From Island to Finish Line
Whether you are a seasoned marathoner or lacing up for the first time, during race week, October 11–18 2026, every runner runs in the spirit of Madiba, sharing the same values, the same story and same bib number: 466/64, Mandela’s prison number.
NELSON MANDELA MARATHON, 42KM
The marathon will take runners on a powerful journey through the heart of Cape Town, starting at the Grand Parade before passing through District Six, Parliament and the Company’s Garden, and continuing into Bo-Kaap, excluding Koesister Hill.
From there, runners will head towards Sea Point before returning past DHL Stadium and through the Green Point precinct.
The route will then open onto FW de Klerk Boulevard and Marine Drive, extending towards Woodbridge Island before looping back towards Adderley Street and finishing on Darling Street.
The route will cover exactly 42.195km, with a total elevation gain of no more than 250 metres.
These details are intended to provide an indication of the areas included in the route and remain subject to change for operational and safety reasons.
R700
For South African residents
$200
For International Participants
Included in your registration
- Start number with name (until September 1, 2026)
- A fantastic course through beautiful Capetown
- A beautifully designed commemorative t-shirt
- A unique Nelson Mandela Marathon medal
- Aid stations on the course and after the finish
Slave Route Challenge Half Marathon, 21KM
The 21km Slave Route Challenge, part of the Nelson Mandela Marathon, brings together some of Cape Town’s most historic streets, cultural landmarks and coastal views.
Starting from the Grand Parade, through District Six past Parliament and the Company’s Garden and then the climb through Bo-Kaap via the famous Koesister Hill.
From Bo-Kaap, runners head towards Sea Point, reaching a turnaround point before returning past the DHL Stadium and the Green Point precinct then heading back through the CBD to the finish on Darling Street.
These details are intended to provide an indication of the areas included in the route and remain subject to change for operational and safety reasons.
R260
For South African residents
$75
For International Participants
Included in your registration
- Start number with name (until September 1, 2026)
- A fantastic course through beautiful Capetown
- A beautifully designed commemorative t-shirt
- A unique Nelson Mandela Marathon medal
- Aid stations on the course and after the finish
Slave Route Challenge 10km Run & Fun Walk
The 10km Slave Route Challenge walk and run takes you through the heart of the city, with a route packed with history, colour and Cape Town energy.
From the Grand Parade, participants move through District Six and loop back past Parliament and the Company’s Garden and then climb through Bo-Kaap via the famous Koesister Hill.
Participants then exit Bo-Kaap, through the CBD towards the finish on Darling Street.
These details are intended to provide an indication of the areas included in the route and remain subject to change for operational and safety reasons.
RUN: R190
WALK: R150
For South African residents
$50
For International Participants
Included in your registration
- Start number with name (until September 1, 2026)
- A fantastic course through beautiful Capetown
- A beautifully designed commemorative t-shirt
- A unique Nelson Mandela Marathon medal
- Aid stations on the course and after the finish
Slave Route Challenge 5km Fun Run & Walk
The 5km Slave Route Challenge offers a short but meaningful journey through the historic heart of Cape Town.
From the Grand Parade, runners immediately pass through the Castle of Good Hope, through District Six, looping back past Parliament and the Company’s Garden before heading to the finish on Darling Street.
These details are intended to provide an indication of the areas included in the route and remain subject to change for operational and safety reasons.
Included in your registration
- Start number with name (until September 1, 2026)
- A fantastic course through beautiful Capetown
- A beautifully designed commemorative t-shirt
- A unique Nelson Mandela Marathon medal
- Aid stations on the course and after the finish
The race begins long before the starting line
Cape Town is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city where nature and urban life meet. Framed by Table Mountain — one of the New 7 Wonders of the World — the Mother City is known for its breathtaking beaches, rich biodiversity, world-class food and wine, and an unparalleled variety of experiences.
Know before you go
Where is the start and finish?
All routes will start in Strand Street.
What is the route?
The full route description will be revealed shortly, the event connects movement with memory through routes that pass some of the city’s most historically significant landmarks, including the Castle of Good Hope, the Company’s Garden, Bo-Kaap and District Six.
The marathon route will be fast and flat. The half marathon and 10km route will include various historic landmarks as well as the infamous Koesister Hill. The 5km route will be relatively flat.
Where do I collect my race number?
Number collection will take place in the City Hall on 16 October from 10:00 to 20:00 and 17 October from 09:00 to 16:00.
Is there somewhere to leave a bag or car keys on race day?
There will be a tog bag facility on the Grand Parade, outside the City Hall.
Where are the water points and how many are there?
Aid stations will be situated approximately every 3km on all routes. Water, coke and Powerade will be available at all stations.
Will this be a qualifier for Two Oceans Ultra and Comrades Marathon?
Any standard World Athletics-affiliated marathon after 30 May 2026 is a qualifier for the 2027 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Ultra 56km provided that the course is officially measured and the event is officially timed. You need to complete a marathon in under 5:00 in order to qualify. This will be confirmed following the reveal of the route, the same 5:00 limit will apply.
Where can I see the routes?
Full maps and details of each route will are now live on the website.
What is included in my entry fee?
- Start number with name (until September 1, 2026)
- A fantastic course through beautiful Cape Town
- A beautifully designed commemorative t-shirt
- A unique medal designed for each distance.
- A goodie bag
- Aid stations on the course and after the finish
- An official result in the finishers’ log
What is the prize money?
The main prize fund will be R2 000 000
- Nelson Mandela Marathon 42km women: R750 000 split between top 10 places
- Nelson Mandela Marathon 42km men: R750 000 split between top 10 places
- Slave Route Challenge 21km women: R250 000 split between top 10 places
- Slave Route Challenge 21km men: R250 000 split between top 10 places
- Slave Route Challenge 10km: R2000, R1000, R800 for the first 3 men and women
In addition there will be prizes for the top 3 in each age group in each distance.
There is no positional prize money in the 10km walk, or in the 5km.
What does it cost to enter?
South African residents
- Marathon R700
- Half marathon R260
- 10km run R190 (R150 for juniors)
- 10km walk R150
- 5km run/walk R80
International (in US dollars)
- Marathon $200
- Half marathon $75
- 10km run $50
- 10km walk $50
- 5km run/walk $25
Do I need a club membership/License to run?
For the 42km, 21 km and 10km runs, you need a club membership and valid 2026 ASA licence to run. If you do not have one, you need to buy a temporary day licence. These are R105 (42km), R95 (21km ) and R60 for the 10km run. Juniors in the 10km run pay only R40.
For the 10km walk and the 5km run/walk, there is no requirement to have a licence.