In 2027, the world’s finest trail runners will converge on African soil for the first time, chasing glory along Cape Town’s rugged spine.
The Mother City will host the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships from 6–10 October, with Table Mountain towering like a granite gatekeeper over five days of steep climbs, treacherous descents, and switchbacks that can make or break even the most seasoned athlete.
From Lion’s Head’s corkscrew ascent to trails carved by centuries of wind and water, the route promises beauty with bite.
“There is surely no better backdrop,” warns Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. “But runners should not be fooled… Table Mountain’s rugged trails and steep elevations will pose a stern challenge to elite runners and mass participants alike.”
The event will draw 1,200 athletes from over 80 nations, with a rare public-entry race offering everyday runners a taste of the same brutal majesty.
Behind the winning bid stand Golazo South Africa, Athletics South Africa (ASA), and Western Province Athletics (WPA), each viewing the race as more than a contest—it’s a launchpad.
“It gives us a flying start in South Africa,” says Golazo CEO Bob Verbeeck. “We will offer participants the opportunity to discover the Cape region and promote it as a paradise for active sports enthusiasts.”
For WPA President Farouk Meyer, this is a foothold for the sport: “It strengthens our commitment to grow all disciplines within athletics… Partnering with Golazo allows us to deliver a world-class event that will energise our local community, boost participation, and ripple through Cape Town’s tourism economy.”
ASA President James Moloi sees history underfoot: “This historic championship sets a new benchmark and reinforces Africa’s place on the global athletics map.”
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe calls it “exciting when a major event is staged in a new continent for the first time… I have every faith Cape Town will prove spectacular hosts.”
The race is more than prestige, it’s an economic ascent. Western Cape Provincial Minister Ricardo Mackenzie highlights its dual value:
“Events of this nature bring a boost to our local economy and create jobs. We can’t wait to welcome runners to our picturesque city.”
The presidents of the three partner associations Tomo Sarf, Nadeem Khan, and Janet Ng share that sentiment:
“The sensational views of Cape Town and Table Mountain will form a fitting backdrop… We look forward to enjoying the races and the hospitality of the Cape.”
Born in the 1980s as two separate championships, the event merged in 2021 into a single, biennial gauntlet across four senior disciplines, classic, uphill, short trail, and long trail plus U20 and mass races.
Innsbruck and Stubai set the bar in 2023; Spain’s Canfranc-Pirineos takes the baton this year.
In 2027, the handover will be to Africa where Cape Town’s trails will ask every runner the same question: do you have the grit to climb with the best, descend with the fearless, and finish where the mountains meet the sea?
