The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has achieved a major milestone by successfully completing Stage 1 of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) candidacy process. This accomplishment sets the event on a path to becoming Africa’s first Marathon Major, a significant honor in global athletics.
The race was assessed for the third time during its October 2024 edition, attracting its largest elite field yet, including 10 Gold Label athletes. The achievement reflects the collective effort of Cape Town’s residents, participants, and organizers, emphasizing the power of collaboration. Marathon CEO Clark Gardner hailed this as a testament to unity, saying, “Our success in Stage 1 showcases the power of collaboration.”
Community and Operational Excellence
The support from Capetonians was instrumental in meeting AbbottWMM’s rigorous 104-point criteria. Motorists ensured clear roads, while the city’s #YouDoCount campaign brought together over 20,000 runners. Glenrose Xaba also made history by breaking both the course and South African marathon records, further elevating the event’s profile.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing the city’s readiness to meet the next stage’s challenges in 2025. “Thanks to the wonderful cooperation from Capetonians, we were able to show the world what a great marathon we can present,” he said.
Next Steps: Stage 2 in 2025
For Stage 2, the marathon aims to enhance its elite field with Platinum and Gold Label athletes and manage growing participant numbers. AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone praised the progress, noting, “Cape Town has taken a great step in the right direction.”
If successful, the marathon would join an elite club of global Majors in 2026, alongside cities like Berlin, New York, and Sydney. With continued community support and operational excellence, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is poised to make history as Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major.
