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ROUTE OPTIONS

Run Through The Rarest Floral Kingdom on Planet Earth

MARATHON
DAY
Cape Town,
South Africa
THE
TRAILS

THE Cape Town TRAIL MARATHON

AN EXTRAORDINARY MOUNTAIN MARATHON On the trails of world renowned Table Mountain National Park

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 KING PROTEA

43km + 1895m vertical

THE KING PROTEA

43km + 1885m vertical

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 accredited with the International Trail Running Association (iTRA).

THE PINCUSHION PROTEA

22km + 830m vertical

THE STATELY PROTEA

22km + 830m vertical

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. 

THE STATELY PROTEA

11km + 390m vertical

THE PINCUSHION PROTEA

11km + 390m vertical

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. 

Prizes

43km:  
1st man & woman
R50 000 ea

2nd man & woman
R25 000 ea

3rd man & woman
R12 500 ea

4th man & woman
R7 500 ea

5th man & woman
R5 000 ea

22km:  
1st man & woman
R10 000 ea

2nd man & woman
R5 000 ea

3rd man & woman
R2 500 ea

11km:  
1st man & woman
R2 000 ea

2nd man & woman
R1 000 ea

3rd man & woman
R500 ea

ENTER THE MARATHON

2025 Cut-Off's

CUT OFF

1  (22km)
(43km )
(43km)
4 (43km)
Finish (22km)
Finish (43km)

CUT OFF TIME

09h45
10h30
12h30
14h45
11h45
16h00

KM

11.5
19
29
38
22
43

RUN TIME

03:00
04:30
06:30
08:45
05:00
10:00

PACE

15:39
14:13
13:57 13:49
13:38
13:57

LOCATION

Signal Hill  
Kirstenbosch
Tafelberg Rd
Signal Hill
Vlei Rd.
Vlei Rd.

Compulsory Kit
(REQUIRED FOR 43km trail marathon)

All runners will be required to carry the following compulsory kit items. 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.

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.


Required Kit

Penalty

Waterproof & breathable rain Jacket, with hood. (NO plastic bags, ponchos, PVC or rubberised jackets will be acceptable)

Disqualification

Mobile  phone (fully charged + event emergency number programmed)

Disqualification

Buff or similar

30min  time penalty

Space Blanket (minimum 2m x 1m)

30min  time penalty

Whistle

30min  time penalty

Basic  & essential first aid (minimum: 1x Cohesive bandage 75mm x 4.5m, 1x  First Aid Dressing)

30min  time penalty

Emergency  Race nutrition:  Minimum 400 Kcal worth  (e.g. 2x energy bars of 65g each),

15min time penalty

1 litre  water carrying capacity

15min time penalty

Own cup  (150ml)

Self  imposed penalty as there will be no cups at aid stations

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.

STRAVA COMMUNITY

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.

MORE ABOUT RYAN

FUND RAISING
FOR CHARITY

Cape Town Trail Marathon supports various charitable organisations.
Partner with us and contribute towards a worthy cause.