The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has quickly grown from a regional road race into one of the most prominent fixtures on the global running calendar. Known for its breathtaking coastal and city route, inclusive atmosphere, and professional organisation, the marathon is now on the brink of making history by becoming the first Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) event on African soil.
As the 2025 edition approaches, excitement is building not only among the tens of thousands of runners who will take part, but also within the global running community that is watching Africa rise onto the marathon world stage.
From Humble Beginnings to Gold Label Status
The roots of marathon running in Cape Town trace back to 1994, when a small event in Pinelands attracted dedicated local athletes. Over time, with strategic partnerships and a vision to place South Africa on the world map, the race evolved into the modern Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
By 2014, the race had secured World Athletics Gold Label status, an accolade that recognised its world-class organisation, flat and fast course, and ability to draw elite fields. This positioned Cape Town alongside some of the most respected marathons globally, making it a destination not just for locals, but also for international elites and amateurs chasing personal bests.
The 2025 Sell-Out: A Defining Moment
This year’s marathon achieved a remarkable milestone by selling out all 24,000 marathon entries months before race day. It’s the third year in a row that the event has reached full capacity, underscoring the surging demand for participation.
For organisers, the sell-out is more than a logistical win — it’s a symbol of Cape Town’s growing reputation as a global marathon hub. It sends a strong message to AWMM decision-makers that Africa is ready to host one of the world’s most prestigious running series, which currently features iconic races in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.
Innovation on the Start Line
With growing popularity comes the challenge of managing scale. For 2025, organisers introduced a major innovation to improve race-day flow and safety:
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Two Start Areas: The original Stadium Start at Fritz Sonnenberg Road in Green Point remains, while a new Beach Road Start in Mouille Point has been introduced to split the field.
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Five-Wave Start System: Replacing the traditional batching method, runners will now set off in waves designed to reduce congestion and allow for smoother pacing throughout the race.
These adjustments reflect the marathon’s commitment to continually enhancing runner experience and keeping the event aligned with international best practices.
Records and Rising Stars
The 2024 edition produced fireworks on the course. Ethiopian runner Abdisa Tola set a new men’s record with a blistering 2:08:16, while South Africa’s own Glenrose Xaba delivered a landmark performance in the women’s race, smashing the national record with 2:22:22.
These achievements not only raised the profile of the event but also inspired a new generation of African runners, showing that Cape Town’s flat, scenic course has the potential to deliver world-class times.
Looking Toward 2026: The Age Group World Championships
The marathon’s ambitions go beyond 2025. In May 2026, Cape Town will host the Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championships (AGWC) — the first time the prestigious event will be held in Africa.
Traditionally staged alongside Major marathons in cities like London and Chicago, the AGWC gathers top amateur runners from around the world to compete in age-group categories for global titles. Hosting the event in Cape Town not only cements the city’s status as a premier running destination but also brings unprecedented global attention to African road running.
The Road to Major Status
Cape Town Marathon’s journey towards AWMM inclusion has been deliberate and rigorous. After securing Stage 1 approval in 2024, the event is now undergoing Stage 2 evaluation in 2025, with results expected later this year. If successful, the marathon will officially be inducted into the Majors in 2026, joining the world’s most celebrated six.
Such a development would be historic, not only for South Africa but for the entire African continent. It would symbolise recognition of Africa’s immense contribution to long-distance running and provide a home Major for the world’s most dominant athletes.
Why Cape Town Stands Out
Several factors set the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon apart:
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Scenic Course: Runners are treated to views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic Seaboard, and iconic city landmarks.
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Accessibility: A flat route makes it appealing for first-time marathoners and those chasing personal bests.
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Inclusive Events: Beyond the 42.2km marathon, the weekend includes 5km and 10km races, as well as trail runs, encouraging participation across fitness levels.
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Cultural Experience: International runners often describe the race as more than just a marathon—it’s an immersion into South African culture, hospitality, and community spirit.
The Spirit of Ubuntu on the Roads
What truly distinguishes Cape Town Marathon is its atmosphere. From the crowds lining the streets to the thousands of volunteers who make the event possible, there is a palpable sense of Ubuntu — the South African philosophy of humanity and community.
For many runners, the marathon becomes more than a race; it’s a celebration of unity, resilience, and shared achievement.
Africa’s Marathon Moment
As the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon edges closer, anticipation runs high. With a sold-out field, innovative race-day logistics, and global recognition, the event already stands as a jewel in Africa’s sporting crown.
Looking ahead to 2026, when the city is poised to host the Abbott Age Group World Championships and potentially debut as an official World Marathon Major, Cape Town is not just hosting a marathon — it’s making history.
For runners, spectators, and the global athletics community, this is Africa’s marathon moment.
