The story of the Western Cape is one of breaking boundaries and reaching for greatness. This relentless pursuit is now inspiring a continent, as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon sprints toward a historic milestone. In a powerful show of confidence, the event has sold out all 24,000 marathon entries for the third consecutive year, fuelling the dream of making Cape Town Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major. This is more than a race; it is a movement that is putting African running firmly on the global map.
A Unanimous Statement of Intent
This sell-out, achieved months ahead of race day, is a clear statement: Africa is ready to stand alongside the world’s most prestigious marathon events. With the support of the City of Cape Town and partners such as Sanlam and adidas, the marathon passed Stage 1 of AWMM candidacy and is now in Stage 2, the final evaluation phase. This journey carries the hopes of an entire continent, and the enthusiasm of every runner and supporter is a powerful endorsement of this shared vision.
Rising to the World Stage
Beyond the record numbers, the marathon is a celebration of African talent. The 2025 elite field features some of the continent’s strongest talents, including South African marathon record holder Elroy Gelant and ultra-running legend Gerda Steyn. By showcasing Africa’s best on home soil, the race elevates the sport and creates a platform for excellence.
The race weekend will be held on October 18, 2025, for the half marathon and other shorter distances, and 19 October 2025, for the full marathon. Achieving AWMM status would place Sanlam Cape Town Marathon among the world’s most prestigious races—alongside Boston, London, New York, and other global icons.
As a pan-African organisation, Sanlam’s commitment goes beyond sponsorship, focusing on unlocking the continent’s potential and creating a legacy that extends well beyond the finish line through charitable initiatives and community support. This convergence of passion, purpose, and partnerships is what makes the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon a true champion of sport.
