CAPE TOWN IS MAJOR
Cape Town is officially home to an Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) Race.
The Sanlam Cape Town has been confirmed as the first Major to be held on African soil.
It joins a series of the world’s most renowned marathons including the Boston Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, New York City Marathon, Tokyo Marathon and the Sydney Marathon.
The Cape Town Marathon’s next edition, on 23 May 2027, will be the race’s entry into the prestigious majors circuit – becoming Africa’s first.
“It gives me huge pleasure to welcome Cape Town to the family,” said AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone.
“After watching the race grow in size and stature during its candidacy and also seeing the resilience and dedication of the team lead so wonderfully by Clark Gardner, Africa’s first Major has finally arrived. The unique culture, the welcome from the people of the city and the wonderful setting Cape Town provides will bring a whole new dimension to our series. I know runners in Africa and across the world will have a phenomenal experience at this race.”
A historic moment for Africa
For Cape Town, the major status represents the culmination of years of collaboration between the race organisers, the City of Cape Town, event partners, volunteers, residents and the broader running community.
The 2026 edition saw some 8 500 visiting athletes to the Mother City for the Cape Town Marathon, the biggest international contingent to date.
With the major status achieved and an anticipated surge in international entries, the impact is expected to be far-reaching.
“For Cape Town to be the home of an Abbott World Marathon Majors race is an incredible moment for our city,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
“Achieving this milestone will contribute greatly to Cape Town’s economy, inspire future generations of runners, and leave a legacy for the sport across Africa.”
This represents a substantial economic opportunity for Cape Town and the wider region, drawing international visitors, generating tourism revenue and creating opportunity across the local economy.
The event is projected to contribute in the region of R800 million in the form of local travel, accommodation and meals alone.
The city’s spectacular natural setting, proven ability to host major international events, strong tourism infrastructure, safety and operational capabilities, and passionate sporting culture all contributed to making Cape Town the natural home of Africa’s first Major.
The significance runs even deeper for South Africa and Africa.
For decades, the world’s marathon Majors were hosted thousands of kilometres away from the continent that produces many of the sport’s greatest athletes.
A shared dream turned reality
Participation often remained out of reach for African runners due to the costs associated with international travel, visas and accommodation.
Africa’s first Major changes that reality.
For the first time, runners from across the continent have the opportunity to experience a Major on home soil.
Whether pursuing a lifelong personal ambition, seeking qualification opportunities or competing at the highest level of the sport, African runners now have direct access to one of marathon running’s most prestigious stages.
The vision has been anchored in a striking truth: approximately 80% of the world’s top marathon talent comes from Africa. Yet this achievement is about more than elite competition. It is about access, inclusion and creating opportunities for future generations of African runners.
In recognition of that purpose, the Cape Town Marathon remains committed to ensuring that two-thirds of all race entries are reserved for African participants, helping to preserve the event’s role as a Major that belongs to the continent.
This is a responsibility to the collective community that helped the race pass the AbbottWMM assessments.
“This achievement belongs to every person who believed in and committed to this vision,” said Sanlam Cape Town Marathon race director Clark Gardner.
“We could never have reached this moment alone. Our runners carried us to the numbers we needed, our sponsors and partners stood firm beside us even when the 2025 race could not go ahead, and our supporters, club captains, residents and service providers each played their part. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon stands as proof that when Africa comes together, we can achieve anything. This victory belongs to all of them.”
The general ballot for the 2027 Cape Town Marathon is open from 10 June to 24 June 2026, with all applicants notified of the outcome on 26 June.
Entries for the accompanying Peace Run and Trail Runs will open on 3 July 2026.
