Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Sells Out at 24,000 Marathon Entries as Africa Edges Closer to a Major Milestone

Cape Town, South Africa, 9 July 2025 — In a landmark moment for African running, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially sold out at 24,000 marathon entries for 2025, marking the third consecutive year the event has sold out. This record sell-out is a resounding endorsement of Cape Town’s bold journey to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) event.

“Selling out 24 000 entries at least three months before the event is an incredible milestone, a true testament not only to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon organisers’ hard work but also to Cape Town and South Africa’s growing commitment to running. The City of Cape Town is thrilled to lend support to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as it takes another big step toward becoming a World Marathon Major,” shared JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.  

In 2024, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon took a major step forward by passing Stage 1 of the Abbott World Marathon Majors assessment, bringing the long-held dream of becoming Africa’s first Major firmly within reach. Building on this momentum, the focus in 2025 is on successfully completing Stage 2, the final critical hurdle that would secure the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon’s place as an official Major starting in 2026. This journey has carried the hopes of an entire continent eager to see Africa represented among the world’s most prestigious marathon Majors.

Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, sees this latest milestone as a strategic endorsement from the running community, reinforcing the call for Cape Town to join the global ranks as a World Marathon Major.

“This third consecutive sell-out is not just a testament to the marathon’s popularity, but a powerful statement of intent,” Gardner says. “It signals that Africa is ready and deserving to stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Boston, London, New York, and the other Majors. Our runners, sponsors, partners, and the entire Cape Town community have made it clear that we are united in our vision to bring a World Marathon Major home.”

The sell-out is a powerful show of support from the running community, a clear sign of their unwavering belief in Cape Town’s Major dream. It also underscores the critical role of sponsors and partners, whose commitment and investment have been instrumental in propelling the event onto the global stage. This collective effort, from everyday runners to strategic stakeholders, has transformed the marathon into a movement that aims to redefine Africa’s place in world running history.

“This milestone is bigger than a sold-out start line, it’s a sign that the dream of a World Marathon Major on African soil is within reach. adidas is privileged to support this historic journey alongside the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon teams and the incredible running community, ”said Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas South Africa, the event’s Technical Partner.

While the marathon has steadily drawn international attention, the true transformation will unfold once Major status is officially conferred. From 2026 onwards, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is projected to welcome more than 20,000 international visitors each year, turning the city into a global running destination and creating significant economic and tourism benefits.

“This milestone is a source of great pride – not just for Cape Town, but for Africa as a whole. Sanlam is honoured to share this responsibility with organisers, partners, and the City of Cape Town in showcasing Africa and her people on the world stage,” shared Shadi Chauke, Sanlam Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Sustainability

Entries for the 5km and 10km Peace Runs remain open until 26 September 2025 or until they sell out, as do entries for the popular trail events (11km, 22km, and 43km), all taking place on Saturday, 18 October.

With just over 100 days to go until race day on 19 October, organisers are now fully focused on delivering a seamless, world-class event that could finally secure the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon’s place among the global greats.