February 13, 2026
History of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has a longer history than many might think, thanks to being held at different venues, organised by different entities, and sponsored by various commercial partners. However, the race name and substantial parts of the course have remained the same over the 32-year history of the event. Three separate phases can be identified in the history
February 11, 2026
Sanlam renews title sponsorship of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon through to 2030
Sanlam and the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon today confirmed the renewal of Sanlam’s title sponsorship for a further five years, securing the partnership through to 2030. The agreement extends a relationship that has helped transform the event from a fast, scenic city race into Africa’s premier marathon and a rising contender on the world stage. Since 2014, the Sanlam Group
January 30, 2026
Road to Africa’s 1st Major Continues: Taking Stock for 2026
You know that feeling when you’re running the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, the finish line in sight, the blue carpet calling your name, and then whoops, you’re sent out onto the promenade for the infamous Sea Point “loop of death”; pulled away from the finish for what, no matter how prepared you are, always feels like an unexpected and grueling
November 6, 2025
Candidacy Club – Updated Qualification Details
As the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon continues its journey toward becoming Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) event, we are updating our Candidacy Club information and outlining how the campaign will roll out following the cancellation of the 2025 race. Guaranteed Access for Candidacy Year Finishers We remain committed to rewarding the runners who have supported the Sanlam Cape
October 28, 2025
Abbott World Marathon Majors can confirm that all finishers of the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will receive a provisional AbbottWMM star.
Press release sent out by Abbott World Marathon Majors This year, the race was pursuing its second consecutive pass of the AbbottWMM criteria that must be met in order for Cape Town to join the series. The cancellation of the 2025 event means that the evaluation was not completed. We fully support the decision that was made to cancel the
October 20, 2025
Cancellation Timeline of the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Following the cancellation of Sunday’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon just an hour and a half before the scheduled 6:10am start, due to adverse wind conditions, the organisers have received many enquiries as to the decision-making process that led to the cancellation. Some 24,000 Marathon entrants and their supporters were denied the opportunity to run the 2025 edition of the now
Africa's first
Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate
It’s time to show the world how we run a marathon in Africa.
We are on a mission to put Cape Town, the African continent, its iconic marathon champions and its magnificently diverse cultures on the world stage. Everyone is invited to the Abbott World Marathon Majors Candidate Race.
Towards Africa's First Major
Africa’s most visited
and celebrated city.
Running any one of the Cape Town Marathon events is a way to experience the cultural highlights and the uniquely vibrant spirit of one of Africa's most visited cities. Arguably the most beautiful marathon route on the continent let alone the world.
