Sanlam Cape Town Marathon runner reacts to event cancellation: 'I'm disappointed still'

Tasleem Gierdien
20 October 2025 | 7:20Richard Eberlein shared his initial reaction in an open letter where he addressed event organisers, expressing his disappointment and inquiring about refunds for participants.
Runners at the start area of the Cape Town Marathon following the event's cancellation on 19 October 2025. Picture: Nolubabalo Mpahlwa
Following the cancellation of the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday, 20 October, due to severe weather concerns that posed a safety risk to participants, one devoted runner has voiced his disappointment.
"I'm disappointed still," laments Eberlein. "I 100% agree that safety comes first, and up until midday yesterday, the initial communication was no refund. In the initial open letter, I wrote that I felt it was harsh."
Event organisers responded, saying they intend to defer all 2025 participant entries to 2026 or 2027.
Eberlein believes this is a satisfactory response and commends event sponsors for 'coming together to support the community as much as possible'.
"Sanlam really stood up there, and I saw other brands like Vitality coming to the party as well, with smoothies at all the gyms. So, I really saw the sponsors coming together to support the community as much as possible, which is amazing."
To listen to Eberlein in conversation with Lester Kiewit on CapeTalk's Breakfast Show, use the audio player below:
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