Following the cancellation of the 32nd Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, main sponsor Sanlam announced a gesture of goodwill to support disappointed runners dealing with the Cape Town Marathon cancellation.
All registered entrants will receive a sponsored entry for either the May 2026 or 2027 marathon. This offer applies whether or not the marathon secures its bid to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors race.
Why the marathon was cancelled
Organisers called off the race early on Sunday 19 October due to severe wind conditions. Strong gusts in the Woodstock area made the route unsafe, and infrastructure at both the start and finish venues suffered damage. The Cape Town Marathon cancellation was due to conditions posing a safety risk to runners, officials, and pedestrians, leading to the decision just before the race was due to start.
Clark Gardner, Chief Executive Officer of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, expressed his disappointment at the need for the Cape Town Marathon cancellation.
“We are devastated,” said Gardner. “We have worked for months planning for all scenarios and conditions, but ultimately a bigger force had the final say, and we are so sorry for the situation of the Cape Town Marathon cancellation.”
He thanked runners, sponsors, and partners for their ongoing support and understanding during this unprecedented moment.
Runners react with disappointment
More than 24 000 runners were left heartbroken by the news of the Cape Town Marathon being cancelled.
Ashwin Maggot said he felt crushed after investing months of intense training.
“Sixteen weeks of early mornings, late nights, and sacrificing time with my wife and kids — all for this one moment. It was supposed to be my first marathon, something I’ve dreamed about for years. I pushed through injury, spent hours with the biokineticist and physio, and gave everything to be ready. To hear it was cancelled at the eleventh hour… it’s devastating.”
He added that this race symbolised his personal journey and resilience, not just a finish line or medal.
Another runner, Thozama Tebele, shared similar emotions.
“I have been training for three months straight, early mornings, sore muscles and a lot of sacrifice. To hear that it has been cancelled is heartbreaking. I put my heart into this race, like so many other runners, and now it feels like all our hard work has nowhere to go. I understand if the decision was made for safety, but it does not make the disappointment any easier.”
Encouragement from provincial government
Provincial Minister for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, who was also preparing to run, said he understands the sadness many runners feel due to the cancellation of the Cape Town Marathon.
“The spirit of this marathon has never been just about one day. It’s about the journey, the training, the community, and the shared commitment to healthier, more active lives.”
He urged athletes not to lose hope.
“I want to encourage all athletes, supporters, and residents across the Western Cape to keep that spirit alive. Keep moving, keep training. Join your local clubs, take part in community runs and stay active.”
