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Cape Town Marathon Becomes Africas First Abbott World Marathon Major
Cape Town’s streets will soon echo the footsteps of the world’s elite as the city’s marathon becomes the first African race to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially earned the title of the first Abbott World Marathon Major to be staged on African soil. After the 2026 edition ran on 24 May, the event cleared the final stage of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) assessment and will formally enter the series at its next race on 23 May 2027.
The AbbottWMM roster now lists eight marquee races: Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and the new addition, Cape Town. The move is especially meaningful because roughly 80 % of the world’s top 50 elite marathoners hail from the continent, yet no Major has ever been available on home ground.
In keeping with that spirit, the Cape Town organizers have pledged to keep two‑thirds of the entry slots open to African runners. The 2026 edition also captured global headlines when eleven‑time Major champion and two‑time Olympic gold medalist Eliud Kipchoge ran his first official marathon on African soil. Kipchoge finished 16th in 2:13:29, a performance that underscored the event’s growing prestige.
The marathon weekend is a full‑spectrum affair. In addition to the main marathon, the program features the Peace Run and three trail races—43 km, 22 km, and 11 km. The marathon course circles Green Point and the Cape Town Stadium precinct, a route that has hosted the South African marathon championships in the past.
The achievement was described as a collective victory. AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone said, “It gives me huge pleasure to welcome Cape Town to the family.” Race director Clark Gardner added, “This achievement belongs to every person who believed in and committed to this vision.” Sanlam Group CEO Paul Hanratty noted, “Today, we celebrate a collective victory.” Mayor Geordin Hill‑Lewis highlighted the economic impact, stating the Major will contribute an estimated R800 million to local travel, accommodation and meals.
Adidas, a partner of the event, also praised the milestone. Jennifer Thomas, Vice President of Sports Marketing and Communities, Global Brands, said, “As a proud partner of Boston, Berlin and now Cape Town, adidas is honoured to support an event that has earned its place among the world’s most iconic marathons.”
Entry dates for the new Major are now open. The general ballot for the 2027 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will run from 10 June to 24 June 2026, with results announced on 26 June. Entries for the Peace Run and Trail Runs will open on 3 July 2026. Candidacy Club members have been confirmed the ability to select the year in which they wish to run.
The Cape Town Marathon’s elevation to Major status marks a historic moment for African long‑distance running. It offers a world‑class platform for local and regional athletes, boosts the city’s tourism profile, and adds a new chapter to the AbbottWMM narrative. The 2027 race will be the first Major event on African soil, and the community, sponsors, and runners are poised to welcome the world’s elite and the broader public to Cape Town’s iconic streets.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially earned the title of the first Abbott World Marathon Major to be staged on African soil. After the 2026 edition ran on 24 May, the event cleared the final stage of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) assessment and will formally enter the series at its next race on 23 May 2027.
The AbbottWMM roster now lists eight marquee races: Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and the new addition, Cape Town. The move is especially meaningful because roughly 80 % of the world’s top 50 elite marathoners hail from the continent, yet no Major has ever been available on home ground.
In keeping with that spirit, the Cape Town organizers have pledged to keep two‑thirds of the entry slots open to African runners. The 2026 edition also captured global headlines when eleven‑time Major champion and two‑time Olympic gold medalist Eliud Kipchoge ran his first official marathon on African soil. Kipchoge finished 16th in 2:13:29, a performance that underscored the event’s growing prestige.
The marathon weekend is a full‑spectrum affair. In addition to the main marathon, the program features the Peace Run and three trail races—43 km, 22 km, and 11 km. The marathon course circles Green Point and the Cape Town Stadium precinct, a route that has hosted the South African marathon championships in the past.
The achievement was described as a collective victory. AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone said, “It gives me huge pleasure to welcome Cape Town to the family.” Race director Clark Gardner added, “This achievement belongs to every person who believed in and committed to this vision.” Sanlam Group CEO Paul Hanratty noted, “Today, we celebrate a collective victory.” Mayor Geordin Hill‑Lewis highlighted the economic impact, stating the Major will contribute an estimated R800 million to local travel, accommodation and meals.
Adidas, a partner of the event, also praised the milestone. Jennifer Thomas, Vice President of Sports Marketing and Communities, Global Brands, said, “As a proud partner of Boston, Berlin and now Cape Town, adidas is honoured to support an event that has earned its place among the world’s most iconic marathons.”
Entry dates for the new Major are now open. The general ballot for the 2027 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will run from 10 June to 24 June 2026, with results announced on 26 June. Entries for the Peace Run and Trail Runs will open on 3 July 2026. Candidacy Club members have been confirmed the ability to select the year in which they wish to run.
The Cape Town Marathon’s elevation to Major status marks a historic moment for African long‑distance running. It offers a world‑class platform for local and regional athletes, boosts the city’s tourism profile, and adds a new chapter to the AbbottWMM narrative. The 2027 race will be the first Major event on African soil, and the community, sponsors, and runners are poised to welcome the world’s elite and the broader public to Cape Town’s iconic streets.
