The Abbott World Marathon Majors has a new destination, and for British runners contemplating their next big international adventure, it is difficult to imagine a more spectacular addition.

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will stage its first race as a full Abbott World Marathon Major on Sunday 23 May 2027, becoming the eighth member of the series and the first Major on the African continent.

Marathon Tours & Travel, one of runABC's Runner Partners, is an Official Tour Operator for the event and is offering UK runners packages combining their Cape Town stay with the option to add guaranteed international marathon entry.

The race itself starts and finishes outside Cape Town Stadium. Runners will tackle a fast city course beneath the unmistakable presence of Table Mountain, heading towards the southern suburbs before returning towards the coast and the finish.

For anyone travelling thousands of miles to race, however, the experience extends well beyond 26.2 miles.

Marathon Tours & Travel has four and five night options across a choice of Cape Town hotels. Depending on the package selected, the programme can include sightseeing, escorted race number collection, a relaxed pre race run, dinner before the marathon, race day guidance and post race celebrations. The team is on hand in Cape Town throughout the trip, removing much of the logistical work that comes with organising an overseas marathon independently.

There is also the opportunity to turn race weekend into a much bigger South African adventure. Extensions include time in the Cape wine region and a stay at Shamwari Game Reserve, where runners can swap the hunt for another marathon medal for the chance to see Africa's wildlife.

Cape Town earned its place among the Majors after successfully completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors assessment process in 2026. That means runners completing the 2027 marathon will earn a Cape Town star as the journey beyond the traditional six Majors enters a new era.

For runners tempted to be part of the first one, Marathon Tours & Travel offers a straightforward route to the start line.

Cape Town is a long way to travel for a marathon. That might be precisely the point.

Find out more or even enter via the runABC race hub.

Image by Manie Van der Hoven from Pixabay