Run with Love Cities
Join the Love Cities South Africa team on 18 October 2026 as we take on the inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon in Cape Town.
This is more than a race. It’s an opportunity to come together, represent Love Cities and turn every kilometre into a step towards stronger, more connected communities.
RISE.
REMEMBER.
RUN.
NELSON MANDELA MARATHON, 42KM
The marathon will take runners on a powerful journey through the heart of Cape Town, starting at the Grand Parade before passing through District Six, Parliament and the Company’s Garden, and continuing into Bo-Kaap, excluding Koesister Hill.
From there, runners will head towards Sea Point before returning past DHL Stadium and through the Green Point precinct.
The route will then open onto FW de Klerk Boulevard and Marine Drive, extending towards Woodbridge Island before looping back towards Adderley Street and finishing on Darling Street.
The route will cover exactly 42.195km, with a total elevation gain of no more than 250 metres.
These details are intended to provide an indication of the areas included in the route and remain subject to change for operational and safety reasons.
R700
Included in your Registration:
- Start number with name (until September 1, 2026)
- A fantastic course through beautiful Cape Town
- A beautifully designed commemorative t-shirt
- A unique Nelson Mandela Marathon medal
- Aid stations on the course and after the finish
Slave Route Challenge Half Marathon, 21KM
The 21km Slave Route Challenge, part of the Nelson Mandela Marathon, brings together some of Cape Town’s most historic streets, cultural landmarks and coastal views.
Starting from the Grand Parade, through District Six past Parliament and the Company’s Garden and then the climb through Bo-Kaap via the famous Koesister Hill.
From Bo-Kaap, runners head towards Sea Point, reaching a turnaround point before returning past the DHL Stadium and the Green Point precinct then heading back through the CBD to the finish on Darling Street.
These details are intended to provide an indication of the areas included in the route and remain subject to change for operational and safety reasons.
R260
Included in your Registration:
- Start number with name (until September 1, 2026)
- A fantastic course through beautiful Cape Town
- A beautifully designed commemorative t-shirt
- A unique Nelson Mandela Marathon medal
- Aid stations on the course and after the finish
Slave Route Challenge 10km Run & Fun Walk
The 10km Slave Route Challenge walk and run takes you through the heart of the city, with a route packed with history, colour and Cape Town energy.
From the Grand Parade, participants move through District Six and loop back past Parliament and the Company’s Garden and then climb through Bo-Kaap via the famous Koesister Hill.
Participants then exit Bo-Kaap, through the CBD towards the finish on Darling Street.
These details are intended to provide an indication of the areas included in the route and remain subject to change for operational and safety reasons.
Run: R190
Walk: R150 (Sold Out)
Included in your Registration:
- Start number with name (until September 1, 2026)
- A fantastic course through beautiful Cape Town
- A beautifully designed commemorative t-shirt
- A unique Nelson Mandela Marathon medal
- Aid stations on the course and after the finish
Slave Route Challenge 5km Fun Run & Walk
The 5km Slave Route Challenge offers a short but meaningful journey through the historic heart of Cape Town.
From the Grand Parade, runners immediately pass through the Castle of Good Hope, through District Six, looping back past Parliament and the Company’s Garden before heading to the finish on Darling Street.
These details are intended to provide an indication of the areas included in the route and remain subject to change for operational and safety reasons.
R80
Included in your Registration:
- Start number with name (until September 1, 2026)
- A fantastic course through beautiful Cape Town
- A beautifully designed commemorative t-shirt
- A unique Nelson Mandela Marathon medal
- Aid stations on the course and after the finish
We'd love everyone to run in the full Love Cities kit!
Our goal is for the whole team to look united and recognisable on race day. At minimum, every Love Cities runner needs to run in the Love Cities shirt, but we’d really encourage everyone to get the full kit if possible.
Love Cities Race Kit Options
- Love Cities T-shirt – R450
- Full Love Cities Kit – R900
- T-shirt
- Peak cap
- Running socks
