RUNNERS GUTTED AS MARATHON CALLED OFF

High winds wreck route hours before start

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

DESPITE Sanlam offering all 2025 entrants a sponsored entry to either 2026 or 2027's race, many runners said they were devastated, spending thousands of rand for accommodation and flights, training for hours and travelling from across the country and globe to compete.

The 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was cancelled due to high winds damaging the route yesterday.

Overnight, strong winds caused significant damage at the Green Point race venue. Marquee tents were damaged, and branding was torn from fences and scaffolding.

This prompted urgent meetings between the race organising team and the Joint Operations Committee (JOC).

Over 24 000 runners were expected to complete a 42.195km route.

The cancellation, made at 4.45am, an hour and a half before the 6.15am start, followed by emergency meetings that deemed the route and venue unsafe.

Organisers said 2025 marathon entrants would be sponsored either for 2026 or 2027 entry with details to follow, relating to their no-refund policy.