The wait is finally over! The energy in the Mother City just skyrocketed as the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Expo officially throws open its doors at the DHL Stadium in Green Point.
This isn’t just a routine pitstop to grab a safety pin and a race bib—this is a three-day, high-octane celebration of pure African running spirit. As Cape Town charges hard toward becoming Africa’s very first Abbott World Marathon Majors event, this year’s Expo is pulling out all the stops. Whether you are one of the 44,500+ athletes tackling the marathon, the Trail Runs, or the Peace Runs, or you’re a supporter ready to soak up the vibe, this is where your race weekend truly begins.
The Clock is Ticking: Expo Hours
Lock these times into your calendar, because there are absolutely no race-day collections. Get down to the DHL Stadium during these windows to soak it all in:
Thursday, 21 May: 09h00 – 19h00
Friday, 22 May: 09h00 – 18h00
Saturday, 23 May: 10h00 – 17h00 (Note: Saturday is strictly for Sunday’s marathon runners! Trail and Peace runners must collect before their Saturday morning races).
Runner’s Pro-Tip: Have your official entry confirmation email or WhatsApp QR code open and ready on your phone for a seamless, lightning-fast registration.
Speed, Tech, and Tomorrow’s Tech
If you have a passion for gear, prepare to have your mind blown. Adidas is unleashing their largest merchandise offering to date. You can get your hands on the brand-new Hyperboost Edge or snag official technical race jackets. But the real showstopper? For the first time ever on South African soil, you can witness the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3—the world’s lightest and fastest marathon racing shoe, weighing in at an unbelievable sub-100 grams!
Once your gear is sorted, head over to title sponsor Sanlam’s interactive zone. Step up to the AI-powered stations to create your own custom champion portrait, leave a digital message to your future self, or print your name on the African Champions Unite wall. You can even smash out a quick three-minute health check on their interactive Abby machines to ensure you are primed for peak performance.
From Chelsea to Cape Town: A Floral Masterpiece
In a spectacular coup for the event, world-renowned South African design duo Leon Kluge and Tristan Woudberg are bringing a slice of global glory straight to the Expo floor.
Fresh off winning the prestigious Best Exhibit in the Great Pavilion prize at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show in the UK, they have curated a jaw-dropping Fynbos display. Sponsored by the Grootbos Foundation, this “Life After Fire” installation celebrates the breathtaking resilience of the Cape Floral Kingdom. It is beautiful, dramatic, and the perfect backdrop for your pre-race selfies.
Craft, Culture, and Community
This Expo has a massive heart. The Cape Town Marathon Shop is shining a bright spotlight on incredible local talent. You can browse stunning wire-work by Malvern Shekede, vibrant beadwork from the Ntsete Family Beaders, and beautiful embroidered art from the Tungelimpilo project. Plus, you can pick up a gorgeous Lalela Scarf, with proceeds directly funding arts education for children in under-resourced communities.
Food trucks, local wine estates, and lifestyle vendors will be firing on all cylinders to keep your energy high. The vibe is electric, the community is united, and the countdown to the start line is officially on.
Don’t miss out on the action. Grab your crew, head down to the DHL Stadium, and let’s show the world how Africa hosts a marathon!
