RUN FOR WILDLIFE AND JOIN THE ADVENTURE!
Join Wild Tomorrow’s “Team Elephant”
May 21-24, 2026
for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon + Conservation Experience
Make your miles matter by running the Cape Town Marathon, Africa’s very first World Major Marathon, running for Wild Tomorrow’s Team Elephant! The marathon is on Sunday May 24th in stunning Cape Town — but don’t come all the way to South Africa just for the race!
For the running-focused portion of the trip from May 21-24th , immerse yourself in nature in one of the world’s most breathtaking cities, Cape Town. Additional activities for wildlife-loving runners include kayaking with African Penguins and optional hikes on Table Mountain, or snorkeling at the Great Kelp Forest. For runners who are able to stay longer, we invite you join us in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal to volunteer at Wild Tomorrow’s Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and see your the wildlife and wild places your run is supporting! We have two options - volunteer the week before the marathon May 15-20th or the week after the marathon May 25-30th. Each volunteer group is limited to a maximum of 10 volunteers total.
For those with family members, friends and partners who aren’t ready for a full marathon, there are also 5km, 10km and 22km spectacular trail run options. Or they can simply relax on one of Cape Town’s beautiful beaches and cheer you on!
Join our team of passionate runners and conservationists to protect wildlife and preserve habitats for a better tomorrow and enjoy the stunning sights and sounds of South Africa — while leaving the travel planning to us. If you are ready to sign-up now, please scroll to the bottom to submit your application today!
Why Run with Wild Tomorrow?
When you run with us, you’re not just crossing the finish line — you’re making a real difference for nature! All funds raised will support critical wildlife and habitat conservation efforts in South Africa. Plus, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience, including:
Exclusive Team Activities: Guided hikes, shakeout runs, and celebration events.
Exploration: See iconic Cape Town landmarks like Table Mountain and the endangered African Penguins at Boulders Beach!
Impactful Volunteering: Spend a week at our reserve in KwaZulu-Natal on the ‘elephant coast’ of South Africa and contribute directly to conservation work.
Community and Connection: Build lasting memories with like-minded runners, our dedicated conservation staff, and the local community!
What is the Fundraising Commitment?
Each charity runner will commit to raising a minimum amount US $2,500 for our wildlife conservation work and to paying our registration fee of US $100.
For runners who wish to add-on our travel packages in addition to guaranteed race entry, here’s the run-down:
Your Itinerary at a Glance
PART I: VOLUNTEERING AT WILD TOMORROW’S WILDLIFE RESERVE
6 Nights with two options for travel dates:
Group 1: May 15th to 20th (leaving for the Cape Town Marathon October 20th)
Group 2: May 25th to 30th (flying out from Cape Town on Monday 25th)
Assist with hands-on wildlife interventions (most likely a rhino dehorning!), restoration projects, and wildlife monitoring alongside our rangers and conservation team.
Go on educational safari drives and guided hikes to explore the reserve and its incredible biodiversity.
Participate hands-on in Wild Tomorrow’s conservation initiatives and work alongside our incredible conservation team.
Relax post-marathon with foot reflexology, guided stretching, and recovery walks and runs in stunning natural settings (optional extra cost).
PART II: CAPE TOWN MARATHON
4 Nights: May 21-24th, 2026
Welcome dinner and team introduction.
Optional activities: hike or cable car up Table Mountain, penguin tour, pre-race run.
Pre-race dinner and post-race celebration.
Scenic marathon route showcasing Cape Town’s beauty
Cost: this is an optional travel add-on in addition to race registration. We’ll take care of all of your travel logistics including hotel accomodation, transfers, excursions to see the endangered African Penguins, team run and more. Costs currently being finalized. Estimated at US $600 per person twin-share plus activity options.
Cost: For runners wish to volunteer for a week at our reserve after their marathon (and recover in nature!), the cost is US $950. This covers all of your accommodation, conservation activities, food and transfers! Read more here about our conservation experience trips.
What’s Included?
All registered Cape Town marathon runners will receive:
An awesome “Team Elephant” t-shirt & Wild Tomorrow baseball cap
A special ‘medal’ for all finishers - our very own Team Elephant stuffie!
Fundraising support including a personalized fundraising page, tips and support along the way from Wild Tomorrow staff
Community runs for NYC based runners
What’s Not Included?
International flights to/from South Africa
Domestic flight from Cape Town to Durban and Richards Bay to Johannesburg (we can book a group flight via our local travel partner)
Lunches and dinners in Cape Town (other than the welcome dinner)
Alcohol and tip money for the duration of your stay
Please note: Guaranteed entry for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026 is limited to a max of 15 bibs running for Wild Tomorrow, and volunteering to a maximum group size of 10. So please don’t delay in completing your registration if you don’t want to miss out on this portion of our Cape Town marathon experience!
Check out our website and stories to learn more about our work. Questions? Email us at contact@wildtomorrowfund.org
APPLY NOW!
This could be you! Join us!!
Wild Tomorrow
413 W 48th St #3F New York, New York, 10036 USA.
contact@wildtomorrowfund.org