
Are you running Cape Town Trail 2027?
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Saturday, May 22, 2027
Cape Town Trail by Ryan Sandes is a mountain run through Table Mountain National Park, in the Cape floral kingdom, the most diverse on earth, with views over the city and the Atlantic. The Stately Trail is 22 km (+830 m), its flagship race from 2027, and the Pincushion Trail 11 km (+390 m). It is organised by the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon with the ultra runner Ryan Sandes, on the marathon's weekend.
Pick your distance to see how long to train, how to fuel and the gear that suits this course.
12 weeks of specific training
Build up to 3-hour long runs with climbing and practise running downhill.
Add two short strength sessions a week (legs, hips and core): they protect you on the descents.
See the week-by-week training planTake 30–60 g of carbs per hour from the first hour and drink to thirst with electrolytes.
Technical terrain: train on rocky trails and steep descents, and wear shoes with grip and protection.
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Cape Town Trail 2027 takes place in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa: May 22, 2027. Add it to your calendar from the top of this page so you don’t miss it.
Cape Town Trail takes place in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa. There is 1 other trail race within 250 km, shown on the map, if you want to combine them in one trip.
Cape Town Trail has 2 distances: 11K and 22K. The longest is the 22K.
No: Cape Town Trail is an independent race, not part of a circuit such as the UTMB World Series or the Golden Trail Series.
For the 22K, plan around 12 weeks of specific training if you already run regularly. For the 11K, about 8 weeks are enough. Build up long runs with climbing and add two short strength sessions a week.
It is a technical mountain race: expect rocky trails and steep descents, so train on similar terrain.
For its technical terrain, choose shoes with deep lugs and good protection. Good options: NNormal Kjerag 2, Asics METAFUJI TRAIL 2, and Adidas Terrex Agravic TT. You will find them, and the rest of the gear, in “How to prepare” below.
Registration is on the official website (capetowntrail.com). Popular races sell out, so check the dates early, and mark it as “I want to register” at the top of this page to keep it in your races.
Look for accommodation in or near Table Mountain National Park. The accommodation map on this page shows hotels and apartments around the race, with prices for your dates.
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