The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has been confirmed as the first Abbott World Marathon Major to take place on African soil, becoming the eighth race in the globally renowned series after completing the final stage of the Abbott World Marathon Majors assessment process following its successful 2026 event on 24 May. The marathon will formally join the series at its next edition on 23 May 2027, placing Cape Town alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York in the elite group of world marathon majors.
The announcement marks a historic milestone for African distance running and for Cape Town as a global sports destination. Abbott World Marathon Majors CEO Dawna Stone praised the event’s growth, the commitment of race director Clark Gardner and the distinctive atmosphere of the city, saying Africa’s first Major has finally arrived. She noted that the race’s culture, public support and setting would offer runners from Africa and around the world a unique experience.
Organizers described the achievement as a collective victory built over years of work by runners, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, service providers and city partners. Gardner said the marathon could not have reached this point without the backing of the broader community, especially runners who returned season after season during the candidacy period and helped the event meet AbbottWMM qualification standards. He credited sponsors and partners for standing by the race even when the 2025 edition did not take place. Sanlam Group CEO Paul Hanratty also celebrated the milestone, calling it the result of 13 years of partnership and saying the achievement should inspire people across Africa to dream bigger and move forward with confidence.
The new status is especially significant for African runners, who have long faced financial and logistical barriers to competing in a Major abroad. With a Major now on the continent, runners from across Africa can pursue the experience on home soil, from recreational athletes fulfilling a personal goal to elite competitors seeking world-class competition. The event said about 80% of the world’s top 50 elite marathon runners come from Africa, underscoring the continent’s influence in the sport. To support its mission of access, the marathon has committed to reserving two-thirds of entries for African participants. The 2026 race also attracted Eliud Kipchoge, the 11-time Major winner and two-time Olympic champion, who chose Cape Town for his first official marathon in Africa.
The milestone also carries economic importance for Cape Town and the surrounding region. City officials said the race is expected to generate substantial tourism and local spending, with projections of about R800 million in economic impact through travel, accommodation and meals. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said hosting an Abbott World Marathon Major would benefit the city’s economy, inspire future generations of runners and leave a lasting legacy for African sport.
Entries for the 2027 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon ballot opened on 10 June 2026 and close on 24 June, with successful applicants to be notified on 26 June. Entries for the Peace Run and Trail Runs will open on 3 July 2026.
