Thousands of runners and supporters were left stunned on Sunday morning after the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was abruptly cancelled just hours before its scheduled start, due to extreme overnight winds that rendered the route and key infrastructure unsafe.
Cape Town Marathon 2025 cancelled
The decision, confirmed in the early hours of Sunday, followed what organisers described as “severe” weather conditions that damaged critical sections of the course, including tents, signage, scaffolding, and start/finish areas in Green Point and Woodstock.
The cancellation sparked widespread disappointment, particularly as many of the 24,000 registered participants had already made their way to the start or travelled from abroad to compete. Some were already warming up when news of the cancellation spread.
“The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is devastated at the cancellation of our very special event. We have worked for months on planning for all scenarios and conditions, but ultimately a bigger force had the final say, and we are so sorry for the situation,” said CEO Clark Gardner.
Organisers issued the cancellation notice at approximately 04:45 AM, citing significant structural damage caused by gusts during the night. Emergency services and city safety officials were consulted before arriving at the unanimous decision to cancel.
The damage was not just cosmetic. Marquee tents had been ripped from their moorings, metal structures collapsed, and race signage was scattered across the route. Parts of the finish line had become hazardous.
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With the safety of runners, staff, and spectators at risk, authorities concluded that going ahead would be irresponsible.
City officials supported the call, highlighting the risk posed by Cape Town’s unpredictable springtime winds, often underestimated but known for their strength and sudden gusts.
No alternate date for 2025 race
There will be no alternative date this year for the event. The next official Cape Town Marathon is now scheduled for Sunday, 24 May 2026, marking a major shift from its usual October slot.
This move forms part of a broader strategic realignment, intended to avoid the seasonal risks associated with Cape Town’s infamous southeasterly winds. May offers more stable conditions and aligns with the city’s growing ambitions to elevate the marathon onto the global stage.
The 2026 edition will also host the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championships, positioning the Cape Town Marathon as a flagship event on the international calendar.
Disappointment lingers, but future remains bright
While the frustration among athletes is understandable, especially for those who had travelled long distances and trained rigorously for the event, many acknowledged that safety must come first.
Runners took to social media to share their disappointment, but also expressed solidarity with organisers who had to make a difficult call under immense pressure.
There has been no official word yet on refunds or entry rollovers. Participants are advised to monitor the Cape Town Marathon’s official channels for updates regarding compensation or potential early registration options for 2026.
This year’s storm may have claimed the race, but it has not dampened the long-term vision. With a new date, global recognition on the horizon, and improved planning to combat weather threats, the Cape Town Marathon is setting the pace for a comeback that’s likely to be even bigger and hopefully, wind-free.
For now, the runners will have to wait. The streets of Cape Town will remain silent. But the journey continues, and all eyes now turn to May 2026.
