Cancelled Cape Town Marathon 2025: Participants Offered Entry in 2026 or 2027
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2025 was cancelled shortly before the start due to severe weather conditions. Initially, organizers upheld a no-refund policy, but title sponsor Sanlam has announced that all registered participants will be offered entry into either the 2026 or 2027 edition. Here’s a summary of the key facts and decisions.
Marathon Cancelled 90 Minutes Before Start
On Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 4:45 AM, the organizers of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon made the decision to cancel the race. The announcement came just one hour and thirty minutes before the scheduled start at 6:15 AM. For the thousands of runners gathered at the venue, the news was a major disappointment.
Official Reason: Safety-Threatening Conditions
The decision followed consultations between the organizing team and the Joint Operations Committee (JOC), which included representatives from Disaster Risk Management, security services, medical teams, and the South African Police Service (SAPS). A joint assessment concluded that due to dangerously strong winds and infrastructure damage, both the course and the start/finish area were unsafe for participants and spectators. Ensuring the safety of everyone involved was deemed the top priority.
Organizer’s Position on Entry Fees
In the published statement, the organizers reiterated the existing No Refund Policy, under which entry fees are non-refundable and registrations from 2025 will not be automatically transferred to future editions. It was emphasized that this policy applies regardless of the reasons for the event’s cancellation and is in line with the official race regulations.
This information was communicated to participants on race day, sparking strong reactions among runners present at the venue.
Change in Entry Fee Policy
In a new statement, Sanlam announced that all registered participants of the 2025 marathon would be offered entry into either the May 2026 edition or the 2027 edition. It was emphasized that this offer is independent of the marathon’s ongoing efforts to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors series.
Comments from the Organizer and Sponsor
Paul Hanratty, CEO of the Sanlam Group, commented: “When faced with adversity, Africans unite. We find ways to turn challenges into new opportunities, despite all obstacles. […] After the disappointment experienced by runners today, we feel compelled to support everyone who couldn’t take part in the race.”
Clark Gardner, CEO of the marathon, responded to the sponsor’s offer: “We are humbled by the support and understanding shown by our participants, sponsors, and community following this very difficult decision. Sanlam’s offer is a testament to their commitment to our event. We will now do everything we can to ensure that 2025 participants return to our start line.”
What’s Next for Participants and the Event?
Organizers announced they will contact all registered runners soon with details on how to register for the 2026 or 2027 editions. They asked for patience as procedures are finalized. It was also confirmed that the next edition of the marathon will take place on May 24, 2026. The sponsor’s swift response and the proposed solution are seen as an example of effective crisis management—an important factor in the marathon’s bid to join the World Marathon Majors.
If you’d like to learn more about the marathon’s efforts to join the elite, check out my article on the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Candidacy Club. You can also read the original analysis of the race cancellation in my earlier post: Cape Town Marathon 2025 Cancelled – Official Reasons Explained
Source: Cape Town Marathon
📸 Cape Times/Armand Hough
