Frequently Asked Questions
Entries and Registration
The 2027 general ballot for the marathon, runs from 10 June to 24 June 2026, with all final ballot comms announcing both successful and unsuccessful ballot entrants being sent on 26 June 2026. Successful applications will be charged on 26 June, with additional payment attempts being made on 30 June or 3 July should the first be unsuccessful. It is the runner's responsibility to ensure funds are in their account and to address any issues with payment before the final attempt is made, otherwise the entry is forfeited.
Runners who are part of the Candidacy Club have between 10 June and 18 June 2026 to select which year they would like to participate in, with allocation being made on a first-come, first-served basis. On 19 June, they will be notified whether their selection was successful or not. If successful, they will receive the comms to secure their entry through payment. Please note that payment is due 30 June 2026 at 5pm SAST.
2027 sponsored entrants (those who in 2025 selected 2027 as their sponsored entry year) will receive notification of their entry on 10 June 2026. This is not their entry, but confirms they do have an entry. On 3 July 2026, they will receive comms to redeem their free sponsored entry for 2027.
International Tour Operator & Charity entries will open on 26 June 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Peace Run & Trail Run entries open on 3 July 2026 on a first-come, first-served basis.
All 2027 entries, including Marathon, Peace Run & Trail Run, are non-transferable, and no substitutions are permitted.
With the exception of sponsored 2027 marathon entires, a deferral window will open closer to race day, for participants who are no longer able to take part, allowing eligible entries to be deferred to 2028.
Sponsored 2027 marathon entries are non-transferable, and no substitutions or deferrals are permitted.
No. Running in another runner's bib is strictly prohibited. Any runner found to be in violation of this rule will be disqualified from the event. If you wish to report an instance of illegal bib running, please contact the race office at raceoffice@capetownmarathon.com with the relevant details.
If the event is cancelled by the organiser for any reason, all registered entrants will be entitled to a full refund of their entry fees. The organiser will communicate the cancellation and refund details promptly via email and on the official event website.
Entrants are not required to request refunds; they will be processed proactively.
The organiser will not be responsible for any additional costs incurred by entrants (e.g., travel, accommodation). If rescheduling occurs instead of a full cancellation, entrants will be offered the choice to transfer their entry to the new date or receive a full refund.
Please check your Inbox, Spam/Junk mail folder and ALL MAIL (if using Gmail). If you still can't find it contact raceoffice@capetownmarathon.com
Click on this link: https://capetownmarathon.howler.co.za/tickets
Cape Town Marathon Event Details
The 42.2km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon (23 May 2027) has two starts: The Stadium & Beach Road start. The Stadium start is on Fritz Sonnenberg Road, next to the Stadium, and the Beach Road start is on Beach Road, Mouille Point. Read more here: https://capetownmarathon.com/two-starts/
Your seeding information will indicate which start you are commencing at.
The Peace & Trail Run events (22 May 2027) all start in the Stadium precinct, next to Fritz Sonnenberg Road.
The Finish for all events is on Vlei Road.
All 2027 start times will be communicated closer to race day.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon events have the following age restrictions for South African runners, as specified by ASA, on the day of the race:
Road events age limits:
42.2km Marathon — 18 years
10km Peace Run — 14 years
5km Peace Run — 9 years
Trail events age limits:
Marathon (43km) — 20 years
Trail 11km & 22km — 18 years
Cut-off times
42.2km Marathon – 6.5 hours
See the route map for details of all cut-off times
Trail Events:
43K Cape Town Trail Marathon – 10 hours
22K Cape Town Trail Run – 5 hours
11K Cape Town Trail Run - 4 hours
Peace Runs:
10K* Peace Run – 2.5 hours
5K Peace Run – 1.5 hours
*There are two cut-offs along the 10K route: the first is at 2.6km at 08:50. The second cut-off is at 4km at 09:10. Any runners still on the course will be diverted onto the shortest route back to the Race Village.
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.
There are 15 Hydration stations on the 42.2km route, approximately 3km apart, 13 of which will have a combination of water, Coke, Coke No Sugar and Powerade, and 2 of which will serve water.
Hydration packs are permitted.
None permitted (of any description).
The event has one standard entry for all, and no temporary or permanent licenses are required.
South African participants are classified as all runners who have a South African ID number.
Athletes residing in Africa (excluding South Africa) with a valid passport.
Prams are allowed on the 5km & 10km Peace Runs. No race entry is required for the child in the pram.
Marathon Runners Portal
- www.capetownmarathon.com
- Click on LOGIN
- Click on LOST YOUR PASSWORD
- Type in your email address
- Click on GET NEW PASSWORD
- Go to your email account
- Click on the email from SANLAM CAPE TOWN MARATHON
- Open the email, click on the link in the email to reset your password
- Type in new password in the first window
- Type in the same password in the second window (if it says too weak, as long as you are happy with it)
- Click on RESET PASSWORD
- Click on DASHBOARD
This is because the email address is not in the Marathon Portal database, and you need to sign up for the Cape Town Marathon Portal access.
Yes, you may have entered the Cape Town Marathon, but the Marathon Portal is a different form and registration process. You can sign up to the portal without running and entering any one of the Cape Town Marathon events.
Sign up to get access to the Runners Portal
Marathon Photos
Race photos are provided by Sportograf and will be available on our website within 48 hours after the event.
Runners will receive a unique promo code via email in their pre-event communications to redeem complimentary photos. This entitles you to 2 free photos for marathon runners and 1 free photo for Peace Runs participants.
Keep an eye on your inbox and check the website link after race day!
