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Runners will traverse from the stadium to above the city through flora, fauna and sweeping vistas of the Atlantic. The trail weaves through one of the world’s most diverse and rare floral kingdoms, the Cape Floristic Region. Many species on this trail are not found anywhere else on Earth.
The ultimate challenge, Ryan Sandes’ marathon-distance race through The Table Mountain National Park.
The race begins at the iconic Cape Town Stadium before ascending the slopes of Signal Hill. From here, runners will head towards Table Mountain where they will tackle Kloof Corner steps. This is followed by a traverse along the contour path, taking them over the saddle and into the lush, shaded forest.
A scenic lap through the enchanting Kirstenbosch Gardens awaits, before runners loop back toward the historic Blockhouse. From here, the route wraps around the front face of Devil’s Peak, offering sweeping views of the city below, before dipping into the rolling hills of Deer Park, where the hum of city life contrasts with the tranquility of nature.
The final leg takes runners back to Signal Hill for a spectacular finish, with a dramatic return to the converted finish line.
Cape Town Trail Marathon is now accredited with the International Trail Running Association (iTRA).
While half-the-marathon-distance race, the 22km route is far from half the challenge.
The 22km race starts in the bustle of the Cape Town Stadium race-village. As the sun rises, runners set off towards Signal Hill through the streets of Green Point. The route climbs onto the contour path of Signal Hill, surfaces above the skyline of skyscrapers and city lights, and then trails around the base of Lion’s Head.
Dropping into the Glen, circling back up the Glen and then snaking around Lion’s Head sees participants clock 830 meters of vert. Returning back to Signal Hill and finishing at Vlei Road, the half-marathon distance offers a challenging and scenic route that captures Cape Town’s most spectacular sea, mountain and city views.
For first-timers or fleet-footed time-chasers, the 11km route showcases all that Cape Town’s mountains have to offer - city, coastline and mountain trail - over a much shorter distance.
While the 11km event makes for the perfect introduction into trail running, with its shorter distance and more forgiving route design; the route’s runnable profile (390m vert) equally ups the ante and speed, encouraging trailblazers to race for podiums, set FKTs andPBs.
The race starts at the Cape Town Stadium and climbs Signal Hill. It snakes around the base of Lion’s Head via contour paths and jeep tracks to loop-back to the stadium finish line. Running beneath the backdrop of Table Mountain, above the city’s skyline and alongside views of the Atlantic Ocean, make this route truly unique.
The fastest 1,000 meters race in CapeTown.
Based off of the infamous European vertical kilometre (an event which is ~1,000m elevation gain over 5-6kms), Ryan Sandes and the Cape Town Marathon team present Cape Town’s only Vert-Challenge imitation.
This extremely steep, short and seriously-speedy route is, at present, an invite-only event and welcomes 30 of South Africa’s fastest trail-runners and international competitors in both men’s and women’s field to the start-line. Runners start at St. Cyprians School and sprinting through Deer Park they begin their climb up Platteklip Gorge to finish at the top of the Cable Car Station.
43km:
1st man & woman
R50 000 ea
2nd man & woman
R25 000 ea
3rd man & woman
R12 500 ea
22km:
1st man & woman
R5 000 ea
2nd man & woman
R2 500 ea
3rd man & woman
R1 250 ea
11km:
1st man & woman
R5 000 ea
2nd man & woman
R2 500 ea
3rd man & woman
R1 250 ea
All runners will be required to carry the following compulsory kit items. This will be checked at the start from 05:00 and 5:45.The need for the compulsory kit cannot be underestimated and is there for your own safety. Participants arriving at the start without all the compulsory equipment will not be allowed to participate and will be not entitled to a refund. There will be spot checks on the mountain and at the finish. The kit has been rated either Category 1, 2 or 3. If you are missing a Category 1 item you will be disqualified. If you are missing a Category 2 or 3 the specified time penalty will be added to your finish time.
These regulations have been put in place for your own safety and we trust you will adhere to them. You are not permitted to drop or receive any of these items during the race and anyone seen doing so will be disqualified.
If you've participated in past Cape Town Trails Marathon or you're participating in this year's race, join the club and share your progress with others.
Ryan Sandes has a remarkable track record both in South Africa and internationally, having won an ultra race on every continent. He has been trailblazing since 2008, with one of his most impressive victories being his win at The Western States® 100-Mile Endurance Run in California in 2017.
Ryan Sandes has a remarkable track record both in South Africa and internationally, having won an ultra race on every continent. He has been trailblazing since 2008, with one of his most impressive victories being his win at The Western States® 100-Mile Endurance Run in California in 2017.
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