Cape Town Joins Elite Ranks as First African World Marathon Major

Cape Town has officially been recognized as the first African race to be included in the renowned World Marathon Majors series, as announced on Wednesday. This prestigious classification aligns Cape Town with other iconic marathons held in cities such as London, New York, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, Sydney, and Tokyo.

Dawna Stone, the chief executive of Abbott World Marathon Majors, expressed enthusiasm about the addition, highlighting the city’s vibrant culture and warm hospitality. "The unique culture, the welcome from the people of the city and the wonderful setting Cape Town provides will bring a whole new dimension to our series," she stated. Stone believes that runners from Africa and beyond will have an unforgettable experience at this event.

The most recent marathon in Cape Town took place in May, featuring double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, who made his debut on African soil, finishing in 16th place with a time of 2:13:29. Ethiopian runner Mohamed Esa won the race with an impressive course record of 2:04:55, marking the fastest marathon ever recorded in Africa. His fellow countryman Yihunilign Adane secured second place at 2:04:59, while Kenyan Kalipus Lomwai finished third in 2:05:06, with all three achieving personal best times.

Cape Town's mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis celebrated this milestone, stating that it was the result of "many years of hard work" to gain entry into the Majors. The recognition is anticipated to significantly boost the local economy, with estimates suggesting approximately $49 million in expenditures related to travel, lodging, and dining.

The next Cape Town Marathon is scheduled for May 23, 2027. It’s worth noting that the event faced challenges in 2025 when high winds led to the cancellation of the marathon due to safety concerns for participants.