Welcome to Cape Town
For many runners around the world , being part of a ‘ big city ’ marathon is the pinnacle of their running dreams , and for many years , South African runners had to travel overseas to get this running experience .
Today , the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is proudly Africa ’ s “ must run ” iconic city marathon - a bucket list item for many runners throughout the country , and a proudly South African race that gives athletes a taste of what it is like to run the likes of New York , London or Tokyo .
The event brings together some of the world ’ s best athletes and recreational runners to create an exhilarating festival of running , that showcases the Mother City ’ s world-renowned beauty and iconic landmarks .
After taking place in virtual format in 2020 , the race is back again this year , much to the excitement of running enthusiasts and elites alike who have been hungry for a race to run .
This year , Race Week will kick off with the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Registration and Expo at DHL Stadium on 15 and 16 October , where participants will undergo their COVID rapid antigen tests , collect their race packs and indulge in some last-minute pre-race shopping .
Trail snakes will line up at the start of the 46km and 22km Trail Runs on Saturday , 16 October , while runners from across the globe can participate in the Virtual Peace Runs on the same day .
The Marathon - the only one in Africa to carry the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label - will take centre stage on Sunday , 17 October , when over 9,000 runners will take to the Mother City ’ s streets along the scenic race route .
Organising the 2021 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has had its own unique set of challenges in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic . A comprehensive Risk Mitigation Plan presented to stakeholders at the highest levels has earned race organisers the green light from the Department of Sport , Arts and Culture , and the City of Cape Town to host the event this year .
Amendments made for the safety and wellness of everybody involved in the event include a reduced marathon field , compulsory antigen tests prior to registration , and a staggered race start with small groups .
Despite the many challenges we faced over the last 18 months , this was also an auspicious year : The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was officially confirmed as an Abbott World Marathon Majors ( AbbottWMM ) candidate race - the first marathon in Africa to be nominated .
The multi-year evaluation process commences in 2022 , and if successful , the event will join an elite group of races - Tokyo Marathon , Boston Marathon , Virgin Money London Marathon , BMW-BERLIN Marathon , Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon - as a new member of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2025 .
We have always believed that the race has what it takes to become Africa ’ s first Abbott World Marathon Major . This nomination acknowledges the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as a global event that has consistently delivered a top quality world-class race , and one that continuously innovates and creates world-first initiatives like the immersive audio experience during the 2020 virtual race .
It is on that note that we welcome you to the Mother City and the 2021 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon . Whether you ’ re running 5km , 10km or 21km Virtual Peace Runs , the 46km or 22km Trail Runs , or the 42km marathon , we hope you have a fantastic race day experience from start to finish , and that you ’ ll make memories that will last a lifetime . It feels great to be back on the road again !
@ ctmarathon • # sanlamcapetownmarathon • www . capetownmarathon . com
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