The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially been confirmed as the first-ever Abbott World Marathon Major on African soil.
It’s a landmark moment not only for Cape Town, but for African sport. For the first time, one of marathon running’s most coveted races will be hosted on the continent, placing Cape Town firmly on the global running map.
Following the successful staging of the 2026 race on 24 May, Cape Town passed the final stage of the Abbott World Marathon Majors assessment process and will officially join the prestigious series in 2027, becoming its eighth member alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York.
“It gives me huge pleasure to welcome Cape Town to the family,” said AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone. “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.”
A collective achievement
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon’s elevation to Abbott World Marathon Major status is being celebrated as a collective achievement literally more than a decade in the making.
“This achievement belongs to every person who believed in and committed to this vision,” said Clark Gardner, CEO and race director of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. “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.”
As key sponsor for more than 13 years, Sanlam Group CEO Paul Hanratty said the moment should “inspires people across Africa to dream bigger, go further and live with confidence.”
The next Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, now officially an Abbott World Marathon Major, takes place on 23 May 2027.
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