Cape Town’s tourism industry expects the city’s Marathon Major status to translate into increased international arrivals, longer visitor stays and higher tourism spend when the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon joins the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) calendar in 2027.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was confirmed as the eighth AbbottWMM and the first on the African continent to join the global series alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York.
“It gives me huge pleasure to welcome Cape Town to the family,” said AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone. “Africa’s first Major has finally arrived.”
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon CEO and Race Director Clark Gardner credited runners, sponsors, partners, residents and service providers for supporting its growth. “The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon stands as proof that, when Africa comes together, we can achieve anything. This victory belongs to all of them.”
Cape Town Tourism’s Chief Marketing Officer Briony Brookes told Tourism Update that the city expects a significant increase in international runners when Cape Town officially joins the calendar in 2027.
“The 2026 event weekend already attracted 44 500 participants across marathon, road and trail events,” she said. Marathon runners rarely travel alone, added Brookes. “They travel with family and friends, stay longer and contribute more to the visitor economy.”
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon organisers reported strong international participation in 2026 with the top three in terms of number of participants being the US (1 571), UK (712) and Germany (358). The organisation expects this trend to continue while maintaining its commitment to reserving two thirds of entries for athletes residing in Africa.
A highlight of the 2026 edition was Eliud Kipchoge, an 11-time Major winner and two-time Olympic champion, completing his first official marathon on African soil in Cape Town.
“For Cape Town to be the home of an AbbottWMM race is an incredible moment for our city,” said Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town. It is expected to boost the local economy, inspire future generations of runners and leave a lasting legacy for the sport in Africa, he added.
The event is set to take place on May 23, 2027. Entries close on June 24 this year and applicants will be notified of the outcome on June 26. More information is available on the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon website.
Peace Run and trail running entries open on July 3.
