WELCOME TO SOUTH AFRICA
The Samlam Cape Town Marathon is one of Africa’s premier running events. Renowned for its stunning scenery, the marathon winds through the vibrant streets of Cape Town, offering participants breath-taking views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the city’s iconic landmarks.
With various race categories, including additional road races and an assortment of trail runs, the event attracts both elite athletes and recreational runners from around the globe. The marathon is known for its flat and fast course, making it an excellent opportunity for runners aiming to achieve personal bests or qualify for other major marathons.
In addition to its competitive aspects, the Samlam Cape Town Marathon promotes community engagement and health awareness, with various initiatives encouraging fitness and well-being. The event also emphasizes sustainability, striving to minimize its environmental impact through eco-friendly practices.
Every year, the marathon fosters a sense of camaraderie and celebration, as participants and spectators come together to enjoy the spirit of the race. This blend of competition, scenic beauty, and community involvement has solidified the Samlam Cape Town Marathon’s status as a must-do event in the international running calendar.
- Packages Include
- Guaranteed Race Entry (Runners Only)
- 4 Nights Accommodation at Protea Breakwater Lodge:
Check in: Thu 16 Oct | Check out: Mon 20 Oct 2025 - Breakfast Daily
- Escort to the Expo (Friday)
- Welcome Reception including drinks and snacks (Friday)
- Group warm up run (Saturday)
- One Day Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Ticket
- Pre-Marathon Dinner (Saturday)
- Race Day Support
- Post Race Celebration (Sunday)
- Personalised Travelling Fit Running Top
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients - English speaking on site host available for questions
exclusive to Travelling Fit clients - Tourism Levy and VAT
PACKAGE PRICES
The Course
The 1st km of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is fairly flat, with only a slight incline. From the starting point on Fritz Sonnenburg Road, you’ll run about 500 meters (0.3 miles) until you reach a T-junction where you make a right turn and continue along Beach Road for the next kilometre (0.6 miles). You’re now in the renowned V&A Waterfront area.
After taking a right turn onto Granger Bay Boulevard, you will run until you pass the DHL Stadium on your right. You then make a left turn and head towards the city centre where you will encounter a gentle uphill section. After approx. 1.5km’s you should feel the cool ocean breeze as you hit a moderately steep descent. The route then stays relatively flat as you approach the 5 km mark. You are now on your way to Woodstock, one of Cape Town’s oldest suburbs.
Just after passing the 6km you’ll face a sharp uphill climb that will certainly test your mettle, before a gradual descent at the 7km mark. Another climb awaits at the 7km and there are more undulations to come as run around the Observatory. At the 11km mark a steeper descent awaits. Take in the beautiful views as you navigate this downhill portion.
Hitting the 23km mark, the course presents a challenging descent with a steep drop in elevation, before arriving in Salt River at 26km. The course is almost flat here.
As you approach the 30km mark in District Six, prepare for a steeper ascent. The elevation gain is significant and this part of the course is challenging because of where it is in the marathon distance.
Around 33km, you’ll reach the highest point of the course, situated at an altitude of 53 meters (174 feet). Afterwards, get ready for a steep descent with a significant drop in elevation. You’re now heading toward the city centre from District Six.
The 42nd kilometre (26 miles) on Helen Suzman Boulevard in Green Point marks the last leg of the Cape Town Marathon. It features a slight descent, allowing you to give it your all in the closing meters of the race.
As you exit Helen Suzman Boulevard, make a left turn into Green Point Park through the east gate. Finish with determination and relish the feeling of accomplishment as you cross the finish line on Vlei Road, just across from DHL Stadium where your incredible marathon journey began.
Testimonials
Race Information
Entry Fees
The entry fee for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is incorporated into the price of the package.
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
Note that all participants must be 20 years or older at the time of the race
Start Time
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon starts at 6:00am
Cut-Off Times
There is a 7 hour cut-off for the Marathon
Race Timing
The 42.2km Marathon is timed using two systems:
- Gun to mat for prize money and position
- Mat to mat for qualifiers for other races (net time)
Race Packets
TBC
Pace Setters
There are no official pace setters in this event.
Aid Stations
There are 13 Hydration stations on the 42.2km route, approximately 3km apart.
They will all have water, Coke, Coke Light and Powerade available.
Personal Refreshments and Clothing
Hydration packs are permitted.
TRANSPORT
Our exclusive hotel is less than a 15 min walk from the start/finish line
Expo
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Expo will be held at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Opening Hours (TBC)
| Thursday 16 Oct | 09:00 – 19:00 |
| Friday 17 Oct | 09:00 – 19:00 |
| Saturday 18 Oct | 09:00 – 15:00 |
Finishes T-Shirts, Medals and Certificates
All finishers will receive a medal.
Weather Conditions
The average temperature ranges from 15 to 20 °C (59 to 68 °F).
Other Events
- 46km Cape Town Trail Marathon
- 22km Cape Town Trail Run
- 11km Cape Town Trail Run
- 10km Peace Run
- 5km Peace Run
