Cape Town Becomes First African World Marathon Major
The race passed its final Abbott World Marathon Majors assessment after drawing over 27,000 runners and is set to join the series in 2027.
- On Wednesday, the Cape Town Marathon was officially confirmed as Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Major, joining Boston, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, and New York as the eighth elite race.
- Organisers navigated a demanding five-year candidacy process with Abbott WMM, overcoming a 2025 cancellation caused by severe winds before the successful 2026 event secured Major status for the Mother City.
- Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis welcomed the decision, stating it followed "many years of hard work," as the status is expected to deliver about $49 million in economic benefits through travel and accommodation.
- The first race under the new status will take place on May 23, 2027, building momentum after two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge selected the course for his African debut last month.
- With approximately 80% of the world's top 50 elite marathon runners hailing from Africa, the race aims to inspire future generations and leave a lasting legacy for the sport across the continent.
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Africa: Cape Town Marathon Earns Historic World Major Status for Africa
[SAnews.gov.za] Africa has secured a historic place on marathon running's biggest stage, with the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon officially confirmed as the first Abbott World Marathon Major to be hosted on the continent.
Cape Town joins the World Marathon Majors as the first African race
Cape Town has made history by becoming the first African race in the prestigious World Marathon Majors, promising a unique experience for runners and a significant economic boost for the city.
Cape Town Marathon Officially Becomes A World Marathon Major
[Image: Facebook] For those who have participated in the Cape Town Marathon, they will know that it offers scenic views of the city as well as being a challenging race, making it a bucket list sporting event for runners from other parts of the world. Now, it is getting the international recognition it rightfully deserves, because it has recently been named as one of the World Marathon Majors – a first for the African continent. Beginning in 2027…
Cape Town marathon enters World Marathon Majors series in historic first for Africa
Cape Town has secured a place in global sporting history after the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was officially welcomed into the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors series, becoming the first event on African soil to earn the distinction, Cape {town} Etc reports. The announcement marks a landmark moment not only for South Africa but for the entire continent, placing Cape Town alongside marathon powerhouses such as Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin…
Cape Town Marathon becomes Africa's first Abbott World Marathon Majors race
The Cape Town Marathon has been confirmed as the first Abbott World Marathon Major to be held on African soil. Following the successful staging of its 2026 race on 24 May, the event has passed the second and final stage of its Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) assessment, becoming the eighth member of the most prestigious series in marathon running globally. Will enter the series next year The race joins seven of the sport’s most celebrat…
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