The 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was abruptly cancelled in the early hours of Sunday morning, just hours before the race was due to begin, following severe overnight winds that damaged event infrastructure and rendered parts of the route unsafe.
Organisers made the call around 4:45 am local time after assessing the extent of damage at the start area in Green Point and along the course. Participants, many of whom had already arrived at the start or were en route, were notified through WhatsApp and social media shortly before 5 am.
“This was not an easy decision,” said race director Renee Jordaan in an official statement. “Safety always comes first, and the extreme wind conditions made it impossible to guarantee a safe race for runners, volunteers, and spectators.”
The winds, which reached gusts of up to 80 km/h, tore down tents, signage, and fencing, while parts of the scaffolding at the finish area were also damaged. Sections of the route through Woodstock and Sea Point were deemed unsafe due to debris and strong crosswinds.
Record Field, Sudden Disappointment
The marathon had attracted a record 24,000 participants this year, with elite runners and international visitors set to compete in what was expected to be one of the event’s biggest editions to date. Many runners expressed shock and disappointment at the last-minute announcement after months of training and travel planning.
Impact on Abbott Majors Ambitions
The cancellation comes as the Cape Town Marathon was strengthening its bid to become part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) series; a move that would make it the first African race to join the global circuit alongside Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, and Tokyo.
The abrupt cancellation could present challenges for organisers in maintaining confidence among sponsors and the international running community. However, the event still retains its World Athletics Gold Label and remains a key fixture on the African racing calendar.
Next Steps and Refund Queries
Organisers have yet to confirm the status of race entries and refunds. An update is expected this week regarding whether participants will receive refunds, deferrals to 2026, or partial credits.
Meanwhile, local running groups in Cape Town took to the streets on Sunday morning for their own “unofficial marathon runs,” choosing to honour their months of preparation in a show of solidarity and community spirit.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, organisers affirmed their commitment to returning stronger next year.
“We are devastated, but we will rebuild,” said Clark Gardner, CEO of Faces Africa, the event’s organising company. “Cape Town Marathon has always represented resilience — and we will carry that forward.”
The 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon’s cancellation marks one of the most significant disruptions in the event’s history, highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather on large-scale races worldwide.
