The marathon is held on a fast and flat course, starting and finishing in Green Point, near the Cape Town Stadium.

[1] In 1994, the first iteration of the Cape Town Marathon was organised by Celtic Harriers running club.

The 2013 men's winner Lindikhaya Mthangayi (2:17:02) was stripped of his title in 2014 due to a failed doping test for the steroid methandienone.

The 2020 in-person edition of the race was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with all registrants given the option of obtaining a full refund.

[4] In addition to the marathon, the event includes the Sanlam Cape Town 10 km PEACE RUN / Walk and the Sanlam Cape Town 5 km PEACE RUN / Walk.