The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Introduces Candidacy Club for Loyal Runners

As the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon continues its journey toward becoming Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors event, we are excited to introduce the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Candidacy Club—an exclusive opportunity for runners who have been part of our Major qualification years.

Guaranteed Access for Candidacy Year Finishers

For those who have supported the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon during its Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) candidacy period, we’re offering a special reward: priority access to future races in 2026, 2027 or 2028.

• International Runners: If you complete, or completed (finish) the 42.2km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon at least once in any of the candidacy years—2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025—you qualify for priority entry to one of the races in 2026, 2027, or 2028.
• South African Runners: If you complete, or completed (finish) two or more 42.2km Sanlam Cape Town Marathons from 2022 to 2025, you also qualify for priority entry to one of the races in 2026, 2027, or 2028.

Entries will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, once Candidacy Club entries open between the 6th – 12th of November 2025.

Using Your 2025 Marathon to Qualify for the Candidacy Club

Looking ahead to this year’s race, entries for the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon close on the 27 September 2025, or sooner if sold out. With demand at an all-time high, we anticipate another sell-out event, so be sure to secure your spot early if you are still aiming to qualify for the Candidacy Club with your 2025 marathon. Enter here.

Conditional on AWMM Stage 2 Pass

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon’s Candidacy Club and all associated benefits are contingent on the event successfully passing Stage 2 of the Abbott World Marathon Majors assessment process in 2025. More details on the General Ballot and entry process for 2026 and beyond will be released later this year.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a movement to bring Africa her first-ever Major sporting event! Every stride you take, every finish line you cross, gets us closer to making history. Stay tuned for further updates and announcements as we continue on our journey towards Africa’s 1st Major.