Young Life invites you to run with us in the Cape Town Marathon
Young Life Africa is excited to announce that we will be a Charity Partner for the Cape Town Marathon. It is expected that this fall the Cape Town Marathon will be given the distinction of becoming Africa's only Abbott World Marathon Major!
As a Charity Partner, we have 15 racing bibs available for those who want to run this incredible race and raise funds to send kids to Young Life Camp in Africa. Runners and family members are welcome to apply.
In addition to participating in the race, participants will have the opportunity to experience Young Life ministry in Cape Town - we'll visit Club, Campaigners, and meet local leaders who are ministering to teens in Cape Town.
Dates: May 19 - 26, 2026
Join with other runners to raise $50,000 to send 1,000 kids to camp across Africa!
Each Runner will have an individual fundraising page that can be shared with friends and family as we together raise $50,000 to send kids to camp. A portion of the funds will go to send South Africa kids to camp, and you can direct the rest to the country of your choice!
By signing up for the race, you are committing to raise $7,000. It's going to be so fun, fun, fun.
Runner's Fundraising Goal: $7,000 per person*
*Includes all ground costs-local transportation, lodging, meals and race bib. Double occupancy. Does not include airfare. Participants may include airfare in fundraising (contact your trip leader).
Not included: Vaccinations or other passport related fees. No Visa is required for U.S. citizen entry to South Africa
Non-Runners are encouraged to attend to cheer you on and be involved with ministry activities and sightseeing! Price for additional adult staying in the same room: $2,600. Additional child under 12, staying in the room with 2 adults: $1,300. Non-runners are welcome to fundraise also.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (5/18): Depart the U.S. Particpants may book their own flights for arrival on 5/19.
Day 2 (5/19): Arrive Cape Town. Transportation to hotel. Dinner and orientation with the group.
Day 3 (5/20): City tour and visits with ministry.
Day 4 (5/21): Morning: Runners gather for a training run. Group gathers for lunch and afternoon of ministry and sightseeing.
Day 5 (5/22): Group joins a local leaders meeting for worship and learning about YL ministry in South Africa. Dinner together at the waterfront.
Day 6 (5/23): Morning: Runners gather for "shake out" run. Group gathers for lunch and visiting the Race Expo to prepare for race day.
Day 7 (5/24): RACE DAY! Cheer on the runners!
Day 8 (5/25): Cape Peninsula Tour. We'll visit some of Cape Town's most scenic and iconic locations. Celebration dinner with a special dinner with the staff and leaders that you've met this week.
Day 8 (5/26): Spend the day seeing local sights in Cape Town and prepare to return home. Visit Long Street African markets. Depart on evening flights.
Day 9 (5/27) : Arrive home to the U.S.
Feel free to extend your stay in Cape Town and explore on your own. Take the ferry to Robben Island Museum where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner, and visit other sights such as Table Mountain, the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or visit the Constantia area and it's winery.
What's Next?
Fill out the APPLICATION for the trip in Managed Missions by doing the following:
- Create a Managed Missions account by selecting a login and password.
- Fill out the "application" for the trip. Enter as much of your traveler information as you have available and answer the questions.
- Select trip code "XSA02 Cape Town Marathon 2026".
- Once your application is submitted, a member of our team will reach out about next steps and getting your fundraising page set up.
- A $250 deposit is due January 1, 2026 to secure your spot.
Contact for more Information:
- Trip Leader and Team Captain: Casey Prescott (512) 797-9202 / cprescott@younglife.org
- Co-Team Captain: Alex Widmer - awid29@gmail.com
- Young Life Africa Expeditions Coordinator: Tina Atkinson: (520) 730-9813 / tatkinson@younglife.org
Deposit: Once you are signed up for the trip, a deposit of $250 will be due to hold your spot (for runners). Once fundraising is complete, this can be refunded to you. The deposit payment link can be found on your Managed Missions page.
- January 1, 2026: Deposits Due ($250)
- Fundraising Goals: 50% by March 1, 2026, Full amount by May 1
YLX Travel, LLC & CA registered seller of travel, 212739-50 serves Expeditions participants in their travel needs.
Credits:
Created with an image by Tobias Fischer - "untitled image"