Zuko Komisa

- The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially become the eighth Abbott World Marathon Major and the first ever to be hosted in Africa.
- The event secured its historic status after passing a rigorous five-year assessment process culminated by the successful staging of the May 2026 race.
- Organisers have committed two-thirds of all future race entries to African participants ahead of the continent’s first official Major on 23 May 2027.
Africa has secured a historic spot on the global stage as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is officially confirmed as the first Abbott World Marathon Major on the continent.
Following the successful staging of the race on 24 May 2026, the event passed its final assessment phase to become the eighth member of the elite series, joining Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York.
The achievement marks a momentous milestone for African road running. While African athletes have dominated long-distance running for decades accounting for approximately 80% of the world’s top 50 elite marathon runners the continent had never previously hosted a premier marathon event.
The successful bid concludes a dedicated five-year journey that began in 2021.
IT'S OFFICIAL: After many years of hard work the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially become the 8th Abbott World Marathon Majors race in the world.
— Geordin Hill-Lewis (@geordinhl) June 10, 2026
On 23 May 2027, we take our place alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York. This is only possible… pic.twitter.com/F5wwUtKXBI
The event is projected to inject around R800 million into the economy, boosting tourism, investment, and sports development.
Organisers have ring fenced two thirds of the race entries specifically for African participants to ensure local athletes have direct access to the prestigious event.
The first official African World Marathon Major is scheduled for 23 May 2027, further cementing South Africa’s status as a premier global running destination.
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