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Cape Town, South Africa · Runner guide · Sunday, May 23, 2027
How to run the Cape Town Marathon: entry, training timeline and race weekend
Updated
Cape Town became the eighth Major, and the first in Africa, in June 2026. May 23, 2027 is its first race as a Major, so this is the one to get on early. Here is how international runners get in, the race-weekend schedule, the new two-start system and what is still not announced.
BallotCharity
The ballot is closed. International tour operator and charity entries opened June 26, 2026, first come, first served.
- Race dayMay 23, 2027Sunday
- StartsTwoStadium and Beach Road
- Cut-off6.5 hoursnet time for most runners
- Drink stations15about every 3 km
- ExpoMay 20 to 22DHL Stadium
- HeadphonesNot allowedof any kind
Countdown
From today
- 197 daysRace day
1. How to get in
2027 entry, step by step
- Jun 10 to 24, 2026Ballot Two-thirds of entries are reserved for African participants.Closed
- Jun 26, 2026Ballot resultsClosed
- Open since Jun 26, 2026Tour operator and charity entries For international runners, first come, first served.Open now
- May 23, 2027Race dayComing up
Cape Town does not use an age-group qualifying table for general entry.
2. What it costs
Official prices only
| Item | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry fee | Not announced yet | Check the official site. |
| Tour operator and charity entries | Set by the operator or charity | Open since June 26, 2026, first come, first served. |
| Race photos | 2 free | Sportograf race photos, two included. |
Cape Town has not published its 2027 entry fee on its public pages. We will add it when it does.
3. Your training calendar
Counted back from May 23, 2027
- 18 weeks outDay one of an 18-week plan Eighteen weeks is the length of the official Chicago Marathon training plan with Nike. Pick a plan that fits the running you already do.In 71 days
- 15 weeks outBook travel and a place to stay Lock in flights and lodging before race-week prices and availability get tight. Use the race’s official travel or housing partner if it has one.In 92 days
- 10 weeks outPick a tune-up race A half marathon in the middle of your plan is a good check on your goal pace. Races Near lists halves near you.In 127 days
- 6 weeks outDress rehearsal long run Run a long run in race-day kit and practice with what the course hands out: water, Coke, Coke No Sugar and Powerade.In 155 days
- 3 weeks outTaper starts Follow your plan as it cuts back over the final weeks. Do not try to catch up on missed long runs now.In 176 days
- 1 week outRace week Read the official participant guide, confirm your bib pickup slot and plan your route to the start.In 190 days
- Thu, May 20Expo and registration opens DHL Stadium, 09:00 to 19:00.In 194 days
- Race dayRace day Go get it.In 197 days
This is our suggested calendar, not a training plan. Use it to line up your plan of choice with the race's own dates. Running a different goal race? Try the pace calculator for your splits.
4. Course strategy, section by section
Two starts, one city
- Start
Stadium or Beach Road
Your seeding (from your best half and full marathon times) sets your batch, wave and start: the Stadium start on Fritz Sonnenberg Road or the Beach Road start at Mouille Point. Follow your wave color from the drop-off point.
- First 10 km
The congestion zone
Organisers built the two starts and five waves to ease crowding in the first 10 km, at pinch points such as Stanhope Road and the Company Gardens. Expect a busy start and do not waste energy weaving.
- Middle of the race
Drink every 3 km
15 hydration stations about 3 km apart. 13 have water, Coke, Coke No Sugar and Powerade; 2 have water only. Hydration packs are allowed.
- To the finish
Vlei Road
The finish is on Vlei Road. The cut-off is 6.5 hours, and non-elite results use net time.
Course records: 2:04:55 (Mohamed Esa, 2026) and 2:22:22 (Glenrose Xaba, 2024).
5. Race weekend logistics
Expo, start, bags and finish
| Thu May 20, 09:00 to 19:00 | Expo and registration, DHL Stadium |
|---|---|
| Fri May 21, 09:00 to 19:30 | Expo and registration |
| Sat May 22, 09:00 to 16:00 | Expo and registration; Peace and Trail runs |
| Sun May 23 | Marathon (start times not announced yet) |
2027 start times are not announced yet.
Expo and registration
- DHL Stadium, Cape Town.
- Thu May 20, 2027: 09:00 to 19:00. Fri May 21: 09:00 to 19:30. Sat May 22: 09:00 to 16:00.
Two starts, five waves
- Batches A to N, seeded on your best 21.1 km and 42.2 km times and past Cape Town results.
- Stadium start: Yellow (A to D), Pink (G and H) and Red (K to N) waves. Beach start: Blue (E and F) and Green (I and J) waves.
Rules to know
- No earphones or headphones of any kind.
- Entries cannot be transferred. A deferral window opens closer to race day.
- Minimum age is 18.
Finish
- The finish is on Vlei Road.
- Sportograf race photos, with two free.
6. Spectator tips
For the people cheering you on
- Plan around the start your runner is given (Stadium or Beach Road) and their wave color.
- Download the official Cape Town Marathon app (Android and Apple) for results.
- Agree a meeting point near the Vlei Road finish before race day.
Quick answers
How do international runners enter the 2027 Cape Town Marathon?
The ballot closed June 24, 2026. International tour operator and charity entries opened June 26, 2026, first come, first served.
How much is the Cape Town Marathon entry fee?
The 2027 fee is not announced yet on the race’s public pages.
What is the Cape Town Marathon cut-off?
6.5 hours. Non-elite results use net time.
Can I wear headphones in the Cape Town Marathon?
No. Earphones and headphones of any kind are not allowed.
Why does Cape Town have two starts?
To cut congestion, especially in the first 10 km. Runners are seeded into batches and waves that start from either the Stadium or Beach Road.