A marathon in the middle of the ocean, on an island most people can’t place on a map? Are you in? On Sunday 28 February 2027, St Helena will host its inaugural marathon, making it one of the most remote in the world.

St Helena sits roughly 1 950km off the southwestern coast of Africa and 2 900km east of South America. Once the preserve of a five-day sea voyage, St Helena is now a direct Airlink flight from Johannesburg and, in summer, an extra weekly flight from Cape Town, bringing this bucket-list destination closer than ever before.

A road race like no other
This is road rather than trail, but do not expect flat or forgettable. The 42.2km course is a challenging, exhilarating run through lush forest and along volcanic ridgelines, passing famous historical sites and tracing the island’s extraordinary natural beauty.

Starting in the gardens of Plantation House, the Governor’s residence, it passes landmarks tied to Napoleon’s final exile, the old East India Company and centuries of settlement. Expect endless views over the South Atlantic and a scattering of significant sites, from Longwood House and the Boer Cemetery to Halley’s and Maskelyne’s Observatories, before finishing on the Georgian streets of Jamestown. St Helena boasts rich biodiversity, with species found nowhere else on earth, so keep an eye out for the legendary wirebird. And let’s not forget Jonathan the tortoise, the world’s oldest living land animal.

Not chasing the full distance? The 21.1km route captures some of the island’s most dramatic terrain, while the 10km and 5km options offer something for the whole family. Bring them along for the adventure of a lifetime. Each route comes with a GPX file, and each finisher takes home a medal.

A runcation to remember
The marathon is the grand finale of St Helena’s Adventure Week, which means you can experience the island in all its glory. Climb Jacob’s Ladder, the 699 steps rising 182 metres above Jamestown; take a dip in natural seawater pools; paddle out to the SS Papanui (shipwreck) for a snorkel; visit a beautiful coffee plantation (home to the rare, green-tipped Bourbon Arabica bean); and enjoy a round of golf at Longwood Golf Course.

“St Helena is gearing up for an incredible event,” says Jonathan Passaportis, Head of Tourism at St Helena Tourism. “Not only is it one of the world’s most remote marathons, but it offers scenery, history and a sense of achievement that a city marathon simply cannot match.”

Secure your place
Flights, accommodation and entries will fill up quickly. It’s worth booking flights and securing your entry well in advance.

Entries are open now via Racepass. Plan your adventure at sthelenatourism.com/marathon.

Entry costs include race participation, a finisher medal and access to all the Adventure Week activities.

• R1 450 for the full marathon
• R850 for the half marathon
• R450 for the 10 km
• R250 for the 5km fun run for friends and family

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