Ultra-Trail Cape Town is a 100km ultra marathon in Cape Town, South Africa. Distance: 100km. Elevation: 4,300m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 50/100). DNF rate: 20%. Time limit: 26h. Surface: trail. Established 2014.
Ultra-Trail Cape Town
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
"100km around Table Mountain. Ocean views, mountain ridges, and Cape Town's legendary landscape."
Africa's premier mountain ultra — a 100km loop around Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula with unmatched coastal scenery.
The Course
A spectacular loop taking in Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Constantia wine valleys, and the Hout Bay coastline. Technical rocky trails, steep climbs, and breathtaking ocean views. One of the most scenic courses in world ultra running.
mountainous
loop
9
1,085m
5
Runner Experience
UTMB-standard aid stations with hot food, drinks, medical support, and drop bag access at major checkpoints.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Ultra-Trail Cape Town is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
20°C
14° – 26°
55%
15%
Cape Town late spring — warm and generally dry. The 'Cape Doctor' southeaster wind can be very strong on exposed ridges.
Stats & Records
2014
500
17:00:00
09:44:00
Prodigal Khumalo (2023)
12:02:00
Kerry-Ann Marshall (2019)
Entry
ZAR 3,500
March
weeks
Lore & Trivia
Ultra Trail Cape Town runs through the mountains of the Cape Peninsula — from Table Mountain through the Silvermine and Constantia ranges to the Cape of Good Hope. The course passes through fynbos (the unique vegetation of the Cape Floral Kingdom — one of only six floral kingdoms on earth), along Atlantic cliff paths, and through indigenous forest that harbors baboons and dassies. Cape Town's combination of world-class mountains, ocean views, and winelands makes it one of the most spectacular cities on earth for trail running.
- ▸ The course traverses Table Mountain — one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
- ▸ Runners might spot baboons, dassies, and diverse fynbos vegetation found nowhere else on Earth.
- ▸ The Twelve Apostles section offers jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean from high mountain trails.
- ▸ UTCT has rapidly become Africa's most prestigious ultra trail event.
- ▸ Established in 2014.
Table Mountain, the Atlantic, and fynbos-covered ridges — Ultra Trail Cape Town is the most scenic urban-mountain ultra on earth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Ultra-Trail Cape Town? +
Ultra-Trail Cape Town is a 100km (100km) ultra marathon with 4,300m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Ultra-Trail Cape Town? +
Ultra-Trail Cape Town is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 50/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 20%. Runners have 26 hours to finish.
How do I enter Ultra-Trail Cape Town? +
Must have completed a qualifying ultra of 50km+ within the past two years.. Entry costs ZAR 3,500. with a maximum of 700 starters.
What is the weather like at Ultra-Trail Cape Town? +
Average temperature is 20°C (range 14°C to 26°C) with 55% humidity and a 15% chance of rain. Cape Town late spring — warm and generally dry. The 'Cape Doctor' southeaster wind can be very strong on exposed ridges.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Ultra-Trail Cape Town? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Ultra-Trail Cape Town? +
The men's course record is 09:44:00 set by Prodigal Khumalo in 2023. The women's course record is 12:02:00 set by Kerry-Ann Marshall in 2019.
What is the average finish time for Ultra-Trail Cape Town? +
The average finish time is 17:00:00. About 500 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 20%.
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