Cape Town has been officially selected to host the 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, making history as the first African city to stage the prestigious biennial event, World Athletics announced.
The championships, scheduled for 6-10 October 2027, will see the iconic Table Mountain serve as the dramatic backdrop for what promises to be one of the most visually spectacular editions of the global competition to date.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praised the selection, noting that this marks the fifth major global athletics event to be held in Africa within a decade. “Cape Town represents everything we look for in a host city – proven experience, world-class facilities, and a setting that will inspire athletes and captivate audiences worldwide,” Coe said.
The successful bid was spearheaded by a collaborative effort between Golazo South Africa, Athletics South Africa, and Western Province Athletics, capitalising on Cape Town’s established reputation as a premier destination for endurance sports.
The championships are expected to attract approximately 1 200 elite athletes from more than 80 nations competing across four senior championship categories: classic (up and down), uphill, short trail, and long trail races, along with an under-20 championship. Additionally, over 2 000 participants will take part in mass participation events, creating a truly global celebration of trail running.
Athletes will navigate diverse and challenging terrain around Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, facing steep ascents, technical rocky paths, and fast descents while being rewarded with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounding mountains, and the Cape Town cityscape.
Cape Town’s selection builds on its strong track record of hosting major running events, including the internationally renowned Two Oceans Marathon and the Cape Town Marathon. This experience was a key factor in the city’s successful bid.
“Cape Town has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver world-class sporting events,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. “This championship further establishes our city as a hub for mass participation sports and will provide significant economic benefits and job creation opportunities.”
Previous editions of the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships have been held in Chiang Mai, Thailand (2022), Innsbruck and Stubai, Austria (2023), with the 2025 championships scheduled for Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain, in September.
Organisers hope the Cape Town championships will showcase Africa’s immense potential in off-road running while inspiring a new generation of trail runners across the continent. The event will also provide international visitors with the opportunity to experience Africa’s natural beauty and rich culture.
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Presidents of the World Mountain Running Association, International Association of Ultrarunners, and International Trail Running Association have all expressed enthusiasm for the Cape Town venue, highlighting Table Mountain’s spectacular scenery as the perfect stage for the championships.
The Western Cape Government has emphasized the economic benefits the event will bring to the region, while Golazo CEO Bob Verbeeck described hosting the 2027 championships as “a major milestone for our company and for South Africa, paving the way for future sporting events in the region.”
The 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships promise to combine elite athletic competition with scenic landscapes while celebrating Africa’s growing presence on the global running stage. With its unique flat-topped Table Mountain as the centerpiece, Cape Town is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike.
The championships will not only crown world champions across multiple disciplines but also serve as a powerful platform to promote trail running development across Africa and beyond.
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