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Cape Town, South Africa · 8th Major
Cape Town Marathon 2027
Updated
Sunday, May 23, 2027. Cape Town became the eighth Major in June 2026, the first in Africa. The 2027 race, on May 23, is its first edition as a Major.
BallotCharity
The ballot is closed. International tour operator and charity entries opened June 26, 2026, first come, first served.
How to get inQualifying timesCourseRecordsFAQOfficial site ↗
- Race dayMay 23, 2027race weekend May 22 and 23
- StartsTwoStadium and Beach Road
- FinishVlei Road
- Entry feeNot announced yetcheck the official site
- Cut-off6.5 hoursminimum age 18
- Status8th Majorfirst Major edition in 2027
Key dates
Countdown from today
- 197 daysRace day
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
Qualifying times
Cape Town does not use an age-group qualifying table for general entry.
The course
Two starts, one city
- Two start areas feed one course.
- The cut-off is 6.5 hours. Athletics South Africa rules set the minimum age at 18.
Course records
- Men
- 2:04:55 Mohamed Esa, 2026
- Women
- 2:22:22 Glenrose Xaba, 2024
Plan your trip
For the night before, Sat May 22 · near Green Point
Where to stay
See all places to stay near Green Point ↗
Prices checked November 4, 2026 and can change. Confirm on the booking site before you book. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Getting there
- CPTCape Town International Airport12 miFlights arriving May 22 into CPT ↗
Prices checked November 4, 2026 and can change. Confirm on the booking site before you book. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Airports from OurAirports, straight-line distance. Flights open on Google Flights.
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Fun facts
- Cape Town is the first Major in Africa, announced June 10, 2026.
- It hosted the South African Marathon Championships in 1996. The winner, Josiah Thugwane, took Olympic gold in Atlanta later that year.
- 2026 finishers got a provisional star that became a full star when the race earned Major status.
Cape Town guides
Quick answers
When is the 2027 Cape Town Marathon?
Sunday, May 23, 2027, its first edition as an Abbott World Marathon Major. Race weekend is May 22 and 23.
How do international runners enter Cape Town?
The 2027 ballot closed June 24, 2026. International tour operator and charity entries opened June 26, 2026, first come, first served.
Does Cape Town count toward the Six Star medal?
No. The Six Star medal is only for the original six Majors. Cape Town finishers earn a star in their AbbottWMM runner portal.