Runner's World Editor: Cape Town Marathon will still get major status despite cancellation

The editor of Runner's World, Mike Finch, believes the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will still achieve its status as an Abbott World Marathon Major despite the race being cancelled on Sunday.

Howling winds caused damage to infrastructure along the race route early on Sunday morning, prompting officials to call the marathon off.

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

ALSO READ: ‘Sanlam Cape Town marathon made difficult call that was about safety’ – meteorologist

Finch said most of the boxes had already been ticked for the race to become a major marathon.

“I think this year was just kind of a final tick box kind of effort from the World Majors. They came to have a look here, but this has been going on for five years. They’ve been checking the race out; the last three years has been a concerted effort to make sure the standards are up to what the World Majors require.”

Finch said the Abbott World Marathon Majors assessors were present to double-check if the race was organised properly.

“I think it’s inevitable that we’re going to be announced as a World Marathon Major by the end of the year. Hopefully, next year in May, we will have that title, and I think that will still happen.”

Organisers said the next Cape Town Marathon is being planned for May next year.