The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially been confirmed as the first Abbott World Marathon Major (AbbottWMM) to be held on African soil, cementing Cape Town’s place among the world’s most prestigious marathon destinations.
Following the successful staging of the 2026 race on May 24, the event passed the second and final stage of the Abbott World Marathon Majors assessment process and will become the eighth race in the global series when the next edition takes place on May 23, 2027.
The Cape Town race now joins an elite group of marathons in Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York, marking a milestone not only for the city but for the African continent.
“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.”
Race director and CEO Clark Gardner said the achievement was the result of years of collective effort from runners, volunteers, sponsors, residents and partners.
“This achievement belongs to every person who believed in and committed to this vision, 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,” he said.
Beyond the sporting significance, organisers say the milestone will improve access for African runners who previously faced the high costs of travelling overseas to compete in a World Marathon Major. The event also plans to keep two-thirds of its race entries available to African participants.
The marathon is expected to deliver a significant boost to Cape Town’s economy, with projections estimating around R800 million in spending on local travel, accommodation and meals.
Weighing in, City of Cape TownMayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said: “For Cape Town to be the home of an Abbott World Marathon Majors race is an incredible moment for our city. 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.”
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