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We have the mountain. The ocean. The trails. The city streets. And, if you time your route right, scenery that makes you forget you’re supposed to be counting steps.
Now, the Mother City is stepping up (excuse the pun) its running game.
On Sunday, 18 October, thousands of runners will take to the streets for the inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon Cape Town, a major new event created in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
And with Takealot coming on board as a sponsor, the race is shaping up to be about much more than crossing a finish line.
Under the banner “Rise. Remember. Run.”, the event will celebrate South Africa, its people and the enduring values of Nelson Mandela.
A city made for running
Cape Town has no shortage of routes for runners who like a little variety with their cardio.
Fancy a flat(ish) seaside cruise? The Atlantic Seaboard delivers. Want hills that make you question every life decision? Cape Town has those too. Prefer a trail with dramatic mountain views? Take your pick.
The city’s biggest running asset may be the fact that its routes can double as a history lesson. The Nelson Mandela Marathon Cape Town will weave through some of the most recognisable and historically significant landmarks, including the Castle of Good Hope, Company’s Garden, Bo-Kaap and District Six.
The event is expected to attract 30,000 participants across multiple race distances, including the marathon, half-marathon and shorter events. Golazo and Itheko Sport Athletic Club have also brought the iconic Slave Route Challenge into the marathon weekend.
SEE: Two Oceans 2027 edition to take place in April
Running with a bigger purpose
For Takealot, becoming a major sponsor is a natural fit.
“Takealot was born in South Africa, built by South Africans and has grown alongside this country for the past 15 years,” said Karla Levick, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer.
The partnership reflects a broader commitment to supporting local initiatives that bring people together. And running, perhaps more than almost any other sport, is built around that idea.
That inclusivity is central to the Nelson Mandela Legacy Sporting Series, which uses sport to encourage participation, community connection and social impact. “Madiba understood the power of sport to bring people together and drive social change,” added Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
From Cape Town to the world
In terms of accolades, the Mother City has much to brag about. Earlier this year, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was officially confirmed as the first-ever Abbott World Marathon Major on African soil. Kudos for putting Cape Town firmly on the international running map.
And come 18 October, the Nelson Mandela marathon signals the start of something much bigger. The Cape Town event will launch a new Global Running Series inspired by Mandela’s legacy, with races planned for cities including Nairobi, Paris and Berlin from 2027.
That gives Cape Town an important role as the starting point for a running series with global ambitions. It also adds another reason to lace up in the Mother City.
Entries are now open for the 18 October event. Participants can register for the marathon, half-marathon and shorter-distance events here.
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