Sanlam Cape Town Marathon · Sun 23 May 2027

Run Africa's first Major, with a package from First Light Experiences.

Guaranteed international race entry: no ballot, no waiting list, a confirmed spot on the start line.

An Abbott Major, on African soil, for the first time.

In June 2026, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was announced as Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major – joining Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Sydney and Tokyo in the most exclusive company in the sport. The 2027 race is the very first run under that new status, which means every runner on the start line becomes part of marathon history. And what a start line: 26.2 miles with Table Mountain rising on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other – widely regarded as one of the most beautiful marathon courses anywhere in the world.

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The package

Book with First Light Experiences.

A boutique sports tour operator based in Cape Town, offering a personalised experience. Our team has run the marathon ourselves, so we know exactly what you need. We handle every detail of the logistics and share real local insight – the best food, the best sights, and everything you need to know about race day so you can relax, feel looked after, and simply focus on the running and enjoying Cape Town.

£799per person, sharing

£1,050 single supplement

Race entry £290

Our package: what's included

Guaranteed international marathon entry (£290, in addition to the package)
4 nights at a 4★ Marriott hotel (check in Thursday, check out Monday) including daily breakfast
Airport meet & greet and transfer to hotel
Local guides on-site over the race weekend
Pre-race pasta & protein dinner
Shuttle to race start and back from the finish
Shuttle & guide to race expo

Pre-race shakeout run
Pre-race route briefing by a local expert runner
Marathon morning early breakfast served
Race cheer zone
Post-race social celebration evening
Extra add-on tours & trip extensions available (at an additional cost)

Not running yourself? Partners, family, and friends are welcome on the package too, just skip the guaranteed race entry.

Why travel with us

Local, hosted, and here with you every step of the way.

A Cape Town-based local operator

First Light Experiences is run out of Cape Town, for international runners. We know this race – the weather, the roads, the culture. Our team has personally run it, so the advice you get is the advice we'd give a friend.

Hosted, not just booked

Our founder is on the ground with your group for the trip itself.

All the logistics, handled

Hotel, transfers, race entry, and more. One booking covers it all, so all you have to do is run.

Accommodation

Your Cape Town base:
Marriott Protea Fire & Ice hotel

We've partnered with the Marriott Protea Fire & Ice hotel in Cape Town for the full trip – a known, consistent standard for a group that's travelling a long way to race. Facilities include: outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant and lounge bar, fitness centre, relax spa and walking distance to trendy restaurants and bars.

Marriott Protea Fire & Ice hotel exterior and pool, Cape Town

Marriott Protea Fire & Ice hotel lounge bar, Cape Town

Marriott Protea Fire & Ice hotel guest room, Cape Town

Itinerary

Thursday to Monday, Cape Town.

Thursday 20 MayArrival

Airport meet and greet and transfer to our Marriott hotel. Settle in. In the evening we will have the pre-race route briefing by local expert runner. Meet the First Light Experiences team and your fellow runners. Free evening to head out for dinner at nearby restaurants or stay in and eat at the hotel.

Friday 21 MayShakeout run, Expo & optional sightseeing

5km group shake out run. Optional sightseeing tour available. Late afternoon we'll go to the Expo to collect race numbers. Shuttle and guide to Expo provided.

Saturday 22 MayFree day, optional sightseeing & pasta dinner

Optional sightseeing tour available. In the evening the group will have dinner together for a pre-race pasta dinner.

Sunday 23 MayRace day!

Early breakfast served at the hotel. Shuttle to race start. Off you go! The First Light Experiences team will be positioned at our cheer zone near the end of the race, supporters to join us. After your race, we'll have a shuttle taking you back to the hotel to relax and recover for the rest of the afternoon. In the evening we'll all regroup for a celebratory evening together.

Monday 24 MayDeparture

Recover, pack up, head home or on to safari (optional tours available).

Extra add-ons

We're working on some exciting safari packages and day tours to add to your experiences. More details to follow. Hotel extensions are possible, just ask us.

Elite runner celebrating at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon finish line, crowd cheering behind

Official photo from the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon organisers