The Newest Abbott World Marathon Major: Cape Town Marathon

The Cape Town Marathon has officially joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors, becoming the first race in Africa to join one of the most prestigious marathon series in the world.

The announcement marks a huge moment for global marathon running and means there are now 8 Abbott World Marathon Majors, alongside the iconic races in London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo and Sydney.

Already recognised as one of the world’s most scenic marathons, the Cape Town Marathon has continued to grow in popularity in recent years, attracting runners from across the globe thanks to its spectacular route, incredible atmosphere and unforgettable views of Table Mountain and the South African coastline.

Now, with official Abbott World Marathon Majors status secured, demand for places is expected to rise even further as runners look to add Africa’s first Major marathon to their running bucket list.

A Brief History of the Abbott World Marathon Majors

The Abbott World Marathon Majors series first launched in 2006, bringing together five of the world’s most famous marathons: Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City.

Tokyo joined the series in 2013, creating the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star journey that has inspired thousands of runners to complete all six races and earn the coveted Six Star Medal.

More recently, Sydney became the seventh Major, reflecting the continued global growth of marathon running and the increasing demand for world-class race experiences around the world.

The addition of the Cape Town Marathon now takes the series to 8 Abbott World Marathon Majors and introduces a completely new continent to the Major calendar for the very first time.

Cape Town’s journey to becoming a Major has been several years in the making. The race entered the Abbott World Marathon Majors candidacy process and successfully met a number of stringent assessment criteria across multiple editions of the event.

While a final decision had originally been expected following the 2025 race, the cancellation of the 2025 Cape Town Marathon meant the assessment timeline was extended, delaying the final candidacy review until 2026. Despite the setback, organisers continued working closely with Abbott World Marathon Majors officials, ultimately securing the race’s historic place in the series.

Now that Cape Town is a new Major: What Does This Mean for Runners?

The news is especially exciting for runners currently working towards their Abbott World Marathon Majors journey.

Runners who have already completed the original six races will still retain their Six Star status, while the expansion of the series creates a brand-new challenge for those looking to continue their Major marathon journey.

For runners still collecting stars, the Cape Town Marathon offers an entirely unique experience compared to the existing Majors – combining world-class marathon organisation with breathtaking scenery, rich culture and incredible wildlife experiences beyond race weekend.

With interest in the event expected to increase significantly following the announcement, securing a place at the Cape Town Marathon is likely to become more competitive in the coming years.

Runners who completed the 2026 Cape Town Marathon will also benefit from the race’s newly confirmed Major status. As part of the transition into the Abbott World Marathon Majors series, eligible finishers from the 2026 event will receive a provisional Abbott World Marathon Majors star, ensuring their achievement is recognised as the race officially joins the Major calendar.

Why Runners Love the Cape Town Marathon

The Cape Town Marathon has quickly established itself as one of the leading destination marathons in the world.

The route showcases some of the city’s most iconic sights, taking runners through the vibrant streets of Cape Town with spectacular views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and the Atlantic coastline along the way.

The event has also earned recognition for its sustainability initiatives and focus on community impact, helping it stand out among international marathon events.

For many runners, the Cape Town Marathon offers the perfect combination of a world-class race experience and an unforgettable travel adventure.

The Future of the Abbott World Marathon Majors

With Cape Town now officially confirmed as the eighth Abbott World Marathon Major, attention is already turning to what could be next for the series.

Shanghai Marathon is widely expected to be the next event to undergo the Abbott World Marathon Majors candidacy assessment process, as organisers continue their ambition to expand the series into new regions and further grow the global appeal of marathon running.

The addition of Cape Town also raises exciting questions about the future of the coveted Abbott World Marathon Majors medal programme. While runners can currently earn Six Star, Seven Star and now Eight Star recognition as they complete every Major, the introduction of future races could eventually see a Nine Star Medal become the next milestone for dedicated marathon travellers.

As the series continues to evolve, runners around the world will have even more opportunities to experience different cultures, destinations and race-day atmospheres while pursuing one of the sport’s most prestigious achievements.

Run the Cape Town Marathon with Sports Tours International

Following its confirmation as an Abbott World Marathon Major, demand for Cape Town Marathon places is expected to increase significantly. Like many of the other Major marathons around the world, the event is expected to operate a ballot system for the majority of entries, making securing a place increasingly competitive in the years ahead.

For runners who want peace of mind and guaranteed access to the event, official tour operators will become an even more valuable route into the race.

Ready to take on one of the most inspiring marathons in South Africa? With Sports Tours International, you can secure guaranteed entry to the Cape Town Marathon, along with top-quality accommodation, local race support, exciting excursions and more!

Our packages include:
• Guaranteed race entry – no need to enter the ballot
• Accommodation near the start/finish area
• Pre-race briefing, shake-out runs, celebratory drinks
• Dedicated Sports Tours International team support throughout your stay
• Sightseeing tours and more! 

Whether you’re starting your Abbott World Marathon Majors journey or adding another star to your collection, there has never been a better time to run the Cape Town Marathon.

Find out more about our Cape Town Marathon packages here:

Cape Town Marathon Packages