How to Get Into the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon: Ballot, Charity, Tour Operators and Every Entry Path
The complete guide to Sanlam Cape Town Marathon entry: how the ballot works, when it opens, what the provisional Abbott World Marathon Majors star means, how charity and international tour operator entries work, what 2023 and 2024 finishers need to know about the Candidacy Club, how the cancelled 2025 race affects 2026 and 2027 entry, and why the no-deferral rule matters before you commit.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate race and the most globally significant marathon on the continent. The course runs through Cape Town with Table Mountain as the city's permanent witness, the Atlantic coastline nearby, and a finish in the Green Point and DHL Stadium area.
It is also one of the most important marathons for runners thinking beyond the original Six Star Medal. Cape Town is not yet a confirmed Abbott World Marathon Major, but it is in the final stage of candidacy. That makes 2026 unusually important: all finishers are expected to receive a provisional AbbottWMM star, which becomes fully recognised if Cape Town passes its 2026 evaluation.
Getting in is not as simple as clicking “register” whenever the mood arrives wearing tiny racing flats. The 2026 ballot has already closed. Sponsored entries connected to the cancelled 2025 race have also closed. Charity and international tour operator entries are the remaining primary routes while available.
Cape Town Marathon Entry at a Glance
- Race: Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
- 2026 date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Marathon distance: 42.2 km / 26.2 miles
- Start areas: Stadium start on Fritz Sonnenberg Road and Beach Road start in Mouille Point
- Finish area: Green Point / DHL Stadium area
- Marathon field: Approximately 27,000 runners expected for 2026
- Entry system: Ballot, with charity and international tour operator routes after ballot allocation
- 2026 ballot window: November 6 to November 25, 2025
- 2026 ballot result communications: November 28, 2025
- Ballot application fee: R5 non-refundable validation fee, donated to official charities
- Current 2026 status: Ballot and sponsored marathon entries closed; charity and international entries are the remaining listed marathon routes while available
- AbbottWMM status: Candidate race, not yet a confirmed Major
- 2026 star status: Provisional AbbottWMM star, conditional on Cape Town passing its 2026 evaluation
- 2025 cancellation: Race cancelled due to severe weather and route/infrastructure damage from dangerously high winds
- 2025 entrant remedy: Sanlam offered affected 2025 marathon entrants sponsored entry for either 2026 or 2027
- Deferrals: Sponsored and ballot entries are non-transferable and cannot be deferred, with limited pregnancy/postpartum exceptions
- Best single instruction: Set a calendar alert for early November. Cape Town’s ballot opens much earlier than many runners expect for a May race.
The WMM Star Situation: What Provisional Actually Means
This is the section that matters most for runners chasing Abbott World Marathon Majors stars.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is not yet a confirmed Abbott World Marathon Major. It is a candidate race. For 2026, all finishers are expected to receive a provisional AbbottWMM star. That provisional star becomes fully recognised if Cape Town passes its 2026 candidacy evaluation.
That distinction matters. “Provisional” does not mean pretend, unofficial, or decorative. It means the star is conditionally awarded pending the outcome of the race’s final candidacy assessment. If Cape Town passes, the star becomes part of the runner’s permanent AbbottWMM record. If it does not pass, AbbottWMM and the race would need to communicate what happens next.
How to think about it as a runner
If you are chasing future Nine Star recognition, Cape Town 2026 is a high-value race because it gives you a chance to finish the African candidate before demand potentially gets even wilder. But it should be described accurately: Cape Town is a candidate race offering a provisional star in 2026, not a fully confirmed Major at the time of entry.
Six Star vs Nine Star
Cape Town does not count toward the original Six Star Medal, which consists of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Cape Town is relevant to the expanded AbbottWMM star pathway, often discussed as Nine Star planning, alongside newer and candidate races beyond the original six.
In plain English: run Cape Town because it is likely to matter. Just do not describe the 2026 star as guaranteed until the evaluation is complete.
Path 1: The Ballot
The ballot is the main entry path for most runners. It is a fixed application window followed by a random draw. It is not first-come, first-served, and it is not a time-qualifier system.
How the ballot works
Runners apply through the official registration platform during the ballot window. For the 2026 race, that window ran from November 6 to November 25, 2025. A small non-refundable R5 application fee was charged to validate payment details, with the fee donated to official charities.
After the ballot closed, successful and unsuccessful applicants were notified. For 2026, final ballot communications were sent on November 28, 2025. Successful applicants then needed to complete payment and confirm their entry within the specified window.
Is the ballot random?
Yes. The Cape Town ballot is a true allocation draw. Applying earlier within the window does not make you faster in the queue. Running a faster marathon does not improve your odds. Submitting multiple applications under the same identity is not a clever strategy; it is paperwork wearing a fake moustache.
What if you miss the ballot?
For 2026, the next routes were charity entries and international tour operator entries, which opened after ballot results. These operate on a first-come, first-served basis while allocations remain available.
