Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) has confirmed key information for runners planning to race in South Africa. All athletes finishing the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will receive a provisional AbbottWMM star. This decision is a gesture of support for the running community following the cancellation of the 2025 edition due to safety concerns.

Dawna Stone, CEO AbbottWMM:
“I would like to thank race director Clark Gardner and his team for their swift and brave actions under extreme pressure. I am also grateful to their sponsor, Sanlam, for standing by their runners. We look forward to being back in Cape Town in May next year to see both the runners, and the race, get over that finish line.”

The cancelled 2025 edition was intended to be the marathon’s second evaluation attempt to join the prestigious Majors series. Due to the race cancellation, the evaluation could not be completed. Title sponsor Sanlam has offered to fund 2026 or 2027 entries for all those registered for the cancelled 2025 marathon.

What Does the Provisional Star Mean?

Runners crossing the finish line in 2026 will receive a star that will be fully recognized provided the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon successfully passes its second stage of evaluation that same year. If the evaluation is successful, Cape Town will become the first African race in the Major series.

The ballot for next year’s edition opens on November 6. Check registration details here: Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026: Race Registration.

It is worth noting that the 2026 event will also host the AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships. Participants in these championships will also receive a provisional star on the same terms.

Note: The Cape Town Marathon currently holds Candidate status for the WMM. However, indications suggest it will join the series from 2027 if the 2026 evaluation proceeds successfully.

More Information About Cape Town Marathon

• Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Candidacy Club: Updated Rules

  The Candidacy Club program was created to honor runners who supported the marathon during its candidacy (2022-2025). Due to the 2025 cancellation, all registered runners automatically receive one Candidacy Club point, an exception to the rule requiring race completion.