The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026 will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, marking a landmark occasion as it hosts the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Championship (AGWC). This prestigious race brings together elite runners aged 40 and above from across the globe, all qualifying through AbbottWMM Age Group Rankings or the Global Marathon virtual race. As Africa’s only World Athletics Gold Label marathon, Cape Town is on the path to becoming the continent’s first Abbott World Marathon Major, with significant progress made through the evaluation stages in 2024 and 2025. To enhance race conditions, the event date has shifted from its traditional October slot to May, offering cooler autumn weather ideal for running. The marathon course highlights Cape Town’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural landmarks, creating an inspiring backdrop for both elite athletes and passionate runners worldwide. Supported by major sponsors like Sanlam and adidas, and the City of Cape Town, the event promises a world-class race experience while further elevating the marathon’s international reputation.