Cape Town – In the crisp July air, as Table Mountain casts its ancient shadow across the Mother City, a historic heartbeat echoed across Africa’s running landscape—a heartbeat composed not of footsteps, but of 24,000 pounding pulses of belief. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, that fierce stallion galloping toward glory, has officially sold out its marathon entries for 2025—for the third consecutive year.
And with that rhythmic thunder of running shoes and restless dreams, Africa edges tantalisingly close to breaking the finish-line tape into the elite club of the Abbott World Marathon Majors—a club that, until now, has never welcomed an African member.
“This milestone is bigger than a sold-out start line,” proclaimed Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas South Africa.
“It’s a sign that the dream of a World Marathon Major on African soil is within reach.”
Indeed, this is not merely a logistical triumph. It’s a continental chorus of ambition, a defiant sprint into the global spotlight. Cape Town isn’t just hosting a race—it’s staging a revolution, one hydration station at a time.
A Marathon Forged in Spirit and Sweat
Like a runner emerging from the mist of an early morning tempo run, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has taken shape through years of disciplined pacing and persistent push. In 2024, it cleared the first critical checkpoint: Stage 1 of the Abbott World Marathon Majors assessment.
Now, the race sets its eyes firmly on Stage 2—the final, breath-holding bend before crossing the ultimate finish line to Major status in 2026.
“Selling out 24,000 entries at least three months before the event is an incredible milestone,” said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
“A true testament not only to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon organisers’ hard work but also to Cape Town and South Africa’s growing commitment to running.”
Like a seasoned marathoner who has endured the lonely middle miles, Cape Town now sees the final stretch—and the crowd is rising in support.
Runners at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon with the iconic Table Mountain in the backdrop. Pic: SCTM
A Dream Carried on Thousands of Feet
Each sold-out bib represents more than a name on a start list—it’s a vote of confidence, a stride in solidarity with the continent’s Major-sized dream.
“This third consecutive sell-out is not just a testament to the marathon’s popularity, but a powerful statement of intent,” said Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
“It signals that Africa is ready and deserving to stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Boston, London, New York, and the other Majors.”
In a world where prestige often treads paths already paved, Cape Town is bushwhacking a new trail—an African trail that winds past township training grounds, coastal wind sprints, and high-altitude camps. The vision? A Major that looks, sounds, and feels like Africa.
The Continental Campaign
To get here, it has taken more than runners. It’s taken brands, broadcasters, communities, and a city willing to close its roads for something greater than traffic flow: history in the making.
“This milestone is a source of great pride—not just for Cape Town, but for Africa as a whole,” said Shadi Chauke, Sanlam Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Sustainability.
“Sanlam is honoured to share this responsibility with organisers, partners, and the City of Cape Town in showcasing Africa and her people on the world stage.”
The sell-out is not just numbers—it’s narrative. It’s the culmination of countless personal journeys: PB-hunters, first-timers, returners chasing redemption. And now, they are all part of a movement that’s redefining Africa’s place on the global running map.
What Lies Beyond the Finish Line
When the starting gun fires on 19 October, it will be more than a signal to run. It will be a ceremonial drumbeat, an echo of footsteps past and future, of all those who ran before in anonymity and those who now run with history at their heels.
Should the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon be granted Major status in 2026, the implications will be seismic. An influx of over 20,000 international runners annually is projected to pour into the city, each one a catalyst for tourism, business, and a deeper appreciation of African endurance culture.
More Than a Marathon
While the marathon entries are now closed, the road is still wide open. The 5km and 10km Peace Runs, as well as the popular trail events (11km, 22km, and 43km), remain open until 26 September—or until those too, are snapped up by eager feet.
With just over 100 days to go, organisers are now in full stride, fine-tuning every detail, choreographing the final countdown to what could be Africa’s grand arrival on the global marathon stage.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is no longer just a race through the streets of a city. It is a race through time, through history, through the heart of a continent longing to be seen, heard, and finally, crowned.
