The inaugural 42.2 km marathon forms the centrepiece of Adventure Week (15-27 February 2026), a curated programme of events on the island, including a 21.1 km, 10 km or 5 km run, open-water swim, deep-sea fishing and marine excursions, guided swimming, hikes and cultural tours.
JAMESTOWN, ST HELENA – Adventure seekers and runners will have the opportunity to tick off a number of bucket-list moments in one go as St Helena Island hosts their first-ever Adventure Week from 15-27 February 2026.
“If you’ve ever wanted to visit the world’s most remote island, now’s the time,” says Minister Karl Thrower, Minister for Economic Development and Environment, St Helena Government.
“Adventure Week actually runs over two weeks, with the marathon on Sunday, 22 February. It anchors what promises to be an unforgettable calendar of events, including the chance to scale Jacob’s Ladder and experience peak whale shark season – which runs from December to May/June each year.”
The 42.2 km race will begin outside the Governor’s Residence, Plantation House (which is also home to Jonathan the tortoise, the world’s oldest living land animal at 193 years old) before taking runners through dramatic volcanic landscapes, protected forests, and cliff-edge paths overlooking the vast South Atlantic.
All races and event routes will finish on the Jamestown waterfront, passing beneath the island’s historic Arch. Built in 1832, The Arch once served as the main entryway from the sea, through which every arrival and all goods came onto St Helena. By ending at this iconic gateway, participants retrace the footsteps of centuries of visitors, making their finish a truly memorable part of island history.
“The route is designed to challenge and inspire in equal measure,” says Thrower. “It is an extraordinary way to experience St Helena’s beauty, diversity and adventurous spirit.”
For those not quite ready for a full marathon, there are other distances available on the day, opening up the event to runners, friends and family across all skill levels.
RACE DISTANCES
- Full marathon (42.2 km)
- Half marathon (21.1 km)
- 10 km run
- 5 km fun run
- 2.5 km complimentary walk/run for the kids
BUCKET-LIST EXPERIENCES
In addition to the four routes, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy:
- Boating, diving, snorkelling and guided swimming excursions in the pristine waters of St Helena’s Marine Protected Area (MPA)
- Whale shark encounters
- Post box walks (24 trails which criss-cross the island)
- Cultural tours led by local guides and historians that weave together history, food and wildlife stories
- The chance to conquer Jacob’s Ladder – and earn sweeping views across the Atlantic
For Thrower, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore what is still a remote and peaceful part of the world.
“St Helena holds a number of surprises for first-time visitors,” says Thrower. “Firstly, the water is clear – and surprisingly warm. You hear ‘South Atlantic’, and you think cold, wild and remote. Yes, it’s remote. But the visibility is incredible, and our water temperatures range from 19°C to 26°C. Another surprise? The incredible diversity of fauna and flora. St Helena (and its unique cloud forest) supports 502 endemic species (including the blushing snail, spiky yellow woodlouse and wirebird), making it the perfect destination for nature lovers, birders, walkers and hikers.”
ENTER TODAY
With limited entries available, organisers encourage early registration at: www.bikeruntri.co.za
ACCOMMODATION
Options vary, ranging from the 4-star Mantis St Helena to smaller boutique hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering cottages. For more information, visit: www.sthelenatourism.com/plan-your-trip
FLIGHTS
Fly into St Helena with Airlink. The airline offers a weekly flight from Johannesburg to Jamestown on a Saturday. During the summer season (December–February), there is also aweekly flight to Jamestown from Cape Town every Tuesday. Visit: www.flyairlink.com
“Tick off your bucket-list,” says Thrower. “Join us for the world’s most remote marathon.Swim with whale sharks. Experience our cloud forest. Start 2026 off in incredible style!”
̶ ENDS ̶
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
