All options were weighed before decision to cancel Cape Town Marathon - organisers

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon's organisers said that a joint operations team, made up of disaster risk management, city law enforcement and other stakeholders, weighed up all their options before eventually deciding to cancel the race at 4AM on Sunday.  

Clark Gardner, the group CEO of Faces, who are the organisers of the marathon, said that severe wind wreaked havoc in the race village and running routes from about just after midnight.

Gardner said teams were stripping branding and trying to mitigate the wind before the race village was closed down at 2AM.

"That was not the only risk. On routes, all fencing and road furniture had been blown over. Contra flows were therefore at risk of not being operational and so we could not guarantee the safety of our runners, our volunteers and our staff."

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He said that after trying to create alternatives, a final assessment was done at 4AM.

"Unfortunately, at quarter to five, the joint operations committee, made up of disaster risk, law enforcement, and many others, made the call to cancel the event."    

Gardner said that delaying the start was also discussed but it was decided that warmer weather conditions later in the day would not be suitable for runners.

'IT'S ABOUT THE JOURNEY'

Meanwhile, Western Cape Sports MEC Ricardo Mackenzie has encouraged running enthusiasts to keep the spirit of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon alive.

Mackenzie, who was also prepared to participate, said that the decision to cancel the race was not taken lightly.

"We are deeply disappointed that the Sanlam 2025 Cape Town Marathon has been cancelled due to severe weather conditions. This decision was not taken lightly and follows careful consideration with safety authorities and organisers."

As a runner himself, Mackenzie said he understood the frustration that many were feeling.

"The spirit of this marathon was never just about one day. It's about the journey, the training, the community, and the shared commitment to healthier, more active lives. I want to encourage all athletes, supporters and residents across the Western Cape to keep that spirit alive."     

Organisers say the next Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will be held in May next year.