Africa's First Major
Cape Town Marathon Earns Historic World Major Status, Becoming Africa's First for 2027
Key Points
World Marathon Majors said runners who finished the 2026 Cape Town Marathon will receive a “provisional star” toward their Majors journey, and those stars will carry over, per the Majors’ announcement.
Cape Town’s 2026 performances included specific finishing details: Eliud Kipchoge finished 16th in 2:13:29 in his first African marathon; Mohamed Esa won in a course record 2:04:55; Yihunilign Adane was second in 2:04:59; and Kalipus Lomwai took third in 2:05:06, with all three placing athletes setting personal bests.
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon CEO Clark Gardner framed the Major status as belonging to the collective effort behind the event, saying it was “a profound honor” and that the moment belongs to “everyone who carried us here.”
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the decision came “follow[ing] many years of hard work” to secure inclusion in the World Marathon Majors.
For the inaugural 2027 Major edition, a general ballot is set to open from 10 to 24 June 2026.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is now a World Marathon Major — the first on African soil. Reuters reported that the Abbott World Marathon Majors officially confirmed the news on June 10, 2026, making Cape Town the eighth race in the world's most prestigious marathon series. The inaugural Major-status race is set for May 23, 2027.
The announcement ends decades of African absence from a series dominated by races in North America, Europe, and Asia. Kenya and Ethiopia have produced the vast majority of Major winners, yet the continent had no Major of its own. That changes in 2027.
A Long Road Marked by Wind and Resilience
Cape Town's path to Major status was far from smooth. The race was canceled in October 2025 — just 90 minutes before the start — after dangerously high winds damaged infrastructure at the Green Point finish line. The evaluation was deferred, and the bid hung in the balance.
The 2026 edition became the make-or-break moment. A record 27,000 runners took part, including over 8,500 international participants, according to London Marathon Events. Ethiopian Mohamed Esa won in a course record of 2:04:55, with Yihunilign Adane second in 2:04:59 and Kalipus Lomwai third in 2:05:06. All three set personal bests. World Marathon Majors CEO Dawna Stone said Cape Town's
World Marathon Majors CEO Dawna Stone said Cape Town's "unique culture" and "wonderful setting" would add a "whole new dimension" to the series. She also praised the organizers' "resilience and dedication" following the 2025 cancellation.
Kipchoge's African Debut Added Star Power in 2026
The 2026 race drew global attention partly because of Eliud Kipchoge. The Olympic champion ran his first-ever marathon on African soil, finishing 16th in 2:13:29. At 41, Kipchoge has shifted toward a global ambassador role, and his presence in Cape Town helped put the race on the world stage.
Kipchoge called the Cape Town bid a point of "pride" for the entire continent, according to Yahoo News. His involvement is expected to drive strong registration numbers when the ballot for the 2027 race opened from June 10 to 24, 2026.
$49 Million Economic Boost for Cape Town
The Major designation is expected to bring serious money to the city. Organizers estimate an economic impact of around R800 million — roughly $49 million — for the Western Cape, tied to travel, accommodation, and meals, according to Yahoo Sports.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis welcomed the news, saying it followed "many years of hard work" by city services. The race already draws visitors during May, which is an off-peak tourism month. As a full Major, that draw is expected to grow significantly.
What the Major Status Means for Runners Worldwide
The Abbott World Marathon Majors runs a "Six Star" — now expanding toward a "Nine Star" — medal program for runners who complete all Majors. Cape Town's addition means a new destination on that checklist. Runners who finished the 2026 race will receive a "provisional star" that counts toward their journey, per London Marathon Events.
Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, said the achievement belongs to the broader African running community. "This moment belongs to everyone who carried us here," he said. "Generations of African runners have waited for this." Title sponsor Sanlam has extended its backing through 2030, signaling long-term confidence in the event, according to Daily Telegraph.
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