Cape Town Marathon
Cape Town, South Africa · Mid-October
A rolling but runnable loop beneath Table Mountain, through the city bowl and along the Atlantic seaboard. The fastest marathon in Africa and the continent's likeliest future Major.
Course
Elevation gain
150 m
Net elevation
Flat
Finishers
~10,000
Month
October
Mid-October
Race-day weather
Median start temp
13°C
Historical range
9–22°C
Hot-year risk
Moderate
Southern-hemisphere spring under Table Mountain — usually mild, but sun and wind are both live risks.
Getting in
First-come, first-served. Africa's marquee city marathon, campaigning to become the eighth World Marathon Major — get in before that happens. Official site ↗
Pacing plans for Cape Town Marathon
Course-adjusted splits for every common goal — not flat even splits, but pacing that matches where this course is fast and where it bites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cape Town Marathon a fast course?
Yes, it is a fast course by big-marathon standards. The course has 150 m of total elevation gain and no net drop. We rate it 7/10 for PR potential.
What is the weather usually like at the Cape Town Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 13°C, with a historical range of roughly 9–22°C. Southern-hemisphere spring under Table Mountain — usually mild, but sun and wind are both live risks.
How do you get into the Cape Town Marathon?
First-come, first-served. Africa's marquee city marathon, campaigning to become the eighth World Marathon Major — get in before that happens.
Is the Cape Town Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the Cape Town Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times.