Cape Town to Host 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships
Cape Town, South Africa, has clinched the honor of hosting the 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, marking a historic first for the African continent. Scheduled for 6 to 10 October 2027, this landmark event is set to gather approximately 1,200 elite athletes from over 80 nations, alongside more than 2,000 amateur runners participating in mass events. With the city’s legendary Table Mountain and its dramatic terrain as the backdrop, Cape Town is poised to deliver an unparalleled showcase of athleticism, endurance, and the region’s natural splendor.
This announcement is a significant milestone, not only for South Africa but for the entire African sports and tourism industries. For the first time, the world’s top mountain and trail runners will compete on African soil, drawing global attention to the continent’s unique landscapes and hospitality. The event is expected to provide a substantial boost to local tourism, with runners, teams, and supporters from every corner of the globe converging on the “Mother City” for a week of high-stakes competition and cultural exchange.
The championship programme reflects the diversity and dynamism of the sport, with races including Classic (up & down), Uphill, Short Trail, and Long Trail events for senior athletes, as well as a dedicated U20 competition for emerging young talent. The courses will test competitors with steep ascents, technical descents, and sweeping ocean vistas—elements that make Cape Town a bucket-list destination for runners and adventure seekers alike.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe welcomed the decision, describing it as “exciting” and expressing confidence in Cape Town’s ability to deliver a truly spectacular event. Local leaders have echoed this enthusiasm. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis hailed the city as a “Wonder of the Natural World,” while Western Cape Sport MEC Ricardo Mackenzie highlighted the far-reaching economic and tourism benefits of attracting such a prestigious international gathering. The event is expected to generate extensive media coverage, increased hotel occupancy, and new business for restaurants, tour operators, and local artisans.
For Africa’s travel sector, the impact of hosting the 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships is far-reaching. Such mega-events serve as powerful catalysts for infrastructure upgrades, transport improvements, and destination marketing. They help position Africa not only as a hub for sports tourism but as a continent capable of staging world-class, multi-day events that attract top-tier athletes and fans. The influx of international visitors will create jobs, boost spending, and leave a lasting legacy for the region’s hospitality and service industries.
Cape Town’s selection is also a testament to the city’s reputation for safety, organizational excellence, and its ability to deliver memorable experiences for travelers. From the vibrant V& A Waterfront to the winelands and the iconic Table Mountain National Park, the city offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. For African travel professionals, this is an opportunity to develop new tour packages, promote pre- and post-event excursions, and showcase the broader region’s attractions to a global audience.
The championships arrive at a time when demand for authentic, outdoor experiences is surging among international travelers. Trail running and mountain sports are growing rapidly in popularity, particularly among high-value, long-haul visitors looking for adventure and wellness. By hosting this event, Cape Town—and by extension, Africa—can tap into this trend and solidify its status as a premier destination for active tourism.
For the continent’s tourism authorities and travel businesses, the 2027 championships offer a springboard to further develop sports tourism infrastructure, foster public-private partnerships, and invest in the next generation of African athletes. The legacy of the event will extend well beyond the finish line, inspiring new running communities, driving investment in trails and parks, and positioning Africa as a key player in the global sporting calendar.
Ultimately, the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in 2027 will be more than a race; they will be a celebration of endurance, unity, and Africa’s growing presence on the international sporting stage. For travel professionals, operators, and entrepreneurs across sub-Saharan Africa, this is a call to action—an invitation to harness the momentum, seize new opportunities, and help shape a future where Africa’s landscapes and people are at the heart of global adventure tourism.
