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7h ago

Cape Town Marathon Called Off on Race Morning After High Winds Create Safety Risks

Organisers now face anger over a no-refund policy as their World Marathon Majors assessment is reviewed by series officials.

Athletes compete in the Cape Town Marathon on 15 September 2019. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Nic Bothma)
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Overview

  • Organisers and the multi-agency Joint Operations Committee cancelled the race at 04:45 and notified runners at 05:00 after assessing overnight damage.
  • Gale-force gusts blew over marquees and scaffolding at Green Point and left parts of the route unsafe, with SAPS saying conditions posed risks to runners and pedestrians.
  • About 24,000 entrants were affected, with many already at or traveling to the start for the planned 06:15 gun.
  • Officials confirmed entry fees will not be refunded and 2025 entries will not roll over to 2026, prompting widespread criticism from participants.
  • The late cancellation is a setback to the event’s bid for Abbott World Marathon Majors status, with AbbottWMM expressing support, seeking more information, and indicating a return in May to evaluate further.