Strong winds blow run away

Mixed feelings as over 24 000 runners are halted in tracks.

- Wesley Botton & Jacques van der Westhuyzen

There were mixed reactions from runners, with some expressing frustration and others understanding, after the annual Cape Town Marathon was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions in the Mother City yesterday.

Just over 24 000 runners were expected to take part in one of the country's most popular races, but strong winds forced organisers to cancel the event for safety reasons.

Participants were informed around 5am, ahead of the scheduled 6.15am start.

While the Cape Town Cycle Tour was cancelled in 2017 due to strong winds, it was the first time a major SA road running race was called off due to adverse weather.

Questions were raised on social media around whether organisers should have delayed the start of the race for a few hours rather than cancel it, and whether the winds were actually strong enough to warrant the cancellation, though organisers said damage to structures at the finish venue had also been a concern.

Unhappiness that entry fees would not be reimbursed to runners was alleviated by headline sponsor Sanlam confirming it would give this year's entrants free entry for either the 2026 or 2027 race.