South African runners with a spirit of adventure can now sign up for WMRM 2027 – with St Helena Island hosting a full marathon (42.2 km), half marathon (21.1 km) and 10 km distance, all starting in the grounds of Plantation House, the Governor’s residence and home to Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal.
Jamestown, St Helena Island, 8 April 2026: Runners and adventure travellers can now sign up for the World’s Most Remote Marathon, taking place on St Helena on Sunday, 28 February 2027, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in one of the most extraordinary races on Earth.
Set in the heart of the South Atlantic, this marathon is far removed from the crowds and noise of city races. Instead, participants will experience a subtropical paradise with dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush green highlands and sweeping ocean views, all while testing their endurance in one of the world’s most isolated destinations.
Runners can choose between a full marathon (42.2 km), half marathon (21.1 km) or 10 km distance, with the spectacular routes winding along forest trails, mountain tracks and coastal cliff paths before finishing in Jamestown, the island’s storied capital. As Jonathan Passaportis, Head of Tourism for St Helena Government explains, crossing the finish line will place participants among a small, select group who have completed one of the world’s most remote and distinctive races.
The inaugural marathon, initially scheduled for 2026 and cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, forms the centrepiece of St Helena’s Adventure Week, a programme designed to showcase the island’s natural beauty and unique experiences. Visitors can take on the iconic Jacob’s Ladder climb (and its 699 steps from Jamestown to Ladder Hill Fort), join guided hikes across diverse and spectacular terrain, try open water swimming, or explore the island’s rich history and marine life.
“The World’s Most Remote Marathon is far more than a race; it is an invitation to run in one of the most unique destinations on the planet. Whether you are a seasoned runner or an adventurous traveller, this event offers the chance to experience something truly special in 2027,” says Passaportis. “With limited capacity on flights and accommodation, we encourage those interested to book early and start preparing to take on this bucket-list challenge.”
Entry is priced at R1,450 for the full marathon, R850 for the half marathon and R450 for the 10 km, including race participation, a finisher medal and access to all the Adventure Week activities. There is also a 5km fun run for friends and family.
Getting to St Helena is easy with direct flights operated by Airlink from South Africa. In addition to regular weekly services from Johannesburg, Airlink will be offering additional flights from Cape Town to support the event with flights scheduled on 23 February and 2 March 2027.
Accommodation options on the island include boutique hotels, welcoming guesthouses and self-catering cottages, providing a comfortable base for visitors throughout their stay.
For more information, please visit https://sthelenatourism.com/marathon or enter at The World’s Most Remote Marathon | 2027 | Running Races in Jamestown | Racepass
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Issued by
Big Ambitions Marketing
Roland Muller
Email: roland@bigambitions.co.za
About St Helena
St Helena is one of the world’s most remote islands. It is a subtropical paradise where the mountainous terrain and microclimates create an astounding diversity of landscapes all within a few minutes’ drive. Boasting clean air, a sparkling ocean environment, and a safe community (pop. 4,439), St Helena is an off-the-beaten-track, bucket-list destination. Boasting more than 500 plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth, the island is also renowned for its diving and marine experiences. Additionally, St Helena is home to Jonathan the Tortoise, the world’s oldest living land animal!
Flights to St Helena can be booked from Johannesburg and Cape Town to St Helena (with the carrier Airlink). Airlink has recently doubled its scheduled flight service between South Africa and St Helena to a seasonal twice-weekly flight. https://www.flyairlink.com/
Notes to editors:
For any media enquiries, please contact: sthelena@bigambitions.co.za
For more tourism information about St Helena please, visit www.sthelenatourism.com
