Nestled at the foot of iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town has long been a city of breathtaking vistas and resilient spirit. For runners, it has become synonymous with one of Africa’s premier endurance challenges: the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. This 42.2-kilometer race, weaving through the Mother City’s coastal paths and urban heart, is more than a footrace-it’s a celebration of South African grit, cultural diversity, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. From its inception to elevate distance running on the continent, the marathon has grown from a low-key local event into a World Athletics Gold Label extravaganza that now stands at the threshold of becoming Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major. But its story is one of humble beginnings, dramatic twists, and triumphant milestones.
The Cape Town Marathon finds its roots in the mid-1990s, a time when post-apartheid South Africa was rediscovering its athletics prowess. In 1994, the Celtic Harriers running club-an organization that, at its core, served as a community-oriented athletics group within an increasingly desegregated nation-put on the first Cape Town Marathon. Held in the suburban enclave of Pinelands, the race finished within this same area and pulled a modest field with participation from the local enthusiasts who captured the optimism of the era in terms of unity and health. No elite fields or international praise would come, but a small seed was planted for what would become an integral running tradition within South African athletics culture.
The race finally attracted top talent in 1996. That year, Josia Thugwane won in a fine time that was to portend his status as an international star. A few months later, Thugwane made history at the 1996 Atlanta Games when he became the first black South African to win the men’s Olympic marathon. His Cape Town victory was a powerful story of overcoming adversity, which resonated for years to come as the country healed its wounds of two decades of repression. The race went into abeyance for several years, with incumbent versions in 2005 and 2006; these, however, were fragmented efforts, not sufficiently coherent on their own to build any kind of momentum.
The modern era of the Cape Town Marathon began in September 2007, when Western Province Athletics, together with Athletics South Africa, launched it as a premier city marathon. The new format was tailored to help lift South African distance running, along with a fast, flat course that starts and ends in Green Point, near the Cape Town Stadium. The strategic location created maximum exposure for spectators and showcased the natural beauty of the city-from the crashing waves of the Atlantic seaboard right across to the shadow of Table Mountain. Thousands ran, from elite to recreational joy, in the inaugural 2007 event; it set the tone of inclusivity. Wheelchair athletes and first-timers of all abilities were welcomed, with a very generous 6 hour 30-minute cut-off ensuring wide participation.
From 2007 to 2013, the marathon flourished under Western Province Athletics’ stewardship, building a reputation for reliability and scenic allure. Entries swelled annually, fueled by roadside cheers that turned the streets into a “true Cape Town party,” as one organizer described it. Yet, challenges arose. In 2013, the men’s winner, Lindikhaya Mthangayi, was stripped of his title after testing positive for methandienone, a banned steroid. His 2:17:02 finish was nullified in 2014, elevating runner-up Paul Manawa to first with 2:17:51. This doping scandal underscored the growing pains of a professionalizing sport, prompting stricter integrity measures and reinforcing the event’s commitment to fair play.
The first real turning point came in 2014 when the race was rebranded as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. Sanlam, the largest financial services provider in South Africa, came on board as title sponsor, bringing with it resources for professionalization. The event, a joint venture of Western Province Athletics, the City of Cape Town, and Asem Running, put it on par with municipal goals around tourism and wellness development. This sponsorship did not only stabilize finances but also signified an expanded ethos: just as running requires discipline and planning, Sanlam’s involvement underscored long-term financial resilience among participants.
Under the new banner, the marathon rose rapidly. In 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively, it secured the IAAF Silver Label in recognition of its level of organization and competitiveness. In 2017, this marathon made history by becoming the first African marathon to be awarded the prestigious IAAF Gold Label accreditation-a seal of world-class standards. This elite designation attracted top international talent, driving better times and raising profiles. The course, certified for record eligibility, became a stage for record-shattering performances.
The late 2010s illustrated the maturing prowess of the event. The South African star Stephen Mokoka dominated, winning three times and setting the course record in the men’s category at 2:08:31 in 2018—a record which lasted until 2024. His victories, including some pacing breakthroughs in other races, underlined the nurturing role of the marathon for homegrown talent. The Kenyan Celestine Chepchirchir set up her mark of speed and elegance with a time of 2:26:44 in 2019. These years also saw the event’s expansion: the addition of 5km and 10km Peace Runs in 2018 fostered non-competitive wellness, while the 2021 partnership with ultrarunner Ryan Sandes introduced trail running options-11km, 22km, and 46km routes across Table Mountain National Park-blending road racing with off-road adventure.
The COVID-19 pandemic delivered a cruel interruption. The 2020 edition was cancelled outright, with full refunds offered to the 15,000 registrants—a move that preserved goodwill amid global uncertainty. In 2021, the race resumed virtually at first and returned in person with stringent protocols, marking a resilient rebound. The debut win of Lydia Simiyu this year, from a field tested by times, symbolized hope and renewal.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon surged toward global prominence post-pandemic. Entries ballooned: sold out at 21,000 in 2024 and 24,000 in 2025-three years running-reflecting explosive demand. The 2024 edition etched new chapters in the record books: Abdisa Tola Adera of Ethiopia shattered Mokoka’s mark with 2:08:15, while South African Glenrose Xaba took the women’s record at 2:22:22, firing up a national conversation about breaking all-comers’ records on South African soil. Elite fields grew fiercer, with sub-2:05 marathoners like Joshua Kogo of Kenya and women’s stars boasting 2:16 personal bests, drawing $25,000 purses for winners.
Sustainability became a hallmark, earning the race its status as one of the few climate-neutral marathons in the world, with zero waste sent to landfills. As host of the South African Marathon Championships, it doubled as a national proving ground. But 2025 brought heartbreak when strong overnight winds damaged infrastructure and forced cancellation a mere 90 minutes before the 6:10 a.m. start. The 24,000 entrants were devastated, but Sanlam’s response-offering free entries for 2026 or 2027-reaffirmed its ethos of being for the runners. Trail events did go forward and kept some of the momentum. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon stands at an exciting precipice today. Having passed Stage 1 of the Abbott World Marathon Majors evaluation in 2024, it looks towards full integration in 2026 and might grant an eighth star to finishers, placing Africa’s name among icons like Boston and Berlin. The CEO, Clark Gardner, termed it a “continental chorus of ambition” that unites diverse cultures into one rhythmic stride. With 2026 hosting the Abbott Age Group World Championships, the stage is set for history. From Pinelands’ silent roads to the electric ending in Green Point, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon epitomizes transformation. Born under the shadow of reconciliation, tested by scandals and storms, it grew into a beacon of endurance and a mirror image of Cape Town’s journey. As runners lace their shoes for May 2026, they don’t just chase personal bests; they propel a continent toward the global podium. In a world of passing pursuits, this marathon reminds us: every stride counts.