Cape Town Marathon organisers defend decision to cancel race

The organisers of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon have defended their decision to cancel the event amid concerns over safety, reputation, and its bid to join the world’s most prestigious race series.

The marathon was due to become a new member of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, joining an elite group of races including New York, London and Tokyo.

On Sunday, Sanlam announced that all 2025 entrants would receive a sponsored entry for either next year or in 2027, saying the event still deserved to be part of the world marathon majors series.

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Clark Gardner, group CEO of Faces, the organisers of the marathon, said that severe winds caused extensive damage to the race village and route from just after midnight on Saturday.

"On routes, all fencing and road furniture had been blown over, so we could not guarantee the safety of our runners, our volunteers and our staff."

Gardner said that assessors from the Abbott World Marathon Majors were present when the decision to cancel was made.

"They were next to us from just after 5AM, assessing our crisis management capabilities, our crisis comms capabilities and how professional we are, or aren't."  

Gardner said that an announcement would be made this week about a special campaign that could still see runners earn their Cape Town Marathon medals.