Big news for South African runners: The Cape Town Marathon is moving its date! For the 2026 race, the event will take place in late May instead of its usual October spot.
While this announcement may have caught many by surprise, the change comes with some interesting benefits—and a few challenges too.
Why the Change?
The Cape Town Marathon has always been dedicated to giving participants the best possible race-day experience.
Organizers have shared that the move to May is part of a long-term plan to elevate the event even further, as they set their sights on becoming Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors event.
This wasn’t a snap decision based on numbers alone.
After consulting with key stakeholders, including Athletics South Africa (ASA) and Western Province Athletics (WPA), the organizers decided this shift would be in the best interest of runners.
Though it poses logistical hurdles—like squeezing in preparations with only a seven-month turnaround—the primary goal remains clear: to deliver a world-class marathon.
Perfect Weather Conditions
One of the key reasons for the May date is the weather.
Cape Town’s autumn climate is cooler, which means less risk of overheating, better race conditions, and the possibility of faster times.
May also has a lower chance of Cape Town’s infamous south-easterly winds, which have been known to derail runners’ attempts at personal bests.
In addition to the weather, the later start time of the race should make things smoother for everyone.
With a more convenient start time, runners can use public transport more easily, easing some of the congestion on race day.
Though Cape Town’s public transport isn’t as extensive as in some major cities, this later start will encourage improvements to the Park & Ride options, making the pre-race experience far less stressful.
The Shift’s Impact on Runners
It’s clear that this change will impact South Africa’s ultra-running calendar.
With the Cape Town Marathon now scheduled in May, it will no longer serve as an optimal qualifier for events like the Two Oceans Ultra or the Comrades Marathon, making it harder for runners to tackle all three in one year.
However, organizers view this as an exciting evolution for the race.
As many marathoners already aim for international events like the London or Boston Marathons, the Cape Town Marathon is positioning itself as a must-do race for serious competitors.
If your focus is on achieving a personal best, this could be the ideal race for you.
Rather than sticking to the same race schedule every year, runners are encouraged to align their plans with their goals.
If ultra-running is your priority, this new date might not be the best fit.
But if you’re aiming for speed and endurance, the 2026 Cape Town Marathon could be the perfect opportunity to shine.
More Than Just a Race
The date change isn’t just about the runners; it’s part of a larger vision for Cape Town and South Africa.
Moving the event to May—when tourism is slower—can help boost the local economy.
Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses will all benefit from the influx of international and local visitors, bringing the kind of economic impact that major marathons are known for.
In fact, big events like the Boston Marathon generate over $500 million for the local economy.
At the same time, Cape Town Marathon organizers are committed to keeping the event accessible to local runners.
Two-thirds of the race entries will be reserved for African participants, ensuring that South African runners still have plenty of opportunities to join the race.
The event will also remain affordable, with 2,000 free entries planned for the upcoming year.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Cape Town Marathon will go ahead as planned on 19 October, so there’s no need to worry if you’re planning to race this year.
But looking further down the line, the goal is clear: this race is on track to become a major player on the global marathon stage.