Trail running enthusiasts can soon enter the inaugural Cape Town Trail Marathon by Ryan Sandes. Since 2007, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has invited athletes from around the world to explore the unique streets and cultures of one of the best globally-rated cities in the world. This year, in collaboration with ultra-distance trail running sensation, Ryan Sandes, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will not only be taking place in the city streets, but on the trails of the world-renowned Table Mountain National Park.

The Cape Town Trail Marathon by Ryan Sandes, is, as the name suggests, designed by Sandes himself. Sandes is one of South Africa’s most accomplished ultra-trail runners and has a remarkable track record both in South Africa and internationally, having won an ultra-race on every continent. He has been trailblazing since 2008, with one of his most impressive victories being his win at The Western States® 100-Mile Endurance Run in California during 2017.

Sandes is really excited to collaborate with Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and to showcase his favourite trails on Table Mountain. Sandes says “I have been fortunate to run all over the world and there is no place like Cape Town. My dream is for the Cape Town Trail Marathon to become one of the must do iconic events on the global trail running circuit.” Knowing the mountains of the Cape Peninsula like the back of his hand, Sandes has mapped out the Cape Town Trail Marathon along 46 kilometres of the best stretches of trail between Green Point and Kirstenbosch.

“With 46km and 2200m of elevation, runners will traverse above the city and experience the flora, fauna and sweeping vistas of the Table Mountain National Park and Atlantic Ocean. The trail weaves through one of the world’s most diverse and rare floral kingdoms, the Cape Floristic Region, and many of the species seen on this trail, cannot be found anywhere else on Earth” added Sandes.

The 46km route has received SANParks approval and as another bonus to the runners the Cape Town Trail Marathon will be the first trail run to go through the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, with special approval from SANBI. The prize money for both male and female trail runners will be R50 000 for first place, R20 000 for second and R10 000 for third.

Age category winners will win high-end products from the marathon sponsors. In addition to the Cape Town Trail Marathon, the 22km trail race returns, to cater to runners who prefer slightly shorter trail distances. The 12km trail race will not be returning in 2021, due to limitations on the Table Mountain National Park trails. Both the 46km and 22km trail races will take place on Saturday, 16 October 2021 and the entries will be capped at 500 runners per race.

Entries will open at midday on Friday, 30 April. With limited entries available, runners are encouraged to enter as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment.