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
Forty-two kilometres along the Cape Town coastline, through history, through struggle and through one of the most breathtaking routes on earth.
Route reveal: end of June.
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
This is more than a half marathon. Slave Route Challenge Half Marathon, 21KM follows a route that honours the enslaved people who built Cape Town, their stories of resilience, and their descendants who kept the memory alive. Running this course is a moving memorial through history, through beauty, and through the weight of what came before us.
Route reveal: end of June.
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
Taking in most of the same historically significant landmarks as the Slave Route Challenge, the 10K honours the enslaved people who built Cape Town, their stories of resilience, and their descendants who kept the memory alive. Running this course is a moving memorial through history, through beauty, and through the weight of what came before us.
Route reveal: end of June.
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 same historically significant landmarks as the 10K, just without the need to climb the dreaded Koeksister Hill. It too honours the enslaved people who built Cape Town, their stories of resilience, and their descendants who kept the memory alive. Running this course is a moving memorial through history, through beauty, and through the weight of what came before us.
Route reveal: end of June.
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 flat and fast. The half marathon route will include various historic landmarks as well as the infamous Koesister Hill. The 10km and 5km routes 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 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 be published on the website shortly.
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.