The road to the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has shifted into top gear with adidas unveiling its official race merchandise collection, a vibrant tribute to Africa’s biggest marathon and its pursuit of Abbott World Marathon Major status.
Draped in striking Dusky Petrol and Lucid Aquamarine tones, accented with flashes of gold, the collection captures the heartbeat of Cape Town’s running culture like a runner surging through the final stretch along the Atlantic coastline. The range celebrates the rhythm, ambition and spirit of a race rapidly carving its place among the world’s elite marathons.
Designed for seasoned marathoners, nervous first-time finishers and passionate supporters alike, the collection features technical race jackets, training tees, caps, visors and the latest edition of one of adidas’ most celebrated racing shoes, the adizero Boston 13.
The Boston 13 arrives with a uniquely African print design, blending marathon storytelling with cutting-edge performance technology. Equipped with adidas’ Lightstrike Pro midsole and energy rod system, the shoe promises the kind of propulsion that feels like a tailwind sweeping runners toward the finish line.
The collection is available online and at selected adidas stores nationwide.
“Every year the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon takes a stride forward with regards to its scale and stature. This race is unique as it is distinctly African symbol of community, culture, and world-class running,” said Tom Brown.
“This collection allows runners and supporters alike to celebrate this special moment as Cape Town continues its push toward becoming Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major.”
To further fuel marathon excitement, adidas will transform the historic Union Castle Building square at the V&A Waterfront into a buzzing marathon activation hub from 16 to 24 May.
The immersive pop-up experience will serve as both a retail destination and a gathering point for the running community ahead of race weekend. Daily activities include shakeout runs, recovery sessions, coffee gatherings, customization stations and even a DHL Stormers signing session.
Runners can also enjoy pre-race hair and nail services before race day, while finishers will have the opportunity to engrave their medals after conquering the streets of Cape Town.
The activation aims to bottle the electric atmosphere of marathon week, drawing local and international runners into a shared celebration of endurance, culture and African sporting excellence. Like a pack of runners feeding off collective momentum, the initiative reflects a marathon movement continuing to gather speed on the global stage.
