Cape Town Marathon 2027 — What Happens After a Successful Ballot?

The ballot system for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2027 means that you first submit an application, and only after receiving a successful ballot result and completing the payment your place in the race becomes fully secured. A successful ballot notification is just the beginning — additional steps are required to complete your registration.

1. Successful Ballot Result — What Does It Mean?

After receiving a positive ballot result, you get an email confirming that your application has been accepted. The message states that your ballot was successful, but this is not yet a valid entry. Your spot is only secured once the race fee has been successfully processed.

2. Automatic Race Fee Payment

The organizer charges the race fee automatically from the card linked to your application. The first attempt to process the payment will take place on 26 and 27 June 2026. Make sure that sufficient funds are available on those dates.

If the payment fails, two additional attempts are scheduled: 30 June and 3 July. After three unsuccessful attempts, your ballot entry will be forfeited. It is the runner’s responsibility to ensure that funds are available and to resolve any card issues before the final attempt.

3. “You’re In” Email — Full Confirmation of Your Entry

Once the payment is processed, you will receive another email with the message “You’re in”. This is the official confirmation that your place in the race is secured and the payment stage is complete. Keep this email — it serves as proof of your confirmed entry.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2027 will take place on 23 May 2027 as the first Abbott World Marathon Major in Africa. With your entry confirmed, you will be on the start line of this historic event.

4. Completing Your Registration in the Howler System

After your payment is confirmed, you must finalize your registration in the Howler system. This step is mandatory — only after completing it your entry becomes fully complete.

1. Open the ticket link provided in your email and log in to Howler using the email address associated with your ballot entry.
2. If prompted, complete your profile information. If your profile was already set up, this step may not appear.
3. Go to the Tickets section, where your successful 2027 ballot ticket will be visible.
4. Your ticket will show as Incomplete. Click Register to open the entry form.
5. Fill in all required fields in the registration form.
6. Submit your answers — once completed, your ticket will be available for download as a finalized entry.

After completing these steps, your registration is fully finalized: the payment has been processed, your details are submitted, and your confirmed ticket can be downloaded and saved.

Source: Cape Town Marathon