Quick Answer
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon runs its event week March 31 to April 4, 2027 in Cape Town, with the Half Marathon on Saturday, April 3 and the signature 56km Ultra Marathon — nicknamed 'the world's most beautiful marathon' — on Sunday, April 4, finishing at the University of Cape Town.
When
Mar 31 – Apr 4, 2027
Where
University of Cape Town campus (start/finish), route along the Cape Peninsula coastline
Est. Daily Budget
$140–$240 (mid-range)
When to Book
Entries for both the half and ultra marathon typically open many months ahead and have sold out in previous years, with qualifying and seeding deadlines that apply to the ultra specifically. If you're planning to run rather than spectate, check the official entry portal and qualifying requirements well before race week.
The Two Oceans Marathon earned its 'world's most beautiful marathon' nickname honestly — the 56km ultra route runs along Cape Town's Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines, climbs Chapman's Peak Drive, and finishes on the University of Cape Town campus with Table Mountain behind it. The 2027 event week runs March 31 to April 4, with the Half Marathon on Saturday, April 3 and the signature Ultra Marathon on Sunday, April 4.
This is as much a spectator event as a runner's one. Chapman's Peak Drive — a cliffside road cut into the mountainside above the Atlantic — is closed to traffic for the race and becomes one of the most dramatic marathon viewing points anywhere, and the finish at UCT draws large crowds regardless of whether you know anyone running.
The race dates back to 1970 and has grown into one of South Africa's biggest annual sporting events, drawing runners from well beyond the country for the ultra distance specifically. Its name refers to the route's geography rather than a literal two-ocean crossing — the course touches both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines of the Cape Peninsula in a single loop, a routing quirk unique to Cape Town's geography that no other major marathon can replicate.
Half Marathon vs. Ultra Marathon
Half Marathon — Saturday, April 3
A 21.1km race, more accessible for a broader range of runners and a good entry point if you want to experience the event without the ultra's distance and qualifying requirements.
Ultra Marathon — Sunday, April 4
The signature 56km event, including the Chapman's Peak climb. The ultra carries its own qualifying and seeding requirements — check the official site well ahead of the event if you intend to enter rather than spectate.
How Much Does a Trip Cost?
Cape Town's marathon weekend coincides with the tail end of the Southern Hemisphere autumn — a genuinely pleasant time to visit the city, which pushes up demand for accommodation alongside the race itself.
| Budget Tier | Daily Cost (USD) | Accommodation | Transport & Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $60 – $100 | Budget/shared Cape Town accommodation | Public transport, self-catered meals |
| Mid-Range | $140 – $240 | Mid-range Cape Town hotel | Rental car for viewing points, restaurant meals |
| Luxury | $350 – $700+ | Premium Cape Town or Winelands stay | Private transfers, fine dining |
Getting There & Around
Logistics
- Cape Town International (CPT) is the gateway, well connected internationally and domestically within South Africa.
- Chapman's Peak Drive closes to normal traffic on race day — plan spectating logistics around official road-closure information published closer to the event.
- Rideshare and metered taxis cover the city well; a rental car is useful for reaching multiple viewing points along the coastal route.
Where to Stay
Staying near the City Bowl or UCT (Rondebosch/Rosebank area) puts you close to the finish; a Camps Bay or Hout Bay base puts you nearer the coastal and Chapman's Peak sections of the route if spectating is the priority. Book early — this is one of Cape Town's busiest event weekends.
What Else to Do in Cape Town
Beyond the Race
- Table Mountain cable car, weather permitting — book ahead as it's a popular add-on during race week.
- The Cape Peninsula and Cape Point, covering much of the same coastline as the ultra route by car.
- The Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek), about an hour from Cape Town.
- Robben Island, bookable in advance from the V&A Waterfront.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the exact date of the Two Oceans ultra marathon in 2027?
Sunday, April 4, 2027. The Half Marathon runs the day before, on Saturday, April 3, with the full event week spanning March 31 to April 4.
Do I need to qualify to run the ultra marathon?
The ultra marathon has its own qualifying and seeding requirements — check the official Two Oceans Marathon site for current criteria before planning to enter.
Is this a good event to just watch rather than run?
Yes — Chapman's Peak Drive and the UCT finish are both excellent, accessible viewing points, and the event is a major part of Cape Town's autumn calendar regardless of whether you're racing.
What's the nearest airport?
Cape Town International (CPT).
Fact-Checking & Sources
Status: CONFIRMED · Last verified against the sources below on 2026-09-19. Event dates, venues, and pricing can change — always confirm critical details on the official event website before booking non-refundable travel.
- Official SourceTwo Oceans Marathon — Official Site, 2027 Dates Confirmed
- Authoritative SourceSABC Sport — Two Oceans Marathon Confirms 2027 Dates
- Secondary SourceThe Star — History of OMTOM, 'the World's Most Beautiful Marathon'
