The Early Years
2014Established in 2014, the Cape Town Marathon is now 12 years old. From its first edition in Cape Town, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in South Africa.
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Course & Elevation
Starting and finishing in the city center, the course runs along the Atlantic Seaboard through Green Point, Sea Point, and Mouille Point with Table Mountain as a constant backdrop. Returns through the Bo-Kaap and CBD.
Surface: road Profile: Rolling
Weather
Temperature 18°C
Humidity 65%
Rain Chance 15%
South African spring — warm and mostly dry. Temperatures typically 14–22°C. Can be windy along the coast.
The Race
Cape Town
Race Lore
A Course Built for Speed
2023The course record of 2:08:19, set by Stephen Mokoka in 2023, speaks to what the Cape Town Marathon offers elite athletes: a fast, honest course where serious times are achievable. The record has drawn increasingly competitive fields year after year.
Running Through a Postcard
The Cape Town Marathon route is one of those courses where runners forget their pace and reach for their phones. The scenery through Cape Town and its surroundings has earned this race a reputation as one of the most photogenic in Africa.
Where It Begins
For thousands of runners each year, the Cape Town Marathon is their first marathon. The combination of a forgiving course, generous time limits, and supportive crowds has earned this race a reputation as the place where marathon journeys begin. The first-timer energy on race morning is palpable.
Famous Runners
SM
Stephen Mokoka
South African record holder
2:08:31 2019
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Course Record
2:08:19
Stephen Mokoka (2023)
Registration
Registration Opens March
Registration Closes September
Entry Cost R450–R750
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Official Website →
Fun Facts
- ▸ Cape Town Marathon has World Athletics Gold Label status and is the only gold-label marathon in Africa.
- ▸ Table Mountain provides one of the most dramatic backdrops of any marathon in the world.
- ▸ The race passes through the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, famous for its bright houses.
- ▸ Cape Town is one of the most affordable World Marathon Majors-quality races, with entry under $40.
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