Cape Town Marathon: Chasing Africa’s First Sporting Major

The Cape Town Marathon has rapidly ascended to become one of the premier running events globally, attracting thousands of participants worldwide. Known for its scenic route, exceptional logistics and robust community support, the event beautifully showcases the allure and culture of Cape Town.

This marathon is unique for its stunning route, which passes Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and various historical landmarks, such as the City Hall and Green Point Lighthouse. The vibrant culture of Cape Town, coupled with enthusiastic spectator support, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. The marathon’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility adds a meaningful dimension to the event.

What’s new?

Since its inception, the Cape Town Marathon has evolved significantly. Once a local event, it now draws elite runners and enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to substantial infrastructure, technology, and community engagement investments. Its prestigious IAAF Gold Label status is a testament to its high standards in organisation, safety, and runner experience.

Over the years, the marathon route has seen significant changes, particularly to accommodate the wheelchair race, now in its third year. Prize money has increased to attract a more prestigious elite field, with a $50,000 prize pool for elite runners and a tripling of the prize money for elite wheelchair athletes.

The marathon weekend includes various events, such as the Peace Runs and trail runs, to engage all family members. Runners can benefit from training plans available in their personalised Runners Portal, and those running in adidas shoes can earn a R2000 voucher upon finishing, part of the ‘Run for Africa’ campaign.

Becoming Africa’s first sporting Major

The Cape Town Marathon is compared to the world’s best marathons and has therefore been invited to undergo the Candidacy process with the outcome of becoming Africa’s first city to host an Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM). This status would place it among the elite group of marathons in Berlin, London, Chicago, Boston, New York, and Tokyo. The pursuit of AWMM status underscores the importance of hosting a Major on the African continent, where many of the world’s best marathon runners originate. Achieving this would also provide a significant boost to tourism and the local economy.

“I had the privilege to attend the 2023 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and was inspired by the unique atmosphere and incredible vibe generated by the running community,” lauded Dawn Stone, Chief Executive Officer of AWMM, spearheading the team behind the Cape Town Marathon’s assessment. “Cape Town has something special, and the race took huge strides towards the standards we want them to meet,” Dawn continues. The marathon team is determined to succeed in this goal by 2026.

Preparing for the race

First-time participants should prepare for a scenic yet challenging course, featuring Cape Town’s iconic landmarks. Training is crucial due to the varied terrain and potential weather changes. Runners should familiarise themselves with the meticulously planned event logistics, including start times, route details and hydration points to ensure a smooth race day experience.

International visitors should plan their trip well in advance, securing travel visas, booking accommodations, and acclimatising to Cape Town’s time zone and climate. Renata Bossi, marketing manager behind this prestigious event, advises participants to book accommodations in the city near the starting point in Green Point to avoid road closures and to take advantage of the Expo for race number collection, merchandise, and meeting fellow runners.

The marathon offers extensive support, including marked routes, ample hydration stations, medical assistance, and enthusiastic volunteers. The event’s mobile app provides real-time tracking and updates, enhancing the runner experience. Post-race amenities, such as massage services and recovery areas, are available to help runners recuperate.

Logistical support during the marathon includes Park & Ride services, tog bag drop-offs, water points every three kilometres, and a nutrition point along the route. The extensive race village at the finish line offers refreshments, a beer tent, food vendors, medical support, and a cool-down zone.

Every runner counts

The Cape Town Marathon stands out not only for its scale – with 20,000 marathon entries and over 30,000 participants across the race weekend – but also for its unique route that showcases the best of Cape Town, from cityscapes to suburbs to coastal views. The event’s lively atmosphere, supported by enthusiastic spectators and cultural landmarks, makes it a unique and memorable experience.

Exploring Cape Town’s attractions, such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands, can enrich the marathon experience while engaging with local culture through markets, restaurants, and guided tours will encourage a deeper appreciation of the city.

The Cape Town Marathon promises an extraordinary adventure for both local and international runners. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner or a first-time participant, this sports event captures the spirit of running and the beauty of Cape Town, urging every runner to join the journey toward achieving Major status.