Sports science blog

The World Marathon Majors and the Cape Town Marathon

Part One: What Are the World Marathon Majors?

The Abbott World Marathon Majors are a series of eight of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world, and finishing them has become a bucket-list goal for runners everywhere. The original six are Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. Sydney joined as the seventh, and in June 2026 Cape Town was confirmed as the eighth.

Runners who finish all six original races earn the coveted Six Star Medal, and there is no time limit to complete them. The medal has not changed with the newer additions: Sydney and Cape Town finishes are celebrated with collectible coins and displays rather than a higher-tier medal. If you have ever heard someone say they are “chasing their stars,” this is what they mean.

How the Majors Differ From Other Road Marathons

Plenty of marathons are well organized and beautiful, so what sets a Major apart? It comes down to a few things.

• Elite competition. Professional athletes race for prize money, so you line up on the same course, on the same day, as the fastest marathoners in the world.
• Operational excellence. The series promises a premium race-day journey, from the expo to the finish line, and holds every Major to the same high standard.
• A global ranking for the rest of us. The Majors run the only truly global ranking system for amateur age-group athletes, built on results from over 375 qualifying races worldwide.
• Demand. Places are scarce. Boston asks for a qualifying time, and most of the others rely on lotteries, charity places or official travel packages, so getting to the start line is often its own achievement.

None of this makes a local marathon less worthy. A Major is a different kind of event: bigger crowds, deeper fields, and a sense of occasion that runners talk about for years.

Part Two: Cape Town, the Newest Major

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was confirmed as the eighth Abbott World Marathon Major on June 10, 2026. It is the first Major ever held on African soil, and it will formally take its place in the series at the 2027 edition on May 23, 2027.

The course itself blends city and scenery. Runners move through streets packed with loud, passionate supporters, then out to coastal and mountain views. Cape Town is already Africa’s only AIMS Gold Label marathon, and entry is by lottery, with official travel packages guaranteeing a place.

Cape Town, South Africa: A Destination Worth the Trip

A Major is a reason to travel, and Cape Town gives you plenty of reasons to stay a few extra days. Build in time to explore before or after race day.

• Table Mountain. Table mountain looms over the whole city. Ride the cable car to the summit or hike one of the trails for sweeping views over the city and coastline. Save the big climbs for after the marathon.
• The Winelands. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl sit within roughly an hour’s drive of the city. Expect vineyards set against mountain backdrops, tasting rooms and excellent food. It is a lovely way to celebrate a finish.
• The ocean. Cape Town is wrapped in coastline, from the beaches along the Atlantic side to the penguins at Boulders Beach and the rugged scenery of Cape Point. A coastal drive is worth the time.
• The V&A Waterfront. A working harbour turned lively hub of restaurants, shops and markets, with Table Mountain as its backdrop. It is an easy place to refuel, wander and soak up the atmosphere.

Race Day Weather: Plan for Anything

The race takes place in late May, which is autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, and the weather in that part of the world can be unpredictable. Race day could bring heat, wind or rain, and sometimes more than one in the same morning.

That is not a reason to worry, but it is a reason to prepare. Train in a range of conditions, practice your fueling and hydration in warm weather, and don’t forget to pack layers and a rain jacket for the trip. Flexible pacing matters too: the best plan on paper may need adjusting on the day. Building that adaptability into training is far easier than improvising it at kilometer 30.

Thinking About Cape Town?

If running a World Marathon Major in one of the most beautiful cities on earth sounds like your kind of challenge, we would love to help you get there. Our Cape Town Marathon coaching program is built around the demands of the course and the conditions you might face in May, with personalized training that fits around your real life.

If you are curious whether it is the right fit, get in touch with Coach Rebecca for a free consultation. Tell her what you are training for, and you can take it from there.