South Africa is hoping to establish itself as a major running destination as the Cape Town marathon returns for its 18th editions this weekend.
New course records were set in the men's as well as the women's elite category last year. While Ethiopia's Abdisa Tola Adera recorded the fastest finish in the men's category last year by clocking 2:08:15, Glenrose Xaba broke the women's record with a 2:22:22 finish. Xaba's timing was also the best in a marathon in the country.
This year's women's field will feature South Africa’s ultra-running queen Gerda Steyn, along with Kenya’s Winfridah Moseti and Angela Tanui andEthiopia’s Mare Dibaba.
In the men's category, Ronald Korir, Bethwell Chumba Kibet, Othmane El Goumri, and Tebello Ramakongoana are set for an intriguing contest. The marathon is becoming increasingly popular and this year will see over 24,000 entrants.
Here is everything you need to know about this year's race in Cape Town, including TV and streaming options for the annual event.
How to watch the Cape Town Marathon 2025
- TV channel: N/A
- Live stream: FloTrack
The 2025 Cape Town Marathon will not air on traditional television. However, spectators in the US and Canada can catch all the action on FloTrack.
Cape Town Marathon 2025 start time
The Cape Town Marathon will begin at 6:10 a.m. local time (12:10 a.m. ET) on Sunday, Oct. 19.
| Date | Event | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Oct. 19 | Wheelchair | 12:10 a.m. | FloTrack |
| Oct. 19 | Elite | 12:15 a.m. | FloTrack |
Cape Town Marathon 2025 prize money
The official payouts for the 2025 Cape Town Marathon not yet been revealed, but here's a look at last year's breakdown:
Open Division (Men/Women)
- 1st place: US $25,000
- 2nd place: US $15,000
- 3rd place: US $10,000
- 4th place: US $8,000
- 5th place: US $6,000
- 6th place: US $4,500
- 7th place: US $3,000
- 8th place: US $2,000
- 9th place: US $1,000
- 10th place: US $500
Cape Town Marathon 2025 race route
The elite field at this year's Cape Town marathon will continue with the long-standing Stadium Start on Fritz Sonnenberg Road in Green Point. This year's field takes runners through Granger Bay and vibrant suburbs before making its way to the Sea Point promenade and finishes near the start around Green Point.
Past Cape Town Marathon winners
Below is a list of the five most recent winners for the men's and women's divisions.
Men
| Year | Runner (Country) | Time |
| 2024 | Abdisa Tola Adera (Ethiopia) | 2:08:15 |
| 2023 | Adane Kebede Gebre (Ethiopia) | 2:11:29 |
| 2022 | Stephen Mokaka (South Africa) | 2:09:58 |
| 2021 | Stephen Mokaka (South Africa) | 2:10:01 |
| 2020 | Canceled (COVID-19) | — |
| 2019 | Edwin Koech (Kenya) | 2:09:20 |
Women
| Year | Runner (Country) | Time |
| 2024 | Glenrose Xaba (South Africa) | 2:22:22 |
| 2023 | Tsige Haileslase Abreha (Ethiopia) | 2:24:17 |
| 2022 | Meseret Dinke Meleka (Ethiopia) | 2:24:02 |
| 2021 | Lydia Simiyu (Kenya) | 2:25:44 |
| 2020 | Canceled (COVID-19) | — |
| 2019 | Celestine Chepchirchir (Kenya) | 2:26:44 |