The 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon opens on Thursday, 16 October, with the launch of the official Expo at DHL Stadium in Green Point. This marks the start of a four-day celebration of running, including the flagship marathon, the 10km and 5km Peace Runs, and trail runs of 43km, 22km, and 11km.
An estimated 41,000 athletes, along with their supporters, will attend the Expo to collect race packs and experience the vibrant festival atmosphere. The event is in phase two of its bid to join the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, a status shared by the likes of Boston, Berlin, New York, and London Marathons.
Sanlam’s Vision of Confidence
Title sponsor Sanlam will create a prominent presence at the Expo under the theme “African Champions Unite.” According to Shadi Chauke, Group Executive of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, the experience is designed to inspire confidence step by step, whether in physical fitness, financial security, emotional wellbeing, or community upliftment.
Sanlam’s interactive Confidence Stations will highlight this journey, celebrating everyday champions who embody resilience and progress. The brand’s involvement underscores its broader purpose: to help people live with confidence and to support Africa’s ambition of becoming home to the continent’s first World Marathon Major.
Local Vendors and Special Exhibits
The Expo’s unique stadium setting, directly alongside the start and finish lines, will feature a diverse range of international and local products. A special highlight will be a fynbos installation by Chelsea Flower Show gold medallists Leon Kluge and Tristan Woudberg, sponsored by the Grootbos Foundation.
A strong focus has been placed on supporting local vendors. Among them are Sexy Socks, which donates a pair of school socks for every pair sold, and Lalela Scarf, which funds arts education for under-resourced children in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Other inspiring contributors include Malvern Shekede Wire Work, Ntsete Family Beaders, and Thungelimpilo Embroiders.
Adidas Partnership and Official Merchandise
Adidas, the official apparel partner, will showcase an extensive range of products. Highlights include the custom Cape Town Marathon Boston 13 shoe, featuring the route map on its insole, alongside official event merchandise from performance wear to lifestyle products.
Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director, said the brand is “incredibly excited to be part of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Expo, offering runners a truly world-class registration and shopping experience.” The Adidas area will also include a customisation zone and unique photo opportunities.
Registration Rules and Times
Runners must collect their race packs at the Expo, as no late collections will be allowed on race day. Peace Run and Trail Run entries must be collected before Saturday morning, when those events take place. The final day of collection will be reserved exclusively for the marathon.
Expo hours are:
- Thursday 16 October: 09h00–19h00
- Friday 17 October: 09h00–19h00
- Saturday 18 October: 09h00–17h00
To collect a race pack, runners must present their official confirmation received by email or WhatsApp, which includes their race number. When collecting on behalf of others, each individual confirmation must be shown, as lists of names or numbers will not be accepted.
