The path to global marathon glory has been reignited in the Mother City, with Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) confirming that all finishers of the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will receive a provisional AbbottWMM star.
This can be seen as a gleaming symbol of hope on the city’s journey to becoming Africa’s first Major.
The Cape Town Marathon’s 2025 edition may have stumbled at the starting blocks due to its cancellation, halting the second evaluation phase required for inclusion in the prestigious six-race global series.
But far from derailing the dream, the move has only strengthened the resolve of organisers and sponsors alike.
“We fully support the decision to cancel the 2025 event in the interests of the safety of runners, volunteers and staff,” AbbottWMM said in a statement, commending the organisers for putting people before medals.
In a powerful show of solidarity, title sponsor Sanlam offered to fund 2026 or 2027 entries for all 2025 marathon entrants. It was a gesture that was obviously well received by all 2025 entrants.
Recognising that commitment, AbbottWMM announced that every 2026 finisher will earn a provisional Major star, which will become official if the race clears its second evaluation next year.
AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone praised the resilience and quick thinking shown in tough conditions:
“I would like to thank race director Clark Gardner and his team for their swift and brave actions under extreme pressure. I am also grateful to their sponsor, Sanlam, for standing by their runners.
“We look forward to being back in Cape Town in May next year to see both the runners, and the race, get over that finish line.”
For Cape Town Marathon CEO Clark Gardner, this milestone represents more than an administrative step, He sees it’s a defining stride toward global recognition.
“We are ecstatic that, should we pass stage 2 in 2026, all Sanlam Cape Town Marathon finishers will receive an Abbott World Marathon Majors star.
“It’s a significant step toward becoming Africa’s first Major, and we can’t wait to celebrate that collective victory with our incredible running community, who’ve backed us every step of the way.”
The 2026 race, set for May 24, will also host the AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships, adding another layer of prestige to the event.
Finishers in that competition will likewise receive provisional stars, pending the race’s evaluation success.
As the global running fraternity looks toward Table Mountain, the road to Major status now glimmers brighter than ever. The countdown begin with ballot entries opening on November 6, and the dream of Africa’s first Abbott Major is just one more finish line away.
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