The global running landscape has shifted permanently. In a landmark announcement that sports enthusiasts across the continent have anticipated for years, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially been confirmed as the first-ever Abbott World Marathon Major (AbbottWMM) to be held on African soil.
Following a spectacularly successful staging of its 2026 race on May 24—which saw shattered course records and a massive international field—the event has officially passed the grueling second and final stage of its AbbottWMM assessment. Cape Town now stands proud as the eighth member of the world’s most exclusive and prestigious marathon circuit, joining Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. The event will formally debut under the Majors banner for its next edition on May 23, 2027.
While joining this legendary inner circle is an extraordinary organizational triumph, it is the event’s historic distinction as Africa’s first Major that defines this moment for the sport.
“It gives me huge pleasure to welcome Cape Town to the family,” said AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone. “After watching the race grow in size and stature during its candidacy and also seeing the resilience and dedication of the team led 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.”
A Long-Awaited Homecoming for Elite Distance Running
For decades, a glaring paradox sat at the heart of professional marathon running: while approximately 80% of the world’s top 50 elite marathoners hail from Africa, the continent itself had never hosted a World Major. For the everyday African recreational runner, the dream of earning a Major medal historically required navigating thousands of kilometers of travel, complex visa applications, and steep foreign exchange costs.
Cape Town’s elevation completely rewrites that narrative, democratizing access to the sport’s highest tier. In a firm commitment to keeping the race rooted in its community, organizers have announced that two-thirds of all starting entries will be strictly reserved for African participants.
The race’s skyrocketing global stature was put on full display just weeks ago at the May 24 edition, where 11-time Major winner and two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge chose Cape Town to launch his global tour—marking his first-ever official marathon on African soil.
“This milestone shines a global spotlight on a powerful running culture and creates new opportunities for athletes and communities across the continent,” noted Jennifer Thomas, Vice President of Sports Marketing and Communities for Global Brands at adidas, an official partner of the event.
A Collective Victory for the Community
The road to the Majors was anything but simple, heavily tested by the heartbreaking, last-minute weather cancellation of the 2025 event. However, the achievement ultimately stands as a testament to deep community resilience. Through the #YouDoCount campaign, local running clubs, volunteers, residents, and sponsors rallied together to build the massive numbers and seamless infrastructure required to pass the final evaluation.
“This achievement belongs to every person who believed in and committed to this vision,” said an emotional 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. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon stands as proof that when Africa comes together, we can achieve anything.”
Paul Hanratty, Group CEO of title sponsor Sanlam, echoed this sentiment, celebrating 13 years of walking alongside the race. “Today, we celebrate a collective victory,” Hanratty stated. “We hope this moment inspires people across Africa to dream bigger, go further, and live with confidence.”
A R800 Million Economic Windfall
The arrival of a World Major means an unprecedented economic injection for South Africa. As international “star-chasers” and running tourists book flights to complete their Major checklists, the event is projected to bring in upwards of R800 million in direct local spending on travel, accommodation, hospitality, and meals alone.
“For Cape Town to be the home of an Abbott World Marathon Majors race is an incredible moment for our city,” said Cape Town 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.”
How to Enter the 2027 Historic Edition
With the news officially live, the scramble for a spot on the 2027 starting line begins immediately. Organizers have adapted the classic Major format, utilizing a controlled lottery window:
- June 10 – June 24, 2026: General Ballot window is open to all global applicants.
- June 26, 2026: Applicants are officially notified of ballot results.
- July 3, 2026: Registration opens for the accompanying Peace Run and Trail Runs.
Note: Dedicated Candidacy Club members who supported the marathon through its evaluation years receive priority communication to choose the year they wish to run.
