Sanlam Cape Town Marathon celebrates 50 days to race day with elite athlete announcements

The countdown to Africa’s premier marathon has officially entered its final stretch. On Thursday, August 28, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon marked 50 days to race day by unveiling its elite field and reaffirming its drive to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major.

The 2025 edition, scheduled for Sunday, October 19, promises to be the biggest and most competitive yet. With a sold-out field of 24,000 runners, the fourteenth edition of the race is set to showcase both South African and African athletes on one of the world’s most scenic routes.

“We achieved an unconditional pass for Stage 1 of our Abbott World Marathon Majors candidacy in 2024. This year we are undertaking Stage 2, and to that end have secured the best elite marathon field in the race’s history,” said Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

“Where London and New York vie to be the biggest marathons in the world, we believe the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon can be the best.”

Gardner added that the race’s capacity was filled 100 days before the start, a record in itself, with organisers confident that this year will also see the highest number of finishers. Partnerships with Sanlam and adidas are playing a major role in building the excitement, with training initiatives such as Jozi Track Thursdays and the launch of limited-edition race gear keeping the momentum going.

A World-Class Elite Line-Up

The highlight of the announcement was the introduction of 14 elite athletes, comprising six platinum and eight gold-status competitors. All hail from Africa, underlining the continent’s dominance in distance running.

Ronald Korit, who boasts a blistering personal best of 2:04:22, leads the men’s field. He will face stiff competition from Kenyan compatriot Bethwel Chumba Kibet (2:04:37), South African record holder Elroy Geland (2:05:36), and Ethiopia’s Boki Kebede Asefa (2:05:40). With these times, the existing course record of 2:08:16, set by Abdisa Tola in 2024, could well be under threat.

In the women’s race, South Africa’s Gerda Steyn returns to Cape Town for the first time since 2021. The four-time Comrades Marathon winner and six-time Two Oceans champion could not hide her excitement.

“I’m so excited and so honoured to announce that I will be lining up for the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon,” Steyn said. “The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has always been close to my heart, and I can’t wait to share the beautiful route with thousands of fellow runners.”

Steyn will face world-class opposition, including Kenya’s Winfridah Moseti (2:16:56), Angela Tanui (2:17:57), and Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba (2:19:59). Together with defending champion Glenrose Xaba, the field promises a thrilling contest that could deliver another record-breaking performance.

More Than Just a Race

While the elite athletes grab the headlines, organisers emphasised that the marathon’s impact goes far beyond running. Sanlam, a sponsor since 2014, has helped transform the event into a platform for health, sustainability, and social development.

“As a Pan-African organisation, we are deeply committed to unlocking the continent’s potential and creating meaningful impact that extends well beyond the finish line,” said Shadi Chauke, Group Executive for Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Sanlam. “Through partnerships with the Caster Semenya Foundation, CANSA, and WWF South Africa, we are advancing youth sports development, health, and environmental sustainability.”

This year, 62 champions are already fundraising for 18 charities via the official GivenGain portal, having raised close to R200,000 with 50 days still to go.

Adidas, the technical partner, has also committed to making the marathon more than just a race. “Our role goes beyond supplying kit; it’s about supporting the culture of running in Africa,” said Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas. Initiatives like “Run For Africa” reward runners who complete the marathon in adidas shoes with vouchers, while exclusive race merchandise celebrates the spirit of the event.

Looking Ahead

With just weeks to go, Cape Town is preparing to host not only a world-class sporting spectacle but also an event that reflects the resilience, passion, and unity of African running. As Gardner put it, “Our beautiful route, the dedication of our sponsors and partners, and the enthusiasm of the city’s runners and residents are key to achieving our goal of becoming the best marathon in the world.”

For updates on the build-up to race day, visit www.capetownmarathon.com or follow @capetownmarathon on Instagram and Cape Town Marathon on Facebook.