2026 Cape Town Marathon: Date, Start Time, Route Map, Location, Prize Money, How To Watch

The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is set for Sunday, May 24. This edition represents a major turning point, as it is the final evaluation year before the event potentially joins the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2027, which would make it the first race in Africa to earn that elite status.

When Is 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon?

The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 24 May 2026.This year’s edition is especially important as it serves as the final evaluation race for the event to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major. It will also host the Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championships.

What Time Does Start 2026 Cape Town Marathon?

Start Times (Sunday, 24 May 2026):

07:50 — Elite Wheelchair

08:00 — Elite Men & Women

08:05 — Age Group World Championships (Beach Road Start)

08:10 onwards — Wave starts (Yellow Wave to Red Wave until 09:06)

Where Is 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon?

The race is held in Cape Town, South Africa. The event is centered around the Green Point Stadium area.

Start Line: Fritz Sonnenberg Road (near Cape Town Stadium) and Beach Road

Finish Line: Vlei Road, Green Point

2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Route Map

The course is known for being fast, flat, and highly scenic. It showcases Cape Town’s stunning natural beauty and iconic landmarks.

Route Highlights:

Passes Table Mountain

Runs through the Southern Suburbs (including Rondebosch and Salt River)

Loops back along the Atlantic seaboard and Sea Point Promenade

The route is rated moderate to fairly flat, making it ideal for both personal best attempts and enjoying the views.

Cut-off Time: 6.5 hours to complete the 42.2km distance.

How To Watch 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon?

Live Broadcast:

Locally in South Africa: Broadcast on SuperSport

Internationally: Expected coverage on platforms like FloTrack (exact 2026 partners to be confirmed closer to the date)

Live Tracking:

LIVE App (available on Google Play and Apple App Stores) to follow runners in real-time.In-Person Spectating:

Popular viewing spots include:Rondebosch Common (around 20–22km)

Darling Street (around 30km)

The finish line area at Vlei Road, Green Point

2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Prize Money

The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon offers a strong international prize purse, paid in US Dollars to elite athletes.

Elite Marathon (Open Men & Women)

1st Place: $35,000

2nd Place: $20,000

3rd Place: $15,000

4th to 10th place will also receive cash prizes (full top 10 payout is included in the overall purse)

Bonus Prizes Course Record Bonus (Men or Women): $20,000

World Record Bonus: Additional approx. $15,000

Wheelchair DivisionThe wheelchair prize purse has been increased by 35% this year to approximately $50,000 USD total. Top 5 athletes in both men’s and women’s wheelchair categories will be paid in USD.

Overall Prize Fund

Total prize purse across all events: R4,862,500 ≈ $291,750 USD

Total including record incentives: R6,602,500 ≈ $396,150 USD

This is the largest prize fund in the history of the Cape Town Marathon, underlining the event’s ambition to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors.

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