The Road to "Major" Status: The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Abbott WMM bid

The countdown is officially on. In just a few weeks, the eyes of the global running community will be fixed on the streets of the Mother City. The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon isn’t just another race; it is the final, decisive step in a multi-year journey to bring World Marathon Major status to African soil.

If the evaluation on May 24th is successful, Cape Town will join the elite ranks of London, New York, and Berlin, becoming the 8th Abbott World Marathon Major (AbbottWMM). Here is everything you need to know about this historic bid and what it means for every runner on the start line.

The "Unfinished Business" of 2026

The road hasn’t been without its hurdles. After a near perfect evaluation in 2024, last year’s event faced an unprecedented setback when extreme wind conditions forced a cancellation. While nature intervened, the AbbottWMM criteria are strict: a race must pass two consecutive years of evaluation to gain entry.

This makes 2026 a "make or break" year. The organizers have spent the last 12 months refining every detail. From water station logistics to course security, in order to ensure the 27,000 participants experience a world-class event that satisfies the rigorous global standards.

The "Kipchoge Effect" and Global Prestige

The bid received the ultimate seal of approval when the "Greatest of All Time," Eliud Kipchoge, confirmed he will be lining up at the start. His presence, part of his global "Running World" tour, elevates the event’s elite status to a level rarely seen on the continent.

But it’s not just about the pros. This year, Cape Town also plays host to the AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championships. This means the fastest amateur athletes from across the globe will be competing for world titles right here in South Africa, bringing a level of depth and competitive energy to the field that is truly unique.

What’s at Stake: The Ninth Star?

For the "Star Hunters" in our community, the stakes are high. AbbottWMM has confirmed that all finishers of the 2026 race will receive a provisional star.

If the race officially gains Major status following this evaluation, that star will count toward the eventual Nine Star Medal (incorporating the original six plus Sydney, Cape Town, and potentially Shanghai). It is a rare opportunity to be part of the "founding finishers" of a new Major.

A New Era for South African Sport

Beyond the medals and the elite times, becoming a Major is a massive win for the local economy and the sports tourism sector. It cements South Africa's reputation as a premier destination for endurance sports and provides a platform for local talent to shine on a global stage without leaving home.

Whether you are one of the thousands navigating the lottery to get a spot, or you’ll be cheering from the "fan zones" along the Atlantic Seaboard, May 24th promises to be a day when South African running history is written.