Cape Town has earned Major status in Abbott World Majors after a successful AbbottWMM assessment following the 2026 race on May 24, marking Africa’s first inclusion in the world’s premier marathon series.

Race Director Clark Gardner credits the collective effort of organizers, volunteers, sponsors, running clubs, and supporters, with the #YouDoCount campaign helping to sustain participation.

The milestone is projected to boost the local economy, with around R800 million expected to be spent on travel, accommodation, and meals driven by increased participation.

The 2026 confirmation followed a thorough audit that included timing mats, infrared drones, and spectator decibel measurements to verify compliance.

Key milestones since 2014 include sub-2:10 for men and sub-2:24 for women for three straight editions, strong broadcast coverage, vibrant roadside support, sustainability goals, and the creation of 300 new clubs with significant youth bursary funding.

Cape Town’s candidacy was evaluated again successfully for 2027 after meeting AbbottWMM criteria, following an initial review in 2024.

The milestone comes after a lengthy assessment and a successful 2026 edition, with organizers citing growing participation and community support as drivers.

Infront has supported the event since 2021, focusing on commercial development, international visibility, and expanding the race’s global footprint.

Cape Town achieved Major-status criteria by emphasizing elite performance, global broadcast reach, strong spectator engagement, sustainability, and a measurable community legacy, including thousands of volunteers and youth sports funding.

Legacy commitments include a R12-million surplus from 2026 charity bibs funding the Khayelitsha Athletics Development Hub, expansion of the Rural Coach Exchange continent-wide, and broad broadcast reach to 47 sub-Saharan countries via free-to-air satellites.

The general ballot for the 2027 Cape Town Marathon opens on June 10 and closes on June 24, with results announced June 26; entries for related events open July 3.

From 2027 onward, Cape Town’s inclusion is expected to boost tourism, economic development, and community engagement in South Africa, signaling ongoing expansion of mass participation events into new high-potential markets.