© Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
Cape Town Marathon Finally Becomes a Major
It’s an announcement the running world has been waiting for… for a very long time. The Cape Town Marathon has officially become a Major and joins the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors series. A true running powerhouse and one of the biggest talent pools in global marathoning, Africa finally has its first Major. After launching its candidacy in 2021, Cape Town successfully completed the final evaluation stage in 2026 and officially becomes the eighth World Marathon Major. The 2027 edition, scheduled for May 23 in South Africa’s legislative capital, will therefore be the first-ever Major marathon held on African soil. The excitement is immense.
| Cape Town Becomes the 8th Major
Founded in 2006, the Abbott World Marathon Majors represent the pinnacle of marathon running. The series brings together the world’s most prestigious marathons, attracting the best athletes on the planet thanks to their prestige, prize money, World Athletics ranking points, and unique atmosphere.
It all began with London, New York, Chicago, Boston, and Berlin. Tokyo joined the series in 2013. More recently, in response to the global running boom and a desire for better geographical representation, the organization started evaluating new races. Sydney secured its place in 2025. Now it is Cape Town’s turn to join this exclusive club. The city affectionately known as the Mother City officially enters marathon running’s elite circle.
The announcement comes after the successful validation of the 2024 and 2026 editions as part of the AWMM evaluation process. Many still remember the 2025 edition, which was canceled at the last minute due to severe winds, leaving thousands of runners devastated. Yet the professionalism of the organizers was widely praised, and year after year, together with title partner Sanlam, the event continued to grow until finally earning Major status.
“It gives me huge pleasure to welcome Cape Town to the family. 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.”
Dawna Stone, CEO d’AbbottWMM
| The First Major in Africa
The Majors are a dream for runners around the world. World-class organization, electric atmospheres in some of the biggest cities on the planet, and the chance to share the road with the sport’s biggest names. But until now, one essential character was missing from the story: Africa.
Even those outside the running world know how dominant African athletes are in marathon running, particularly those from the highlands of East Africa in Kenya and Ethiopia. This is where legends such as Kenenisa Bekele, Eliud Kipchoge, and more recently Yomif Kejelcha and Sabastian Sawe have written some of the greatest chapters in marathon history. It was time for Africa to have its own Major.
Cape Town’s selection reflects a striking reality: 80% of the world’s top 50 marathoners are African. Yet for decades, the Majors took place thousands of miles away from the continent, often making participation financially impossible for many African runners once travel costs, visas, and accommodation were considered.
Now, whether it’s an amateur chasing a lifelong dream or a professional seeking top-level competition, runners can line up at a Major on home soil. To reinforce accessibility, organizers have committed to reserving two-thirds of race entries for African participants.
| A Real Impact for African Runners
The significance of this decision cannot be overstated.
For years, a Kenyan or Ethiopian athlete hoping to run a Major often had to travel halfway around the world. Flights, visas, hotels—it was simply unaffordable for many. The arrival of a Major in Africa could fundamentally change that reality. No more crossing continents to experience one of the sport’s most prestigious races.
The economic impact is equally significant. The event is expected to generate approximately 800 million rand (around $50 million USD) in local spending through travel, accommodation, and hospitality. For Cape Town and the surrounding region, it represents a major development opportunity.
“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.”
Clark Gardner, CEO et directeur de course du Sanlam Marathon de Cape Town
| The 2026 Edition Was a Huge Success, Featuring Kipchoge and Record Performances
The 2026 edition proved to be the decisive one. Following the disappointment of 2025, organizers regrouped and delivered a world-class event. Perfect weather, an exceptional atmosphere, breathtaking scenery, and fast times demonstrated that Cape Town has the potential to become one of the world’s premier marathon destinations.
The event attracted 27,000 marathon runners and an additional 17,500 participants across the weekend’s other races, for a total of 44,500 finishers.
On the elite side, Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa won the men’s race in 2:04:55, smashing the previous course record of 2:08:16 and officially making the Cape Town Marathon the fastest marathon on African soil. In the women’s race, Dera Dida claimed victory in 2:23:18. Wheelchair athletes David Weir and Manuela Schär also broke existing course records.
And then there was Kipchoge. The GOAT of marathon running chose Cape Town for his first official marathon on African soil. It was a tremendous honor for the event. At 41 years old, even after stepping away from elite-level competition, he still had the courage to go with the lead pack. Reality eventually caught up with him, and he finished 16th in 2:13:29. Cheered on throughout the course, his presence elevated the event even further and highlighted Cape Town’s growing influence in the marathon world. Who better to carry the torch for African marathon running?
“I have run all the Majors around the world, but on May 24, 2026, I believe the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon became an Abbott World Marathon Major. I believe one billion Africans should be proud of this race, and that we are creating a true legacy for Africa. The moment that touched me most? All those people standing along the road singing for us throughout the race, for all of Africa. They are the real heroes of the Cape Town Marathon.”
Eliud Kipchoge
| Abbott World Marathon Majors: Is a 9th Major Already on the Horizon?
So what comes next for the Majors? The organization intends to continue expanding. And the next move could come from China. Shanghai has replaced Chengdu in the candidacy process and must still complete a second evaluation cycle during its next edition on December 6, 2026. Officially, however, no announcement has yet been made regarding the identity of the ninth Major.
While many runners welcome the addition of new races, some enthusiasts have expressed concerns about expansion. They point to the potential loss of exclusivity and fear that the prestige of a series built on history and mythology could be diluted. Boston, London, Berlin, and New York are more than races—they are monuments of the sport.
At the same time, having three Majors in the United States alone does not exactly provide balanced geographical representation. Marathon running is a global phenomenon. And given Africa’s decades-long dominance in the sport, it is difficult to argue against Cape Town’s inclusion.
One thing is certain: for runners pursuing the Six Star journey, the prestige of the original six races will remain intact. The organization has confirmed that the Six Star Finisher program will continue. Even as new races join the series, runners will still be able to complete the six historic Majors and earn the iconic Six Star Finisher medal.
| How to Enter the 2027 Cape Town Marathon
A lottery system has been implemented for the 2027 Cape Town Marathon, which will take place on May 23, 2027.
Registration is open from June 10 to June 24, 2026, with lottery results announced on June 26. You can find full details in our dedicated registration guide.
Ultimately, seeing Cape Town become a Major comes as no surprise. It is a recognition that has been overdue for years—a symbolic correction for Africa. The continent that has produced so many of the greatest marathon champions will finally have its place on the Major calendar. And while debates about expanding the Major series will undoubtedly continue, it is hard to imagine anyone seriously questioning the inclusion of the Mother City. We already cannot wait to experience the first Major marathon on African soil. See you on May 23, 2027, in Cape Town.
✓ How to enter the Cape Town Marathon
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
