The road to history rarely arrives with a gentle jog. On Tuesday, it thundered through Cape Town like a lead pack charging for the tape as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was confirmed as Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major, earning its place among the sport’s most celebrated races after successfully completing its final assessment.
The event now joins Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York, formally entering the elite series with its 23 May 2027 edition. The medal may be cast in metal, yet its weight is carried by an entire continent.
“It gives me huge pleasure to welcome Cape Town to the family,” said AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone.”
After watching the race grow in size and stature during its candidacy and also seeing the resilience and dedication of the team lead so wonderfully by Clark Gardner, Africa’s first Major has finally arrived.
The unique culture, the welcome from the people of the city and the wonderful setting Cape Town provides will bring a whole new dimension to our series. I know runners in Africa and across the world will have a phenomenal experience at this race.”
The achievement did not sprint across the line in isolation. It arrived on thousands of determined feet, fuelled by volunteers, clubs, residents, sponsors and supporters who refused to drop the baton when storms gathered. Even the cancellation of the 2025 race became a stubborn hill rather than a dead end.
“This achievement belongs to every person who believed in and committed to this vision,” said Clark Gardner, CEO and race director of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. “We could never have reached this moment alone. Our runners carried us to the numbers we needed, our sponsors and partners stood firm beside us even when the 2025 race could not go ahead, and our supporters, club captains, residents and service providers each played their part. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon stands as proof that when Africa comes together, we can achieve anything. This victory belongs to all of them.”
For years, Africa has produced world-class marathon stars while watching many of its own runners chase Major dreams across oceans, airports and embassy queues. The irony was a marathon of its own, stretching mile after mile. Now the continent finally hosts a Major on home soil, with organisers committing two-thirds of entries to African participants.
“Today, we celebrate a collective victory,” said Sanlam Group CEO Paul Hanratty. “For 13 years, Sanlam has been part of this journey, walking alongside the event as a committed partner and supporting its growth into a world-class platform. We hope this moment inspires people across Africa to dream bigger, go further and live with confidence.”
The symbolism arrives with serious economic muscle. The event is projected to inject around R800 million into the regional economy through travel, accommodation and meals, making the finish line look less like ribbon and more like a runway for growth.
“For Cape Town to be the home of an Abbott World Marathon Majors race is an incredible moment for our city,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. “Achieving this milestone will contribute greatly to Cape Town’s economy, inspire future generations of runners, and leave a legacy for the sport across Africa.”
There is even a touch of delicious satire in the moment. A continent responsible for so much marathon excellence no longer needs permission to sit at the table. It has built one of its own and invited the world to race.
