Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026

Cape Town is ready to lace up again, and this time the Mother City has even more riding on every stride. The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon takes place across 23–24 May 2026, with the main marathon set for Sunday, 24 May 2026. It is not only one of South Africa’s biggest running events, but also a massive moment for African road running as Cape Town continues its push to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major.

After the disappointment of the cancelled 2025 marathon, runners, supporters, organisers, and sports fans will want a smooth, spectacular comeback. Fortunately, the Cape Town Marathon 2026 edition has all the ingredients for a blockbuster: a scenic 42.2km route, an elite field stacked with global stars, a buzzing Cape Town crowd, and a betting angle that gives South African punters plenty to discuss before race day.

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026 Dates

The official race weekend runs from Saturday, 23 May to Sunday, 24 May 2026, while the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Expo opens earlier in the week at DHL Stadium. The Expo runs from Thursday, 21 May to Saturday, 23 May, and all runners must collect their race packs there before race day. Race-day collection will not be available.

Event	Date	Key Details
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Expo	21–23 May 2026	DHL Stadium, Green Point
Peace Runs / Companion Events	23 May 2026	Shorter-distance running action
Main Marathon	24 May 2026	42.2km race through Cape Town
Wheelchair Race	24 May 2026	Starts before the elite marathon field
Elite Men and Women	24 May 2026	Elite race starts at 08:00 SAST

The official broadcast is scheduled for Sunday, 24 May from 07:35, while elite runners start at 08:00 SAST.

Cape Town Marathon 2026 Route

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon route remains one of the most scenic marathon routes in the world. It gives runners a full Cape Town experience, from the city bowl to the coastline, with Table Mountain watching over the action.

The route starts in the Green Point / DHL Stadium area, with race activity centred around Fritz Sonnenberg Road and the stadium precinct. From there, runners move through the city, pass iconic Cape Town landmarks, and later return towards the Atlantic coastline before finishing back in Green Point. The official marathon page lists the route and route landmarks as part of the 2026 race information.

In practical terms, runners can expect a proper city marathon test. The early sections should feel lively and controlled as the field settles into rhythm. Then, as the route moves through the city and surrounding neighbourhoods, runners will need to manage their pacing carefully. Finally, the coastal return towards Sea Point and Green Point could deliver one of the best visual finishes in world running, especially if the wind stays calm.

Route Areas to Watch

Route Section	What Makes It Interesting
Green Point / DHL Stadium	Big-race energy, start and finish atmosphere
Foreshore and city sections	Fast roads and early crowd support
City landmarks	Great spectator points and Cape Town heritage
Woodstock / Salt River-style urban stretches	Rhythm-running sections where groups can form
Sea Point / Atlantic coastline	Beautiful, but wind can influence pacing
Final Green Point stretch	Perfect for late attacks, sprint finishes, and emotional finishes

For spectators, the route makes Cape Town feel like one giant running festival. Additionally, the Green Point finish area should attract packed crowds as locals, tourists, and running clubs gather to cheer home both elite stars and everyday heroes.

Runners to Look Out For

The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has assembled a seriously strong elite field. In fact, organisers describe it as one of the best elite and wheelchair fields ever seen on the African continent. The men’s field includes 14 runners with personal bests under 2:08, while the women’s field includes nine athletes who have run under 2:22.

Eliud Kipchoge

All eyes will naturally turn to Eliud Kipchoge. The Kenyan legend, double Olympic marathon champion, and former world record holder will run his first marathon on African soil in Cape Town. That alone gives this race global pulling power. Kipchoge also starts his wider seven-continent marathon journey in Cape Town, which adds a special storyline for African running fans.

Although Kipchoge is now 41, he still brings world-class pedigree and massive race intelligence. Therefore, even if younger runners attack early, punters cannot ignore his championship experience.

Stephen Kiprop

Kenya’s Stephen Kiprop enters as one of the fastest men in the field, with a personal best of 2:03:37. He has the raw speed to challenge for the title, and if the race turns tactical, he could push the pace when others hesitate.

Maru Teferi

Israel’s Maru Teferi also deserves attention. With a national-record personal best of 2:04:44, he brings elite credentials and strong international experience. If the front group stays together late into the race, Teferi could become a major threat.

Elroy Gelant

Mzansi fans will have plenty to shout about with Elroy Gelant in the field. The South African record-holder ran 2:05:36 in Hamburg in 2025, and that puts him right among the serious contenders.

A home podium would be massive for South African road running. As a result, Gelant should attract plenty of local support and betting interest.

Stephen Mokoka and Precious Mashele

South African favourite Stephen Mokoka also adds local flavour. He has won in Cape Town three times, so he understands the course, the conditions, and the pressure. Meanwhile, Precious Mashele makes his marathon debut, which creates another exciting South African storyline.

