The wait is over. Africa has its Major.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has shattered barriers and rewritten the record books, securing its place as the first Abbott World Marathon Major ever staged on African soil. After successfully completing its 2026 race on 24 May and passing the second and final stage of assessment, the Mother City marathon has earned the sport’s most coveted status, joining the elite ranks of Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York as the eighth member of the world’s most prestigious marathon series.

This isn’t just another tick on the global running calendar. This is a seismic shift for a continent that has long dominated the sport yet never hosted its pinnacle event. When the starter’s gun fires on 23 May 2027 for the race’s official debut as a Major, it will mark the moment African runners finally get to chase marathon glory on home turf.

“It gives me huge pleasure to welcome Cape Town to the family,” declared AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone. “After watching the race grow in size and stature during its candidacy and also seeing the resilience and dedication of the team lead so wonderfully by Clark Gardner, Africa’s first Major has finally arrived.”

A victory built by many hands

This achievement belongs to everyone who believed. Race organisers were quick to credit the collective effort that powered Cape Town through the rigorous candidacy process. Residents opened their streets, running clubs rallied their members, volunteers showed up season after season, and sponsors held firm even when the 2025 edition couldn’t proceed.

“This achievement belongs to every person who believed in and committed to this vision,” said Clark Gardner, CEO and race director of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. “We could never have reached this moment alone. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon stands as proof that when Africa comes together, we can achieve anything. This victory belongs to all of them.”

Sanlam, the event’s title sponsor for 13 years, reinforced that sentiment. “Today, we celebrate a collective victory,” said Sanlam Group CEO Paul Hanratty. “For 13 years, Sanlam has been part of this journey, walking alongside the event as a committed partner and supporting its growth into a world-class platform. We hope this moment inspires people across Africa to dream bigger, go further and live with confidence.”

Closing the distance gap

The significance runs deeper than prestige. For decades, marathon Majors existed only in distant cities, accessible to African runners solely through the privilege of international travel budgets. The barriers stacked high between ambition and achievement. Now, the playing field has shifted.

Approximately 80% of the world’s top 50 elite marathon runners hail from Africa. The continent has long exported champions to Boston, Berlin and beyond. Now it imports the Major to them, and to every recreational runner who dreamed of chasing a Six Star medal but couldn’t afford the flights.

In recognition of this purpose, race organisers have committed to reserving two-thirds of entries for African participants, ensuring the Major remains accessible to those it was built to serve.

The 2026 edition provided a powerful signal of intent when Eliud Kipchoge, eleven-time Major winner, two-time Olympic champion and arguably the greatest marathoner in history, chose Cape Town for his first official marathon on African soil.

“As a proud partner of Boston, Berlin and now Cape Town, adidas is honoured to support an event that has earned its place among the world’s most iconic marathons,” said Jennifer Thomas, Vice President of Sports Marketing and Communities, Global Brands at adidas. “This milestone, Africa’s first Major, shines a global spotlight on the powerful running culture and creates new opportunities for athletes and communities across the continent.”

An economic sprint for the city

Beyond the sporting glory, Cape Town is poised to reap substantial economic rewards. The event is projected to inject approximately R800 million into the local economy through accommodation, travel and dining alone.

“For Cape Town to be the home of an Abbott World Marathon Majors race is an incredible moment for our city,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. “Achieving this milestone will contribute greatly to Cape Town’s economy, inspire future generations of runners, and leave a legacy for the sport across Africa.”

The starting bocks are set

For those ready to write themselves into history, the general ballot for the 2027 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon opens on 10 June and closes on 24 June 2026, with results announced on 26 June. The accompanying Peace Run and Trail Runs open for entries on 3 July 2026. Candidacy Club members, the loyal supporters who backed the race throughout its candidacy journey, have already received confirmation to select their preferred race year.

This is more than a marathon. This is the moment Africa finally claims what it has earned: a seat at the table where the world’s running elite gather. The start line is drawn. The course is set. Africa’s first Major awaits.

Entries are available at www.capetownmarathon.com.