Cape Town Marathon 2026: Earn Your Provisional Star on Africa’s Scenic Marathon

The Cape Town Marathon is gearing up for an exciting milestone in 2026. While this year’s race cancellation means it won’t yet achieve full Abbott World Marathon Major (WMM) status, participants will earn a provisional star, setting the stage for Cape Town to officially join the world majors in 2027.

Prior to the 2025 cancellation, I had the chance to learn from Clark Gardner, CEO and race director of the Cape Town Marathon, about the marathon’s journey, the course, elite field, and what runners can expect from this historic event.

A Vision for Africa’s World Major

Gardner has long emphasized that Africa deserves its own world marathon major. “85% of the top 50 elite marathon runners are from this continent. They deserve the chance to perform in front of home crowds and inspire the next generation of runners,” he said.

Although 2026 won’t carry full WMM status, the marathon continues its three-year candidacy journey. A provisional star will be awarded to all participants, giving them a unique place in the event’s history ahead of full major recognition in 2027.

Course Highlights and Runner Experience

The Cape Town Marathon combines city, sea, and mountain scenery in one of the world’s most beautiful settings. Starting and finishing near the V&A Waterfront, runners enjoy views of Table Mountain, coastal stretches, and vibrant neighborhoods. The course maintains under 200 meters of elevation gain, balancing speed potential with scenic variety.

“The start and finish are in the same precinct as the expo, creating an amazing race village experience,” Gardner noted. “Local running clubs and spectators bring energy and support that make this a uniquely African marathon.”

Participant Growth and Elite Field

The marathon has grown steadily over the past years. From 10,000 finishers in earlier editions to over 24,000 entries in 2024, the race is expected to attract up to 27,000 participants in 2026. Despite not being a full WMM event, elite runners and wheelchair athletes will still compete, providing an inspiring environment for emerging African talent.

Timing and Conditions

The race moves to May 2026 to align with the global marathon calendar and take advantage of Cape Town’s optimal weather. Cooler temperatures, low wind, and daylight hours make May ideal for both runners and global broadcasting.

Tourism and African Experience

Cape Town offers more than a marathon—it’s an unforgettable travel experience. From the iconic Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront to nearby Winelands and safari reserves, participants can explore Africa’s natural and cultural beauty safely and conveniently. Guided tours and international travel operator partnerships ensure a seamless experience for international runners.

Why Runners Should Join

From its scenic course to the vibrant local running community, the Cape Town Marathon offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Gardner emphasized that at least 60% of participants will be African, ensuring runners are immersed in authentic culture, camaraderie, and support along the route.

Even without full WMM status in 2026, earning a provisional star makes this edition a historic and meaningful race for participants.

Final Thoughts

The Cape Town Marathon is on track to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major in 2027. In 2026, runners will still enjoy world-class organization, elite competition, and stunning scenery—all while earning a provisional star. For those ready to make history and experience Africa’s magic, this is the marathon to plan for.

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