marathon Travel Packages
Our curated Sanlam Cape Town Marathon packages are designed to give you more than just a race—they’re a complete cultural and running experience.
5-Night Package, starting from A$4,350, includes:
- Guaranteed marathon entry (runners only)
- Accommodation at the Radisson Cape Town Foreshore Hotel
- Welcome drinks and dinner
- Marathon course and city tour
- Shake out runs
- Team photos
- Pre-race briefing
- Marathon Expo escort
- Personal escort to the start line
- Team uniform
- Cheer zone for friends and family
- Post-marathon celebration dinner and party
- Experienced and passionate team support
Supporter Packages:
Recognising the vital role of our supporters, their unwavering encouragement fuels our determination, we have created exclusive packages to show our gratitude. These curated packages aim to inspire, welcome, and motivate as they stand by us on this incredible journey.
Kids Packages:
Children 17 years of age or younger, using the same bedding as parents, will receive the Supporters Package:
- 5-Day/4-Night: $1,400 per child
Our team and local guides will help you craft your dream itinerary, giving you a genuine connection to the people, history, and beauty of South Africa.
6-Days / 5-Nights: Wed, 20 May – Mon, 25 May
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Race experience:
- Guaranteed entry into the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
- All logistics handled by the Adventure Time Travel team, from registration to race day support
- Guided marathon Course and City Tour (includes Table Mountain)
- Pre-race runs, race briefing, and expo escort
- Race-day transport and support zone for runners and supporters
Accommodation and meals:
- 5-night stay at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore Hotel, in the CBD and close to the V&A Waterfront
- Daily buffet breakfast and vibrant social spaces including a rooftop bar, fitness centre and swimming pool
- Welcome night at GOLD Restaurant! There’ll be drumming, dinner, and live African entertainment
- Team dinner at a local waterfront restaurant
- Celebration dinner and party post-marathon
Extras and support:
- Exclusive Adventure Time Travel uniform
- Dedicated ATT Cheer Zone for family and friends
- Friendly team on hand throughout your journey, from start to finish
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Pre & post package accommodation
- Arrival and departure airport/hotel transfers
- Optional touring and dining
Accommodation Options
Radisson Cape Town Foreshore
29 Heerengracht St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Accommodation WebsiteThe Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore, your serene city oasis. Just minutes from the CTICC and V&A Waterfront, where business and leisure blend effortlessly. Relax in one of their 120 modern rooms with city or Table Mountain views. Savour Italian-inspired flavours at Filini, toast to the view with a signature cocktail at ELVN Rooftop, and keep your energy flowing at their fitness centre. Every moment of your stay is designed to feel effortless, balanced, and memorable.
Important to note:
**All displayed prices are quoted in Australian dollars (AUD) and are based on per person rates.
**All prices are based on current exchange rates and subject to rate fluctuations
** Additional accommodation is available pre and/or post packages on a request basis only through Adventure Time Travel. For inquiries, please email adventure@adventuretimetravel.com.au
Deposit & Payment Structure
Preliminary Deposit
$0 per runner
Deposit (Runner)
$2000
Deposit (Supporter)
$0
Final Payment Due
Fri, 16/01/2026
Entry Fees
All entry fees are included in the cost of your Marathon package.
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times for this event, but you MUST be at least 18 years old to compete.
Start Time
The Marathon Batches A-N from 06h17 onwards.
Elite wheelchairs — 06h10
Elite field — 06h15
Cut-Off Times
There is a 6 hour 30 minute cut-off for this event, starting from when you cross the starting mat. You can check out all the cut-off times here.
Pace Setters
Pace setters will be positioned in all 4 starting waves. They will carry a pacer flag with the respective target times.
- Wave 1: 3:00, 3:15, and 3:30 hours
- Wave 2: 3:00, 3:15, 3:30, and 3:45 hours
- Wave 3: 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, and 4:15 hours
- Wave 4: 4:15, 4:30, and 5:00 hours
Race Timing
The 42.2km Marathon is timed using two systems:
- Gun to mat for elites
- Mat to mat for all other events (net time)
The Trail runs and 10km & 5km Peace Runs are timed on a mat-to-mat basis.
Race Packets
Electronic registration confirmations will be mailed to participants at the start of September, regardless of when the registration form was received.
Each participant will need to take the confirmation card along with a passport or photo ID to pick up their race bib, clothing bag, and other goodies from the Expo.
All race bibs must be personally collected; it is not possible for a third party to collect them on the participant’s behalf.
Please note: Race numbers not picked up during the Expo opening hours will expire without refund. There will be no other opportunity to collect them.
Bag Drop-Off Option
There are several tents where you can drop off your clothing bag in the start and finish area. Please follow the signs and arrive at least one hour before the start.
You will receive a transparent clothing bag and a sticker with your start number for the bag.
All objects must be packed separately and loosely. You may not put other bags in your clothing bag.
Any kind of luggage is prohibited within the start/finish area!
You drop off your clothing bag at the indicated tent and retrieve it there after you finish.
Course Map
David Kayser
The ATT experience is great!
Anna, Nick and the team did an amazing job at organising every aspect of the 2025 London Marathon ensuring that, as a runner, you have less things to worry about, and more time to enjoy the experience.
Having had experienced other tour companies previously, ATT show how it is meant to be done!!
I cannot recommend ATT highly enough.
Thank you again.
Andrew McKay
Anna, a big thank you for hosting the group for the 2023 Berlin Marathon – it was another meticulously planned and executed tour through Adventure Time Travel.rnrnI thoroughly enjoyed your planned activities coupled up with time to souvenir shop and to rest for the marathon.rnrnThe run was a fantastic experience with an amazing atmosphere running past major landmarks in Berlin.rnrnI highly recommend registering and running the Berlin marathon through Adventure Time Travel.
Kanene Ubesie
This was hands-down, the greatest marathon experience I’ve ever had to date. And I didn’t even participate in all of the scheduled events. The best part about this team is I felt welcomed. I’ve been with other run groups before and some of them didn’t really have that feeling. I am grateful because traveling alone overseas can be a bit daunting.
At Adventure Time Travel, we understand that your marathon adventure is often just one part of a larger holiday journey. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’re enhancing our service by offering you complete, full-service travel planning! In addition to handling your marathon bookings, we are now able to assist with all your additional travel arrangements—ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
To make this possible, we’ve partnered with one of the best in the business, Natalie Jeffers of Absolute Luxury Travel. Known for her exclusive access, expert advice, and highly personalised service, Natalie will take the stress out of planning your entire holiday, allowing you to focus on your marathon training and everyday life. Her bespoke solutions go far beyond the ordinary, offering you an exceptional travel experience with peace of mind. To explore how Natalie can help with your travel plans, visit her website or reach out directly. Be sure to mention you’re a valued Adventure Time Travel client, and she’ll take extra special care of you.
- www.absoluteluxury.travel
- natalie@absoluteluxury.travel
- Travel Advisor | 1300 800 878 or 0412 880 367
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Adventure Time Travel uses Cover-More Travel Insurance when we are jetting off on an adventure.
We extend this option to our runners as well.
PASSPORTS, VISAS & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary documents, and only the destinations you intend to visit can provide the most current visa requirements. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your travel destinations for accurate information.
Many countries and territories require your passport to be valid for at least six months. Immigration authorities may deny entry if your passport has less than six months’ validity remaining.
Ensure you are aware of any health requirements for your travel destinations. Vaccinations may be recommended for certain locations. Consult your local doctor to receive the necessary vaccinations before your departure date.
For more information visit http://www.smarttraveller.gov.au
For more information about Cape Town tourist safety you can check out some FAQs here.
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