The Cape Town Marathon 2025 was cancelled. Yep, the wind had other plans. But if you came all the way to the Mother City, don’t even think about sulking in your hotel room. Cape Town doesn’t stop when the race does. Lucky for you, October and November are packed with things to do, sip, and see.
Why was the Cape Town Marathon 2025 Cancelled?
The Cape Town Marathon 2025 was cancelled due to safety concerns after severe winds damaged parts of the Green Point race village. The official statement regarding cancellation was made early Sunday morning (19 October 2025), just 90 minutes before the 6:15 am start. Tents toppled, banners flew and 24 000 runners were left with more goosebumps than medals.
No Marathon, No Problem. Here’s What’s On in Cape Town (Oct–Nov 2025)
Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour
22–26 October 2025
Camps Bay, South Africa
World-class beach volleyball hits one of Cape Town’s most iconic shores. Expect sunshine, spikes and spectators in flip-flops.
Speed Classic Cape Town
25 – 26 October 2025
Philip Kgosana Drive
Engines, adrenaline, and coastal view. Cape Town’s ultimate hill-climb event returns for two high-octane days of vintage and modern cars racing up one of the city’s most scenic roads.
You might also like: Cape Town Facts you didn’t ask for
Cape Town International Kite Festival
26 – 27 October 2025
Muizenberg Beach
The wind that cancelled the marathon is now working overtime. Painting the sky with giant kites from around the world.
Halloween Festival
31 October 2025
Cabo Beach Club
Get spooky with seaside beats, eerie cocktails, and the kind of costumes that could scare the sand off the beach.
Franschhoek Uncorked Festival
2 – 3 November 2025
Franschhoek Wine Valley
Trade Gatorade for Grenache. Wine farms open their cellars for a weekend of tastings, food pairings, and music.
Did you know? Cape Town was voted the best city in the world 2025
Rocking the Daisies
7 – 9 November 2025
Cloof Wine Estate, Darling
The country’s biggest music festival returns with global headliners, local legends, and muddy sneakers guaranteed.
Cape Town International Film Market & Festival
10 – 16 November 2025
V&A Waterfront
Swap running gear for red carpets. Celebrate world cinema in true Cape Town style, glam, scenic and full of stories.
Upgrade your main character energy with R5,000 in travel vouchers.
Cape Town Street Food Festival
Late November 2025 (TBC)
City Bowl & Woodstock
Finish your trip with the city’s best food trucks, craft brews, and live DJ sets. Forget medals, chase flavour.
Keep it Classic Kaap Stad
The city hasn’t cancelled these:
- Sea Point Promenade – trade marathon routes for ocean views.
- Table Mountain – hike up instead of running laps.
- Bo-Kaap & Woodstock Markets – street eats, local art and Insta-worthy corners.
- Constantia Wine Route – still the best post-run “recovery plan.”
People Are Asking
- I travelled to Cape Town for the marathon, what now?
No medal? No problem. Hit the beach, sip some wine or catch one of the October events still going strong.
- Marathon is cancelled, what happens to my flights and hotel bookings?
If you booked through Travelstart, good news; our customer service team can help you with flight changes, cancellations, rebookings (depending on your ticket fare rules) and even hotel adjustments . Let’s help you.
- When will the next Cape Town Marathon be held?
2026. The dates are still to be confirmed. There are some rumours that it might be in May but rather wait for the official dates to be announced.
- What’s the weather like in Cape Town in May?
Sunny days around 20°C, cooler evenings and the start of winter rains. It’s great for hiking, wine tasting, and off-season travel deals (aka fewer tourists, better prices).
- Will the Cape Town Marathon become a major in 2026?
It’s in the works. If approved, it’ll be Africa’s first World Marathon Major but nothing’s official yet. Fingers crossed.
- What are Cape Town’s windiest months and are they really that bad?
November to February bring the “Cape Doctor”, a strong south-easterly wind that keeps the air clean and hairstyles chaotic. Is it really that bad? Let’s just say… it’s got a personality that’ll turn your picnic into a kite festival.
Sure, the Cape Town Marathon 2025 cancelled but your travel story doesn’t have to end there.Cape Town always finds a way to make things unforgettable, whether you’re crossing a finish line or discovering one more reason to come back.