Women’s Race: Veterans, Speedsters and Local Support

The women’s elite race looks just as exciting. Lonah Salpeter enters as the fastest woman on paper with a personal best of 2:17:45, while Ethiopia’s Ruti Aga, Dera Dida, and Mestawat Fikir all bring serious pace.

However, Kenyan legend Edna Kiplagat could be the sentimental pick for many fans. She is a two-time World Marathon Champion and Boston Marathon winner, and even at 47, she still carries the experience to punish any tactical mistake.

Cape Town-based Fortunate Chidzivo should also attract regional support, while Emma Pallant-Browne, now based in South Africa, brings extra intrigue as she steps into the marathon spotlight.

Wheelchair Race Stars

The wheelchair division also deserves attention. British great David Weir lines up in the men’s race, while Swiss star Manuela Schär headlines the women’s wheelchair field. South African supporters can also follow Tiaan Bosch, who gives the home crowd another athlete to back.

Cape Town Marathon Weather: What Can Runners Expect?

Cape Town weather always matters. Last year proved that the Mother City can turn quickly, especially when wind enters the picture. This year, however, the race moves to May, and early forecasts look far friendlier for runners.

For Sunday, 24 May 2026, the latest forecast points to cloudy conditions in the morning, temperatures around 13–14°C at the elite start, and a daytime high of around 19°C. That feels close to ideal for marathon running, especially if the wind stays manageable.

Cooler morning temperatures can help elite athletes chase fast times. However, recreational runners still need to plan carefully, because Cape Town can warm up later in the day. Therefore, hydration, pacing, and sun protection remain important, even in autumn.

Cape Town Marathon Betting Markets

Marathon betting in South Africa remains more niche than football, rugby, cricket, or horse racing. However, major international marathons do attract interest from punters, especially when a global icon like Kipchoge lines up.

Here are the main Cape Town Marathon betting markets punters may find at selected sportsbooks:

Betting Market	What It Means
Men’s Winner	Pick the outright winner of the men’s marathon
Women’s Winner	Pick the outright winner of the women’s marathon
Top South African Runner	Back the first South African athlete to finish
Podium Finish	Bet on a runner to finish in the top three
Head-to-Head Matchups	Choose which of two runners finishes ahead
Winning Time Over/Under	Bet whether the winning time lands above or below a set mark
Course Record Broken	Predict whether the men’s or women’s course record falls
Wheelchair Race Winner	Pick the winner in the wheelchair division

For the men’s race, Kipchoge will naturally draw attention because of his reputation. Still, punters should also compare recent form, personal bests, race conditions, and age profile. Stephen Kiprop, Maru Teferi, Benard Biwott, Yihunilign Adane, and Elroy Gelant all have the pace to make this race spicy.

For the women’s race, Salpeter’s personal best makes her a standout name. However, the Ethiopian runners could control the tempo, while Kiplagat’s experience gives her an outside chance if the race becomes tactical.

Betting Tips for South African Punters

Before placing any marathon bet, check whether your sportsbook has confirmed final start lists. Elite fields can change close to race day due to injury, illness, travel issues, or tactical withdrawals.

Also, look beyond the famous names. Marathon betting often rewards form study. A runner with a slightly slower personal best but a stronger recent season can beat a bigger name who has not raced well lately. Weather also matters. If wind picks up along the Atlantic coastline, winning times may slow, and tactical runners could benefit.

Finally, bet responsibly. Marathon outcomes can shift quickly after 30km, and even the strongest favourite can struggle if pacing, fuelling, or conditions go wrong.

From seasoned professionals chasing personal bests to everyday runners tackling their very first marathon, the event captures the true spirit of determination, passion, and South African pride. Even though marathon betting is limited, sports fans still have plenty to look forward to this month. Be sure to explore our May Sport Preview 2026 for the biggest rugby, football, cricket, and international sporting fixtures on the calendar.

When it comes to betting action, Betway and Hollywoodbets continue to stand out as favourites among South African punters. At the same time, punters can also explore exciting markets and promotions at Mzansibet, Easybet and Gbets for even more sporting entertainment.

Cape Town Gets Ready to Run

The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon feels bigger than a race. It feels like a statement from Cape Town, South Africa, and the African running community. With Eliud Kipchoge on African soil, Elroy Gelant flying the South African flag, a powerful women’s field, and a world-class wheelchair line-up, race day should deliver drama from the first kilometre to the finish line.

So, whether you plan to run, support from the roadside, watch the broadcast, or follow the betting markets, the Mother City is ready to put on a show. If the weather plays along and the elite field attacks the route, Cape Town could witness one of the most memorable marathon days in South African sporting history.