Severe weather forces cancellation of 2025 Sanlam Cape Town marathon
Sisters Janine and Charlene Meyer were left disappointed.
Image: supplied
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 rands for accommodation and flights, training for several hours and travelling from across the country and globe to compete.
The 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was canceled due to high winds damaging the route on Sunday.
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 organizing team and the Joint Operations Committee (JOC).
Over 24 000 runners were expected to complete a 42.195km route.
The cancellation, made at 4:45 am, an hour and a half before the 6:15 am start, followed by emergency meetings that deemed the route and venue unsafe.
Sisters Janine and Charlene Meyer shared the excitement before the race, only to be disappointed.
Image: supplied
Organisers said 2025 marathon entrants would be sponsored either for 2026 or 2027 entry with details to follow, relating to their no-refund policy.
Sanlam, which has been the title sponsor since 2014, supported the marathon's candidacy for Abbott World Marathon Majors, aiming to join New York, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, Sydney, and London.
For sisters, Janine and Charlene Meyer, who flew from Potchefstroom and Rustenburg to participate for the very first time, spending close R16 000 for flights and accommodation and training for several hours, has been devastating.
The sisters were supported by their mother.
“I arrived in Cape Town on Thursday evening and it was to be my first time participating,” she said.
“I was very excited and now I am very devastated.
“My flight ticket was about R6000 and accommodation was R10 000 because we are here for the week.
“They said no refunds, they did say they would keep us updated perhaps with a virtual run, I do not know and get our medals.
“You put in all of the hard work, all the kilometers, all the hours.
“My training log was for 16 weeks."
Over 24,000 runners from around the world were left stunned on Sunday morning when the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was cancelled just hours before its start due to severe overnight winds.
Image: Armand Hough Independent Newspapers.
Charlene said she would run 30 kilometers in her complex, which was only 1.3 metres, making thirty laps in total.
"I was crying, I am very disappointed, I am very sad,” she added.
“We took off work and were placed on leave and it is time away from your family.”
In a response to IOL, it said that entry conditions stipulated a no refunds policy.
In their latest statement, Sanlam said it would be offering every 2025 marathon entrant a sponsored entry for either May 2026 or 2027.
It said this offer will be extended to all 2025 marathon entrants, regardless of whether the race succeeds in its bid to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors event.
Sanlam Group CEO, Paul Hanratty said: “When faced with adversity, Africans unite. We find a way to create opportunity out of adversity, in spite of all obstacles and challenges."
CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, Clark Gardner, said they were overwhelmed by the support: “We have been amazed by the support and understanding from our entrants, sponsors and community after the very difficult decision to cancel our event. This incredibly generous offer from Sanlam exemplifies their commitment to our event, even in our lowest moment. Now we will do our part to ensure the 2025 entrants return to our start line, and enjoy a world class marathon on African soil.”
Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie said despite the disappointment runners were filled with “gees" : "I understand the frustration and sadness that many are feeling but the spirit of the marathon has never been just about one day," he said.