Cape Town’s 11 Best Winter Events to Stay Fit

Date: 19–20 July 2025

Location: CTICC, Foreshore, Cape Town

Format: 8 x 1km runs, each followed by a functional fitness station (wall balls, sled pushes, burpee broad jumps, and more).
Categories: Individual, Doubles, and Relay Teams

Registration: hyrox.com

What to Expect: A global fitness competition that merges strength and endurance in a high-energy indoor environment.

Hyrox is designed to test your stamina across various functional movements. It's loud, fast-paced, and ideal for both seasoned athletes and fitspo beginners looking for a challenge.

Top Tip: Start building endurance now with interval-based strength and cardio sessions. Expect to sweat, and then some.

Date: 13 July 2025

Location: Maties Gym, Stellenbosch

Format: Indoor sprint triathlon with pool swim, stationary bike, and treadmill run.  

Registration: entryninja.com

What to Expect: A fun, accessible indoor triathlon perfect for cold-weather cross-training. Timed and structured, but welcoming to beginners. Expect a supportive environment and a smooth transition from one discipline to the next.

Top Tip: No wetsuits required. This is a great way to test your multi-sport chops without braving the cold outdoors.

Date: 24 July 2025

Location: SSISA, Newlands

Format: Indoor swim, cycle and run

Distance: Super Sprint (individual or team relay options)
Registration:  https://www.ssisa.com/

What to Expect: Hosted at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, this event offers high-performance facilities and is a great low-pressure intro to triathlon. Ideal for setting winter goals or preparing for outdoor races later in the year.

Top Tip: Use this event as a benchmark for fitness progression or to spark your competitive side in a safe, dry setting.

Dates: 12 and 13 July 2025

Location: Sea Point Pavilion, Sea Point Promenade

Events: 50km mini-ultra (12 July, 7am), 5km x 5km relay (12 July, 12pm), 21km half-marathon (13 July, 7:30am)

Registration: Cape Town Festival of Running email: info@hewatac.co.za

What to Expect: A local running festival catering to a wide range of athletes. From serious ultra-distance competitors to social relay teams and half-marathoners, this two-day event celebrates Cape Town's active community along the scenic Atlantic Seaboard.

Top Tip: Grab a relay team and make a day of it on Saturday or take on the 21km for a classic road race with ocean views.

Date: 3 August 2025

Location: Devonbosch, Stellenbosch

Format: Trail run through farm terrain

- Mud, Sweat & Beers Fun Run - 5km (5km Trail Lap x 1 Lap)

- Mud, Sweat & Beers Mini - 10km (5km Trail Lap x 2 Laps)

- Mud, Sweat & Beers Maxi - 20km (5km Trail Lap x 4 Laps)

Registration: dragonflytri via Entry Ninja

What to Expect: A lighthearted but physically rewarding run through fields, tracks, and muddy sections. As the name suggests, there’s a post-race beer waiting for you.

Top Tip: Late entires accepted on the day! Embrace the mess. Trail shoes and a sense of humour are highly recommended.

Date: Saturday–Sunday, 9–10 August 2025 

Location: Surfers Corner, Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town 

What to Expect: A celebration of longboard surfing style, connection and community, this event is open to all skill levels with fun, friendly competition. 

Surf therapy clinic in conjunction with National Women’s Day, hosted by Roxy Davis Foundation, to promote accessibility and support for surfers with disabilities.  

Registration: Entries open 1 July via La Muse - first-come, first-serve basis. 

Top Tip: Have your own longboard? There are also boards to rent in Muizenberg, one of Cape Town's top winter surfing destinations. Its beachfront cafés offer front-row views and great coffee.  On the day of the event, arrive early to secure good parking and a mellow warm-up session.

Date: Sunday, 31 August 2025

Location: Starts at Stephan Way and finishes at Green Point Common Sports Ground, Cape Town

Distances: 10km walk (starts at 07:30) and 5km walk (starts at 08:00)

Registration: psfa.org.za

What to Expect: Now in its 57th year, this feel-good charity walk supports the Peninsula School Feeding Association’s efforts to combat childhood hunger.

Whether you walk solo or with your crew, the flat and scenic Sea Point route makes it perfect for all fitness levels.  

Live music, food vendors, and activities keep the festive vibe going post-walk. Every step you take helps feed hungry schoolchildren in the Western Cape.

Top Tip: Take yourself closer to your 10,000 steps per day in the build-up to this event. Register early—only 8,000 walkers will be accepted. The R100 entry fee covers two meals for 20 children. 

Date: Ongoing through July–September 2025 

Location: Fives Futbol venues across Cape Town (Century City, Stellenbosch, CBD)

Format: Weekly 5-a-side football matches for all skill levels.

Registration: fivesfutbol.co.za

What to Expect: Fast-paced, small-sided football on floodlit astro courts. Whether you're playing competitively or just for post-work cardio, the winter leagues run throughout the season with divisions for all ages and abilities. Games are short, sharp and sociable - a perfect midweek fix that keeps the fitness (and friendships) going. 

Top Tip: Round up your squad early and lock in a social night that suits everyone’s schedule. These games are quick and high-energy. Bring your game face. 

Date: Weekly, Saturdays at 8am

Locations: Green Point, Rondebosch Common, Century City, Root 44 (Stellenbosch), and more

Format: Free, timed 5km run

Register: parkrun.co.za

What to Expect: Cape Town's most consistent running fix. These timed, free 5km runs are held in scenic spots around the city. Great for setting weekly goals, meeting other runners, or just enjoying a brisk morning jog.

Top Tip: Register once and bring your barcode each week. Most venues have post-run coffee spots nearby – it’s a community, not just a race. 

Dates: 6 to 7 September 2025 (TBC)

 Route: Robertson to Swellendam (75 km over 2 days)

Format: K2 Canoe Race (teams of two)

Register:  breedemarathon.co.za 

What to Expect: Technically this is headed into spring but your preparation will start now. One of SA's premier river races, this two-day paddle takes you through farmlands and gorges on the Breede River. It’s technical, scenic, and best done with some paddling experience.

Top Tip: Join a canoe club ahead of time to practice river skills and team coordination. Day one is longer and more technical – pace yourself.

 Date: 13 September 2025 

Location: Oak Valley Estate, Grabouw

Distance: 10km / 20km / 30km

Registration: Dragonflytri

What to Expect: A breathtaking but demanding trail run through forest paths, vineyards, and rocky ridges. Great for building base endurance ahead of spring races. 

Top Tip: Set a clear weekly distance goal to build up gradually - especially if you’re aiming for the 20km or 30km. Incorporate strength training for climbs and practice on mixed terrain to prep for Oak Valley’s signature rolling hills and technical descents. 

Cape Town’s outdoor fitness calendar doesn’t slow down when the temperatures rise.

Start prepping now for one of the biggest events of the year: The Cape Town Marathon

Dates: 18–19 October 2025

Location: Start and Finish – Green Point Stadium precinct

Event Info: The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is Africa’s premier road race and a World Athletics Gold Label marathon, with eyes set on becoming the continent’s first Abbott World Marathon Major.

Distances: 5km Peace Run, 10km Peace Run, 21km Half Marathon, 42.2km Marathon

Register: capetownmarathon.com

What to Expect: Fast, flat and internationally certified, this road race draws elite runners and passionate amateurs alike. Expect a festive atmosphere, global competition, and iconic scenery through the city, oceanfront, and mountain views.

Top Tip: Choose your distance and start building mileage in winter. Check for training groups and coaching plans to help keep you on track.