Cape Town to Host the 2027 World Mountain & Trail Running Championships
By Adnaan Mohamed
For the first time in history, the world’s toughest trail runners will chase glory on African soil. In 2027, the Mother City will be primed to deliver a spectacle of grit and beauty where Table Mountain’s postcard views hide the sting of steep climbs, rocky descents, and the kind of trails that turn champions into legends.
In October 2027, Cape Town will be the heartbeat of global trail running. For five days, from the 6th to the 10th, the Mother City will host the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, the first time the event will set foot on African soil.
The backdrop? Table Mountain, its flat crown slicing the sky, will stand like a stern race marshal overseeing the battle between 1,200 elite athletes from more than 80 nations. Lion’s Head will twist upwards like a coiled trail, daring runners to keep pace. A limited-entry public race will also give recreational runners the rare chance to test themselves on these world-famous trails.
Behind the bid is Golazo South Africa, Athletics South Africa (ASA), and Western Province Athletics (WPA).
Golazo CEO Bob Verbeeck sees this as a launchpad:
“It gives us a flying start in South Africa… We will offer participants the opportunity to discover the Cape region and further promote the area as a paradise for active sports enthusiasts.”
On the global stage, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe frames the event as a continental milestone:
“It is always exciting when a major athletics event is staged in a new continent for the first time… I have every faith that Cape Town will prove to be spectacular hosts.”
For WPA President Farouk Meyer, the victory in securing the bid is more than symbolic:
“It strengthens our commitment to grow all disciplines within athletics and gives trail running a powerful platform to thrive. Partnering with Golazo South Africa allows us to deliver a world-class event that will energise our local athletics community, boost participation, and create a positive ripple effect for Cape Town’s tourism economy.”
James Moloi, ASA President, sees it as a stride into history:
“We look forward to working with all partners to ensure that this historic championship sets a new benchmark and reinforces Africa’s place on the global athletics map.”
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis warns the beauty of the stage hides its sting:
“There is surely no better backdrop… But runners should not be fooled by her beauty and her fame. Table Mountain’s rugged trails and steep elevations will pose a stern challenge to elite runners and mass participants alike.”
Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, calls it “the mother of all races in the Mother City”:
“Our city is right up there as a bucket list destination for runners… Crossing the finish line in Cape Town is always a moment to celebrate.”
For Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, the benefits are twofold:
“This continues to show that the Western Cape Government is fast becoming the hub for major sporting events. Events of this nature bring a boost to our local economy and assist in creating many jobs. We can’t wait to welcome runners to our picturesque city.”
The joint voice of Tomo Sarf, Nadeem Khan, and Janet Ng, the presidents of the three partnership associations captures the shared excitement:
“The sensational views of Cape Town and Table Mountain will form a fitting backdrop… Cape Town has had plenty of success hosting prestigious international events and we are looking 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 biennial test of grit across four senior races: classic (up and down), uphill, short trail, and long trail. U20 and mass-participation races complete the line-up.
Austria’s Innsbruck and Stubai raised the bar in 2023; Spain’s Canfranc-Pirineos takes the baton next month.
But in 2027, the world’s best will turn to Cape Town’s trails to test their endurance and technical abilities to the utmost over some of the most spectacular and challenging trail routes on the global stage.
