CAPE TOWN A STEP CLOSER TO MARATHON MAJORS
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has passed the first hurdle towards Abbott World Marathon Majors status.
The marathon has successfully completed stage 1 in the candidacy process. The race was assessed for a third time during its recent outing in October where it attracted the largest elite field in its history.
The achievement marks a significant milestone in the marathon’s journey to becoming Africa’s first Major marathon.
“Our success in Stage 1 showcases the power of collaboration,” said marathon CEO Clark Gardner.
“From sponsors, service providers, participants to residents, our city demonstrated what can be achieved when we come together with a shared vision. Now, we set our sights on Stage 2, with the goal of not just meeting but exceeding all expectations.”
A COLLECTIVE EFFORT
The accomplishment reflects the unwavering support of the Cape Town residents, South Africa’s entire marathon running community and the race’s collective efforts to elevate its global standing.
Crucially, motorists were cooperative in ensuring clear roads with no parked cars on the marathon route on race day – a major point in the criteria.
“We are delighted at the news that our Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has successfully cleared the first hurdle towards becoming a World Marathon Major,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
“Thanks to a huge effort from the race organisers, as well as the wonderful cooperation from Capetonians to help ensure that roads remained clear, we were able to show the world what a great marathon we can present here. I have no doubt that we will repeat this feat at the next stage of adjudication during the 2025 race.”
Coupled with the #YouDoCount campaign, which brought together 20,000 marathon runners, attracting a world-class elite field featuring 10 Gold Label status athletes, played a pivotal role in passing the first stage.
The 2024 race was also a historic moment for Glenrose Xaba who shattered the Cape Town Marathon course record and South African marathon record.
STAGE SET FOR NEXT PHASE
The Cape Town Marathon will now be required to meet the criteria for a second consecutive year when it takes place on 19 October 2025.
“Cape Town has continued its impressive progress since joining the candidacy process and we are thrilled that it has now met all of our criteria for the first time,” said AbbottWMM CEO, Dawna Stone.
“We know how much the city, the country and the whole continent want the race to become Africa’s first Major, and they have taken a great step in the right direction.”
If it is successful, the race would join the Majors in 2026.
Cape Town would be part of an elite club of global cities part of the AbbottWMM family including Berlin, Tokyo, Boston, New York, London, Chicago and Sydney which got its majors status earlier this month.
The road to becoming a Marathon Major will require the same collective effort which brought success in stage 1.
Meeting the 104-point criteria requires excellence across every aspect of the marathon, from operational standards to participant experience.
A key focus for 2025 will be elevating the elite field to include 4 Platinum Label athletes and 6 Gold Label athletes and managing all aspects of crowd flow as the participant numbers continue to grow.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon plans to lean on its sponsors, partners, and the City of Cape Town to assist in reaching the next goal.
The 2024 race was a demonstration of event’s dedication to excellence and understanding the magnitude of their responsibility in bringing Africa her first Major of any kind.
From seamless race operations to the vibrant atmosphere created by participants and supporters, the race has proven its readiness to take its place among the world’s best.
