The Cape Town Marathon has been cancelled. Here’s what to do instead

the The 2025 Cape Town Marathon has been cancelled. Yes, the wind had other plans. But if you’ve come all the way to the Mother City, don’t even think about lying down in your hotel room. Cape Town doesn’t stop when the race stops. Lucky for you, October and November are full of things to do, drink and see.

Why was the 2025 Cape Town Marathon cancelled?

The 2025 Cape Town Marathon has been canceled due to safety concerns after high winds damaged parts of the Green Point Race Village. the Official statement regarding cancellation It was conducted early Sunday morning (October 19, 2025), just 90 minutes before the 6:15 a.m. start. Tents were down, banners flew, and 24,000 runners were left with more chills than medals.

No marathon, no problem. Here’s what’s happening in Cape Town (October-November 2025)

World Beach Volleyball Professional Tour

October 22-26, 2025
Camps Bay, South Africa
World-class beach volleyball hits one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches. Expect sunshine, spikes and spectators in flip-flops.

Speed ​​Classic Cape Town

October 25 – 26, 2025
Philip Kgosana Engine
The engines, the adrenaline and the coastal view. Cape Town’s ultimate hillclimb event returns for two high-octane days of vintage and modern cars racing on one of the city’s most picturesque roads.

You may also like: Facts about Cape Town you didn’t ask for

Cape Town International Kite Festival

October 26 – 27, 2025
Muizenberg Beach

The wind that canceled the marathon is now running overtime. Paint the sky with giant kites from around the world.

Halloween festival

October 31, 2025
Cabo Beach Club
Get spooky with seaside tunes, spooky cocktails and the kind of costumes that can scare the sand away from the beach.

Franschhoek Uncork Festival

2 – 3 November 2025
Franschhoek Wine Valley
Trade Gatorade for Grenache. Wine farms open their cellars for a weekend of tasting, food pairing and music.

Did you know? Cape Town has been named the best city in the world for 2025

Rocking daisies

7 – 9 November 2025
Clough Wine Estate, Darling
The country’s biggest music festival returns with guaranteed global headliners, local legends and muddy sneakers.

Cape Town International Film Market and Festival

10 – 16 November 2025
Victoria and Albert Waterfront
Trade your running gear for red carpets. Celebrate world cinema in true Cape Town style, with enchanting and story-filled landscapes.

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Cape Town Street Food Festival

Late November 2025 (TBD)
City Bowl and Woodstock
End your trip with the best food trucks, craft drinks, and live DJ sets in town. Forget the medals, chase the flavor.

Keep it classic Kaap Stad

The city has not canceled these:

• Sea Point Park – Marathon business routes for ocean views.
• Table mount – Hiking instead of running.
• Bo-Kaap and Woodstock markets – Street eateries, local arts and Instagram-worthy corners.
• Constantia Wine Route – Still the best “recovery plan” after running.

People ask

• You traveled to Cape Town to participate in the marathon, now what?

No medal? No problem. Go to the beach, sip some wine or enjoy one of the October events that are still going strong.

• The marathon has been cancelled, what happens to my flights and hotel reservations?

If you booked through Travelstart, this is good news; Our customer service team can assist you with flight changes, cancellations, rebookings (depending on your ticket price rules) and even hotel modifications. Let us help you.

• When will the next Cape Town Marathon be held?

2026. Dates not yet confirmed. There are some rumors that it might be in May but it is best to wait until the official dates are announced.

• What is the weather like in Cape Town in May?

Sunny days around 20°C, cooler evenings and the onset of winter rain. It’s great for hiking, wine tasting, and off-season travel (aka fewer tourists and better prices).

• Will the Cape Town Marathon become major in 2026?

It’s in the works. If approved, it will be the first major world marathon in Africa but nothing is official yet. Fingers crossed.

• What are the windiest months in Cape Town and are they really that bad?

From November to February comes the Cape Doctor, a strong southeasterly wind that keeps the air clean and hairstyles messy. Is it really that bad? Let’s just say…it’s got the personality that will turn your outing into a kite fest.

Sure, the 2025 Cape Town Marathon has been canceled but your travel story doesn’t have to end there. Cape Town always finds a way to make things memorable, whether you’re crossing the finish line or discovering another reason to come back.