Cape Town, South Africa – After gale-force winds tore through the Mother City and forced the last-minute cancellation of the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon (SCTM), title sponsor Sanlam has stepped up to the start line in solidarity
They are offering every registered runner a sponsored entry for the 2026 or 2027 race.
The marathon’s cancellation, announced just before dawn at 4:45am on Sunday, came after emergency consultations with the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management and the Joint Operations Committee.
Route and venue damage made conditions unsafe for runners and spectators, leaving thousands of disappointed athletes sidelined by nature’s fury.
But in the true spirit of resilience, Sanlam turned adversity into opportunity.
“When faced with adversity, Africans unite. We find a way to create opportunity out of adversity, in spite of all obstacles and challenges,” said Sanlam Group CEO Paul Hanratty.
“We remain confident that the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is on course to become an Abbott World Marathon Majors race.
“Following the disappointment felt by the marathon runners today, we feel that we need to support all of those who were not able to take part in the race.”
Hanratty’s words echo through a community still nursing the ache of an unfinished race. For many, months of training were blown off course by the relentless wind, but Sanlam’s gesture offers a chance to run again, this time with renewed purpose.
Sanlam has been the event’s title sponsor since 2014, playing a pivotal role in its rise as Africa’s leading marathon.
They are backing SCTM’s bid to join the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors alongside the likes of New York, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, Sydney, and London.
In response to Sanlam’s announcement, Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, praised the sponsor’s unwavering commitment.
“We have been amazed by the support and understanding from our entrants, sponsors and community after the very difficult decision to cancel our event.
“This incredibly generous offer from Sanlam exemplifies their commitment to our event, even in our lowest moment.
“Now we will do our part to ensure the 2025 entrants return to our start line, and enjoy a world-class marathon on African soil.”
Gardner added that details of the sponsored entry process for the 2026 or 2027 editions will be communicated soon.
“We once again apologise to all the disappointed entrants of today’s marathon and will be making contact with all of them soon with more information about the sponsored entries for the 2026 or 2027 editions,” he said.
The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is scheduled for 24 May 2026, promising runners another shot at the dream. This time, hopefully, with the wind at their backs and the city’s streets once again lined with supporters.
For updates, runners are encouraged to visit www.capetownmarathon.com or contact media@capetownmarathon.com.