What to do for 2027
Expect the ballot window to open in early November for the following May race, unless the race organisation changes the pattern. Watch the official website in October and set a calendar reminder before November starts.
Path 2: The Candidacy Club
The Candidacy Club is Cape Town’s loyalty route for runners who supported the race during its AbbottWMM candidacy years.
Who qualifies?
The programme was designed for runners who completed the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2023 or 2024. Those runners received preferential access during the candidacy period as recognition for racing Cape Town before full Major status was secured.
Why it matters now
The 2025 cancellation made the Candidacy Club situation more complicated. Some runners were already carrying preferential access into the candidacy years, while all 2025 marathon entrants were also offered sponsored entry for either 2026 or 2027.
If you finished Cape Town in 2023 or 2024 and you are unsure whether you have used or preserved your Candidacy Club access, contact the race office directly. Do not assume your status will magically sort itself out in the inbox attic.
Contact: raceoffice@capetownmarathon.com
Path 3: Charity Partners
Charity entry is the main remaining route for many runners who did not secure a ballot place. The official Cape Town Marathon website lists charity entry as one of the available marathon paths after ballot and sponsored entries closed.
How charity entry works
Runners apply through an official charity partner. Each charity has its own entry process, allocation, and fundraising expectation. In exchange for committing to the charity’s fundraising requirement, the runner receives access to a guaranteed race place while charity entries remain available.
Who should use this path?
Charity entry is best for runners who:
- Missed the ballot
- Want a legitimate guaranteed route
- Are comfortable fundraising
- Have a cause they genuinely want to support
- Are South African residents or international runners who prefer charity entry over a travel package
Timing
Charity allocations can sell out. Once ballot results are announced, do not wait weeks to explore charity options. This is the post-ballot door, not the emergency exit after everyone has gone home and folded the cones.
Path 4: International Tour Operators
International tour operator packages are the clearest guaranteed-entry route for runners travelling from outside South Africa, especially those booking long-haul flights and accommodation.
How tour operator entry works
Official international tour operators receive race entry allocations and sell them as part of travel packages. These typically include accommodation, guaranteed race entry, race-weekend support, and optional city or expo logistics.
The important restriction
International tour operators cannot sell entries to South African residents. This route is for non-South African runners. South African runners should use the ballot or charity partner routes.
Known tour operator routes
The official Cape Town Marathon site maintains an international entry page where runners can find tour operators by region. Marathon Tours & Travel and Africa Marathons have both offered Cape Town Marathon packages, and Sports Tours International has also advertised guaranteed-entry packages for 2026.
Who this is for
Use this path if you are an international runner who wants certainty before booking flights, wants help with Cape Town logistics, or missed the ballot and prefers a travel package over fundraising.
Path 5: The 2025 Cancellation Sponsored Entry
This path applies only to runners who were registered for the cancelled 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
The 2025 race was cancelled because of severe weather, including infrastructure and route damage caused by dangerously high winds. In response, title sponsor Sanlam offered every 2025 marathon entrant a sponsored entry for either the 2026 or 2027 race.
What if you were a 2025 entrant?
The official FAQ says all 2025 sponsored entrants were given the option to defer their entry between November 6 and November 25, and that window is now closed. If you were a 2025 entrant and you are unsure of your current status, contact the race office directly.
Contact: raceoffice@capetownmarathon.com
Does a sponsored entry still earn the star?
The entry path does not change the race result. If you start and finish the 2026 Cape Town Marathon, you receive the same provisional star status as other finishers, subject to Cape Town passing its 2026 evaluation.
Which Path Is Right for You?
You are entering a future Cape Town Marathon and the ballot has not opened yet
Use the ballot. Set a reminder for early November, apply during the window, and watch your email after the ballot closes.
You missed the ballot or were unsuccessful
Check charity partner entries immediately. These are the most accessible post-ballot route for many runners and are open while allocations remain available.
You are an international runner booking a major trip
Use an official international tour operator if you need guaranteed entry before committing to flights and hotel bookings. This costs more than direct entry but removes uncertainty.
You are a South African resident
Use the ballot or charity route. International tour operators cannot sell entries to South African residents.
You ran Cape Town in 2023 or 2024
Check whether Candidacy Club access applies to you. If you are unsure, contact the race office rather than guessing.
You were registered for the cancelled 2025 race
You may have had sponsored entry options for 2026 or 2027. If you have not confirmed your status, contact the race office.
The No-Deferral Rule
Cape Town’s entry policy is strict. Sponsored and ballot entries are non-transferable and cannot be deferred. The race also states that entries are non-refundable and non-deferrable except for limited pregnancy or postpartum circumstances.
What this means in practice
If you get into Cape Town and then cannot run because of injury, illness, travel conflict, work, cost, or a scheduling problem, you should assume you cannot transfer or defer the entry unless the race specifically tells you otherwise.
