Cape Town Marathon
A Young Life Endurance Project
May 14 – 25, 2027
The Cape Town Marathon—26.2 miles through one of the most beautiful cities in the world—is an Abbott World Marathon Major, and running it with Young Life means every mile has a purpose. Our runners fundraise for campership in Africa, sending kids to camp where they’ll experience the adventure of a lifetime and hear they’re known and loved.
In 2026, our team of runners raised over $75,000, sending more than 1,000 kids to camp in Africa.
In 2027, we hope to raise $100,000 to send more than 1,250 kids to camp.
This trip is a combination of ministry touchpoints, exploring the beauty of Cape Town, and running the race itself. You’ll train for and run the marathon, take in the city’s stunning landscapes and coastline, and connect with the local ministry happening on the ground. In South Africa, 24,255 kids are known by name through 71 ministries and 478 volunteer leaders—and on this expedition, you’ll get to witness that ministry firsthand: going to club and Campaigners, meeting the kids, and praying over the leaders and staff carrying it forward in Cape Town.
Expedition Overview
- Run the Cape Town Marathon, an Abbott World Marathon Major, fundraising to send kids to camp in Africa.
- Not a runner? Come support a runner and cheer the team on!
- Connect with local Young Life ministry — attend club and Campaigners, meet kids, and pray for leaders and staff serving in Cape Town.
- Experience the best of Cape Town — from the top of Table Mountain and the penguins at Boulders Beach to the Cape Peninsula and the history of Robben Island.
Trip Details
Preliminary Itinerary
| Fri, May 14 | Depart U.S.A. |
| Sat, May 15 | Arrive in Cape Town, SA |
| Sun, May 16 | Young Life welcome celebration! · Ministry experience |
| Mon, May 17 | Work project in township alongside local leaders |
| Tue, May 18 | Work project in township · Local leader home visits |
| Wed, May 19 | Visit iconic Table Mountain via the aerial cableway · Lunch with leaders and attend their leader training |
| Thu, May 20 | Free time activities on your own (hang gliding, snorkeling, hiking, shark diving, etc.) · Attend the marathon expo |
| Fri, May 21 | Cape Peninsula day tour |
| Sat, May 22 | Robben Island tour · Free evening for runners to rest |
| Sun, May 23 | Race day — Cape Town Marathon! |
| Mon, May 24 | Free time activities of your choice, on your own · Celebration dinner with the team and local staff |
| Tue, May 25 | Depart home or to additional trip extension |
| Wed, May 26 | Arrive back in U.S.A. |
Dates
May 14 – 25
Duration
11 Days / 10 Nights
Price
- Runner ($8,000) — Includes race entry, full trip costs, and fundraising goal.
- Guest of Runner ($3,500) — Covers full trip costs. Guest pricing assumes sharing a room with their runner.
- Guest Single Supplement (+$1,000) — If a guest prefers a private room, an additional single supplement fee applies to cover the dedicated hotel room rate.
Accommodation
Luxury accommodations at the V&A Waterfront
Included
- Ground transportation in Cape Town
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Marathon entry fee
- Scheduled activities
Not Included
- International flight costs
- Travel and medical insurance
- Non-group meals and activities
Extension Options
- Safari in the Kruger National Park (adds 3 days)
- Victoria Falls & safari in Chobe National Park (adds 3 days)
- Malawi / Zambia Overlanding (adds 12 days)
Gallery
The people who brought all of this together were working in unison for something bigger than the race. I just love the way we got to be together leading up to it. I felt honored to run for Young Life Africa and to race on behalf of kids, leaders, and my own faith in a way that actually mattered.
Being able to bike around Cape Town and support all our people running the marathon was so incredible. I was able to serve my peers when they needed fuel, encouragement, a friendly face. It made such an impact on me and how the Lord works through us in so many different ways.
Being with everyone and seeing different perspectives of culture allowed me to grow and learn. Seeing my family’s faith grow alongside everyone was a true gift, as well as seeing the hands and feet of Jesus on the ground.
Interest Call & Application
Interest Call: Sunday, September 27th at 7:00 PM EST
Registration Opens: October 1st, 2026
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