By Mark Ogagan
Cape Town has been officially chosen to host the 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, marking a historic first for the African continent.
From 6 to 10 October 2027, the city’s iconic Table Mountain will play host to elite athletes and thousands of running enthusiasts, offering a backdrop of rugged trails, steep ascents, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The successful bid was a collaborative effort by Golazo South Africa, Athletics South Africa, and Western Province Athletics, highlighting Cape Town’s growing reputation as a premier destination for endurance sports. The city has previously hosted major running events, including the Two Oceans Marathon and the Cape Town Marathon, establishing a proven track record for international competitions.
Organisers anticipate that the championships will not only showcase Africa’s potential in off-road running but also inspire a new generation of trail runners across the continent. The event is expected to draw approximately 1 200 athletes from over 80 nations for the championship races, while more than 2,000 participants will compete in mass participation events, creating a truly global gathering of running talent.
Races will take place across a variety of terrains, from technical, rocky paths to fast descents, with the trails around Table Mountain and Lion’s Head offering steep climbs and challenging descents. Participants will also be rewarded with some of the world’s most spectacular vistas, including views of the city, surrounding mountains, and coastline.
The World Mountain Running Championships began in 1985, with the first World Trail Championships held in 2007. After merging in 2021, the combined World Mountain and Trail Running Championships became a biennial event, with previous editions held in Chiang Mai, Innsbruck, and Stubai. The 2025 championships will take place in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain.
Discussion about this post