From April to August, when much of the world is heading into summer, it's autumn and winter in Australia and South Africa. That means cool, settled weather for racing, and a reason to travel somewhere new.
Things to know
- Plan for cool mornings. Race-day starts can be chilly even when the afternoon is warm. Bring a layer you can throw away at the start.
- Book flights early. These are long-haul trips for most visitors, and race weekends push up hotel prices.
- Overseas entries can work differently. Two Oceans sells overseas places only through its official travel partner, and Cape Town also offers official tour packages.
- Arrive a few days early if you're crossing several time zones.
South Africa
Two Oceans Half MarathonUnder Table Mountain through Cape Town's southern suburbs. One of the most popular halves in Africa.
Sat 3 Apr 2027Race day 14–22°CCape Town, South AfricaFly into Cape Town (CPT)Entry: check
How to get in: Overseas runners enter through the official travel partner, Marathon Tours & Travel. South African residents use the ballotCape Town MarathonJoins the World Marathon Majors in 2027. A fast loop with Table Mountain views.
Sun 23 May 2027Race day 12–20°CCape Town, South AfricaFly into Cape Town (CPT)Ballot closed
How to get in: Ballot closed 24 Jun 2026. Charity or tour package onlyAustralia
Sydney Half MarathonPast the Opera House to The Domain, in May.
Sun 2 May 2027Race day 12–20°CSydney, AustraliaFly into Sydney (SYD)Open
How to get in: Yes, entries open (opened 23 Jun 2026)Gold Coast Half MarathonFlat and fast along the beachfront, in July.
3 or 4 Jul 2027 (race weekend)Race day 12–20°CGold Coast, AustraliaFly into Gold Coast (OOL) or Brisbane (BNE)Entry: check
How to get in: Not yet. 2026 entries opened 2 Dec 2025Gold Coast MarathonSame weekend and beachfront course. Entries open in early December.
Sun 4 Jul 2027Race day 12–20°CGold Coast, AustraliaFly into Gold Coast (OOL) or Brisbane (BNE)Entry: check
How to get in: Not yet. 2026 entries opened 2 Dec 2025 and sold outSydney MarathonA world major in late August, over the Harbour Bridge to the Opera House.
Sun 29 Aug 2027Race day 10–19°CSydney, AustraliaFly into Sydney (SYD)Ballot open
How to get in: Yes, ballot open until 19 Oct 2026 (10am Sydney time). Draw 3 Nov 2026Find the race that suits you
7 questions, about a minute
Race details come from our race database, checked against organisers' sites in October 2026. Temperatures are typical averages, not forecasts. Always confirm dates on the official race site before you book.