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Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Cancelled Due to Severe Winds: Safety First Amid Runner Heartbreak

by Central News Online
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Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

South Africa’s running community woke up to bad news on Sunday morning when the much-awaited Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was called off at the last minute.

High winds that battered the city overnight made the course unsafe, damaging key setup near the V&A Waterfront. With over 24,000 runners geared up for the big day, including top athletes from around the world, the cancellation left many gutted after months of hard training and big costs. 

Organisers put safety first, but the move sparked frustration and even some DIY runs along the Sea Point promenade.

The event, set for 19 October 2025, was meant to be a highlight on Cape Town’s calendar. Now, it is pushed back to May 2026, giving athletes another shot but adding to the disappointment for those who flew in or spent big on prep.

Gale-Force Winds Wreak Havoc Overnight

The trouble started late Saturday night as strong north-westerly winds picked up across the Western Cape. By early Sunday, gusts hit up to 120km/h in some spots, with warnings for severe thunderstorms covering six provinces, including the Western Cape.  In Cape Town, the winds tore through the race village in Green Point, ripping down marquee tents, branding, and fences. Scaffolding shook loose, creating real dangers for runners and staff.

Organisers, working with the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management and the Joint Operations Committee (which includes police and medical teams), met urgently at 4:45am. By 5am, the tough call was made: cancel the race. “The route is unsafe, as the wind is constantly gusting in Woodstock, and the infrastructure at the start and finish venue has been compromised,” said Colonel Christo

Engelbrecht from the South African Police Service

Weather reports showed south-southeasterly winds at 26km/h with gale-force gusts up to 70km/h during the day.  This kind of weather is not rare in Cape Town – the city is known for its “Cape Doctor” winds that can blow hard in spring. But on race day, it turned from a breeze to a beast, making it impossible to go ahead safely.

Runners’ Reactions: From Shock to Impromptu Alternatives

For the 24,000 signed-up participants, the news hit like a punch. Many were already at the start line or on their way when alerts went out via WhatsApp, social media, and radio. “It’s unbelievable that the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has been cancelled due to bad weather. I guess we are a part of history now. I was so ready to scatter it,” posted one runner on social media. 

Elite athletes, who chase world records and Olympic qualifiers here, faced extra pain. The marathon is Africa’s only World Athletics Gold Label race, drawing stars like Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena and South Africa’s Gerda Steyn. Gobena, with a personal best of 2:05:01, was tipped to challenge the course record.  Now, their plans are up in the air, with travel costs and lost training time adding up.

But Capetonians did not let the day go to waste. Some runners gathered for an unofficial trot along the Sea Point promenade, turning disappointment into a fun, windy jog. Videos showed groups singing and cheering each other on, keeping the spirit alive despite the blow. 

“They cancelled the marathon just like that? People are waiting at the start line,” one frustrated participant tweeted. 
Costs were a big gripe too. Entry fees start at R400 for the 10km peace run, up to R1,200 for the full marathon. Add flights, hotels, and gear, and some runners lost thousands. Organisers have not yet said if refunds or credits will come, but they promised more updates soon.

Mayor and Organisers Prioritise Safety

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis backed the call, saying he was “disappointed” but thankful for the focus on safety. “The City is committed to hosting events of the highest global standards, and that includes sometimes managing difficult calls like this one,” he posted online. 

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon CEO Clark Gardner shared the heartbreak. “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,” he said.  The team had hoped for a delayed start but ruled it out due to the ongoing winds.

This is not the first time weather has played spoilsport. Past races have dealt with rain and heat, but a full cancellation is rare. The 2020 edition was scrapped due to Covid-19, but wind like this is a new challenge for the event, which started in 2007 and grew into a major draw.

Economic and Community Impact

The marathon pumps millions into Cape Town’s economy. Last year, it brought in over R300 million from tourism, hotels, and local spending.  With 24,000 runners – including many from abroad – the cancellation hits hard on businesses around the V&A Waterfront and Green Point.
It also hurts charities. The race raises funds for groups like the Two Oceans Marathon Initiative and local causes. Runners often train for months to support these, making the letdown even tougher.

On the bright side, the city’s running spirit shone through. The South African Police Service urged their runners to stay put for updates, while community groups quickly organised safe alternatives. 

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Cancelled Due to Severe Winds: Safety First Amid Runner Heartbreak

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