Why May 2026? The Thinking Behind the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Date Change

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has always been committed to delivering the best possible experience for our runners. With the participant’s race-day experience as our guiding principle, every decision we make is aimed at elevating the event for our runners. As we continue on our journey towards becoming Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors event, one of the most significant changes we’ve made is shifting our 2026 race date to May. 

This was not a decision based on quantitative data analytics alone but was a qualitative one, made with deep thought and consideration for the best interests of our runners and the event’s long-term future, in consultation with key role players and with the support of Western Province Athletics (WPA) and Athletics South Africa (ASA). While this change presents logistical challenges for our team, requiring a seven-month turnaround, our focus remains on delivering a world-class event.

Optimized Racing Conditions

Our goal is to be Africa’s premier marathon, and the month of May offers the optimal climate for that. The cooler autumn weather reduces the risk of overheating, allowing for faster performances. Statistically, May also has a lower likelihood of Cape Town’s notorious south easterly winds, which have previously hindered runners from achieving their personal bests.

Additionally, the new date allows for a later race start, easing logistical challenges. At major European and American marathons, races typically start around 09:00, giving participants ample time to make use of public transport. Cape Town lacks an extensive public transport infrastructure, making race-day congestion a significant issue. A later start will alleviate some of this pressure and encourage local and public transport providers to enhance our Park & Ride offering, ensuring a smoother pre-race experience for all runners.

These improvements not only provide ideal conditions for personal bests, but also reduce the stress of getting to the start line.

A Shift in Mindset 

We acknowledge that this change impacts South Africa’s ultra-running calendar. It is now less likely that runners will participate in the Two Oceans Ultra, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, and the Comrades Marathon in the same year. Additionally, our event will no longer serve as an optimal qualifier for these races. However, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is evolving from a preferred year-end qualifier, to a globally recognized world class event.

With our global ambitions in mind, the present World Marathon Major calendar was also considered in our decision-making process, particularly as several of the Majors take place later in the year. Just as many runners prioritize international marathons such as London and Boston to earn the prestigious Six Star Medal—awarded to those who complete six of the seven Abbott World Marathon Majors—we envision the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon becoming a must-run event for those aiming for their best marathon performance. Whether you’re looking for a personal best or a world-class race experience, our event will stand as a premier marathon.

This change also prompts an important question: should your race calendar be the same every year? Rather than repeating the same trio of events annually, we encourage runners to tailor their race schedules to their goals. If you’re focusing on ultra-distances, our new date may not fit into your A-race plans. However, if you’re shifting your focus to speed, endurance, and marathon performance, a May 2026 marathon presents the ideal opportunity.

As we step onto the world stage, we encourage participants to view the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as more than just a stepping stone for another race. Going forward, your participation will be about more than just your marathon time—it will be about being part of a world-class global event.

A Move That Benefits More Than Just Runners

This decision extends beyond our running calendar. It’s about the bigger picture—the economic impact on Cape Town and the country as a whole.

Autumn is a quieter tourist season compared to the bustling summer months. By positioning a potential Abbott World Marathon Majors event in May, we create a significant boost for the local economy—filling hotels, supporting restaurants, and attracting local and international visitors. The economic impact of a world-class marathon is immense. Every current Major Marathon generates over $250 million of economic impact, with the Boston Marathon alone contributing $500 million. The potential impact for South Africa cannot be overstated.

While we welcome international participants and the economic benefits they bring, we remain committed to our South African runners. Two-thirds of our race entries will be reserved for African participants, ensuring that local runners have the same access to entries as in previous years, even as the event grows. We also commit to keeping our event affordable for local entrants and continuing our free entry program, with another 2,000 free entries planned for this year.

Finally, we want to reassure all runners that the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will go ahead as planned on 19 October 2025. We can’t wait to welcome you to the start line as we take another thrilling step toward passing Stage 2 on our journey to becoming Africa’s first Major.