Sanlam Cape Town Marathon joins world’s elite as Africa’s first Marathon Major

What you need to know

• The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially become the eighth Abbott World Marathon Major.
• It is the first Abbott World Marathon Major to be held in Africa.
• The race joins Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York.
• The first Major edition in Cape Town will take place on 23 May 2027.
• General ballot entries for the 2027 race open from 10 to 24 June 2026.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially been confirmed as the first Abbott World Marathon Major to be held on African soil.

Following the successful staging of its 2026 race on 24 May, the event passed the second and final stage of its Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) assessment process. The achievement secures its place as the eighth member of the world’s most prestigious marathon series.

The marathon now joins the ranks of Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Cape Town will formally enter the Abbott World Marathon Majors series when the next race takes place on 23 May 2027.

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For Africa, the milestone marks a historic moment, bringing one of the world’s most sought-after running achievements to the continent for the first time.

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Cape Town joins the world’s elite marathons

“It gives me huge pleasure to welcome Cape Town to the family,” said AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone.

The achievement follows years of planning, investment and international assessment to meet the standards required for Major status.

A collective achievement for Africa

Race organisers credited runners, volunteers, sponsors, local communities and city partners for helping the event reach this milestone.

“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.

What Africa’s first Major means for runners

The addition of a Major marathon in Africa creates new opportunities for both elite and recreational runners across the continent.

For many athletes, competing in a World Marathon Major has traditionally required expensive international travel, visa applications and accommodation costs. The Cape Town event now provides access to a Major race closer to home.

The organisers noted that around 80% of the world’s top 50 elite marathon runners come from Africa, making the continent’s inclusion in the Major series a significant development for the sport.

The race has also committed to keeping two-thirds of its entries available to African runners.

The growing profile of the event was highlighted in 2026 when legendary marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge chose Cape Town for his first official marathon race on African soil.

Economic impact for Cape Town

The new Major status is also expected to deliver significant economic benefits for Cape Town and the Western Cape.

International visitors are expected to increase tourism spending across accommodation, transport, restaurants and local attractions.

The event is projected to contribute around R800 million to the local economy through travel, accommodation and meal-related spending.

“For Cape Town to be the home of an Abbott World Marathon Majors race is an incredible moment for our city,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

“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.”

Entries open for the 2027 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

The general ballot for the 2027 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is open from 10 June to 24 June 2026.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome on 26 June 2026.

Entries for the accompanying Peace Run and Trail Runs will open on 3 July 2026, while Candidacy Club members have been given the opportunity to select the year in which they wish to participate.

More information and entry details are available from the official marathon website.

FAQ

When will the first Abbott World Marathon Major in Africa take place?

The first Abbott World Marathon Major in Africa will take place on 23 May 2027 at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

How many Abbott World Marathon Majors are there?

There are now eight Abbott World Marathon Majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, New York and Cape Town.

Why is this milestone important?

It gives African runners access to a World Marathon Major on the continent for the first time and is expected to boost tourism and economic activity in Cape Town.

When do entries open for the 2027 race?

The general ballot is open from 10 June to 24 June 2026.

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