For international runners, this matters because the trip can involve expensive flights, hotels, and safari or holiday add-ons. Consider travel insurance that covers documented medical withdrawal and trip interruption. Read the policy carefully. “I undertrained and now the marathon is staring at me like a stern ostrich” will not be a covered reason.
Pregnancy and postpartum exception
The race provides limited exception language for pregnancy and postpartum situations. Contact the race office directly if this applies.
The Annual Timeline
| Period | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| October | Race organisation typically begins promoting the next ballot cycle | Watch the official site and set a reminder for early November |
| Early November | Ballot opens for the following May race | Apply through the official registration platform during the window |
| Late November | Ballot closes and results are sent | Successful applicants complete payment quickly |
| Late November onward | Charity and international entries open while available | Move quickly if unsuccessful in the ballot |
| Race week | Expo and race pack collection at DHL Stadium | Collect your race pack before race day |
| Race day | Two-start marathon from the Green Point and Mouille Point area | Go to the correct assigned start |
The biggest mistake is waiting until January to think about a May Cape Town entry. By then, the ballot has already come and gone.
Logistics: Getting to Cape Town, the Expo and Race Day
Getting to Cape Town
Cape Town International Airport is the main arrival airport, roughly 20 kilometres from the city centre and Green Point area. Direct long-haul flights operate from several European hubs, while many North American, Asian and Australian runners connect through Europe, the Middle East, or Johannesburg.
Where to stay
Green Point, Mouille Point, Sea Point, the V&A Waterfront and De Waterkant are the most convenient neighbourhoods for race weekend. Green Point and Mouille Point place you closest to the start and finish. Sea Point puts you near the oceanfront and final-course atmosphere. The V&A Waterfront is convenient but often more expensive.
The Marathon Expo
The Marathon Expo is held inside DHL Stadium in the days before race day. Runners must collect their race packs before race day. Bring the official confirmation sent by email or WhatsApp, including your race number. If collecting for someone else, bring that runner’s individual confirmation.
Race morning: two starts
The 2026 marathon has two start locations:
- Stadium start: Fritz Sonnenberg Road, next to DHL Stadium
- Beach Road start: Beach Road, Mouille Point
Your seeding information tells you which start to use. Do not assume that “Cape Town start” means one giant corral. Check your assignment, map the walk from your hotel, and leave enough time.
Cape Town as a destination
Cape Town is a race-trip city with unusual gravitational pull. Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, the Sea Point Promenade, the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Peninsula, Boulders Beach and the Winelands can turn a marathon weekend into a full week. The only caution: do the sightseeing after the race if stairs are involved. Cape Town has many beautiful stairs, and marathon quads have long memories.
Visa requirements
South Africa allows visa-free tourist entry for many nationalities, including runners from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand for stays up to 90 days. Always confirm current entry requirements with official South African government sources before booking.
FAQ
Is the Cape Town Marathon a World Marathon Major?
Not yet. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is an Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate race. For 2026, finishers are expected to receive a provisional AbbottWMM star, which becomes fully recognised if Cape Town passes its 2026 candidacy evaluation.
Does Cape Town count toward the Six Star Medal?
No. The Six Star Medal refers to the original six Abbott World Marathon Majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Cape Town is relevant to the expanded star pathway beyond the original six.
When does the Cape Town Marathon ballot open?
For the 2026 race, the ballot ran from November 6 to November 25, 2025. For future editions, expect an early-November ballot window unless the race organisation announces a different schedule.
Is the Cape Town ballot first-come, first-served?
No. The ballot is a random draw from valid applications submitted during the ballot window. Charity and international entries after the ballot are first-come, first-served while allocations remain available.
What if I miss the Cape Town ballot?
Check official charity partner entries and international tour operator packages immediately. These are the primary post-ballot entry routes while capacity remains available.
Can South African residents buy international tour operator entries?
No. Official international tour operator packages cannot be sold to South African residents. South African runners should use the ballot or charity partner routes.
Can I defer my Cape Town Marathon entry?
Sponsored and ballot entries are non-transferable and cannot be deferred. Limited pregnancy and postpartum exceptions may apply. Contact raceoffice@capetownmarathon.com for official guidance.
What happened to the 2025 Cape Town Marathon?
The 2025 race was cancelled because of severe weather, including infrastructure and route damage caused by dangerously high winds. Sanlam offered affected 2025 marathon entrants a sponsored entry for either 2026 or 2027.
What is the Candidacy Club?
The Candidacy Club is a loyalty programme for runners who completed Cape Town during its AbbottWMM candidacy years, especially 2023 and 2024. Those runners received preferential access during the candidacy period.
Where is the Cape Town Marathon Expo?
The Expo is held inside DHL Stadium in the days before race day. Runners must collect race packs before race day using their official confirmation.
Build your Cape Town Marathon training plan
Cape Town is a global race with a complex entry system and a high-stakes 2026 candidacy year. Once you have your entry path sorted, build a course-specific plan around the terrain, timing, travel, pacing and race-day conditions.
Build My Cape Town Marathon Training Plan →