Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom | 19 October 2025
Cape Town, South Africa – 19 October 2025
What was set to be a celebration of endurance, unity, and the spirit of Cape Town turned into heartbreak on Sunday morning, as organisers of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon made the unprecedented decision to cancel the race just hours before the start. The reason: dangerous high winds sweeping across the city, posing severe safety risks for runners and event crews alike.
More than 24,000 athletes from across South Africa and around the world had gathered along the iconic Green Point start line, ready to take on Africa’s only Abbott World Marathon Majors candidate race. Instead, they were met with the sombre announcement that the 2025 edition would not go ahead.
“We made this difficult decision with the utmost concern for runner and spectator safety,” organisers said in an official statement. “The weather conditions compromised essential event infrastructure and made it unsafe to proceed.”
The winds—gusting well above 70 km/h—reportedly caused damage to temporary structures and made the course hazardous in several sections, particularly along the Atlantic Seaboard and around the Waterfront.
Despite the cancellation, the marathon spirit refused to die. Hundreds of runners, still dressed in their official race gear, took to the streets independently, running unofficial routes through the city in a spontaneous show of resilience. Social media was soon flooded with images and videos of runners forming impromptu groups, cheering one another on against the blustery Cape winds.
“We trained all year for this, and we weren’t going to let the weather win,” said one runner from Johannesburg. “Today was about heart, not medals.”
The cancellation marks one of the rare instances in the marathon’s 15-year history where the event was unable to proceed. Often celebrated for its world-class organisation and breathtaking route—passing landmarks like Table Mountain, Sea Point Promenade, and the V&A Waterfront—the race has become a symbol of African athletic excellence and community spirit.
Organisers have confirmed that registered runners will be contacted regarding refunds and future participation options. Many international entrants have expressed disappointment but also understanding, acknowledging that the safety of participants must always come first.
As the winds subside and the city returns to calm, the message from Cape Town’s running community is clear: the marathon may have been cancelled, but the spirit of endurance lives on.