In what came as a shock decision on Sunday, the Cape Town Marathon was abruptly called off as a result of wind “safety concerns”.
According to the official statement, organisers made the decision to cancel the race at 04:45, and communications to all runners went out at 05:00.
Around 24 000 runners were due to start the race at 06:15, and many were already at the venue or on their way into the city when the cancellation was announced.
Numerous runners took to social media to suggest that the decision had been taken too hastily, while questioning how an elite international event such as this would rebuild its reputation considering that the Cape is renowned for strong winds.
WIDESPREAD REACTION TO CANCELLATION OF CAPE TOWN MARATHON
Official statement
In an official statement, organisers stated: “Due to severe winds overnight that carried on into the early hours of the morning, the 2025 edition of the Cape Town Marathon unfortunately had to be cancelled at short notice this morning.
“The decision to cancel was made at 04:45, and communications to all runners went out at 05:00 in the form of direct WhatsApp messages to all participants and a dedicated running club captains’ group, as well as statements on social media platforms and statements sent to local radio stations, event media partners and key stakeholders.
“Around 24 000 runners were due to start the race at 06:15, and many were already at the venue or on their way into the city when the cancellation was announced.
“The winds overnight wreaked havoc in the race venue in Green Point, with marquee tents damaged and branding being ripped off fences and scaffolding, prompting emergency meetings of the race organising team in conjunction with the Joint Operations Committee (JOC), which consists of representatives from the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management and Safety and Security portfolios, as well as medical services and the South African Police Services (SAPS).
“Cancelling such a huge event is not an easy decision to make, and Clark Gardner, Chief Executive Officer of the Cape Town Marathon, says “The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is devastated at the cancellation of our very special event.
“We have worked for months on planning for all scenarios and conditions, but ultimately a bigger force had the final say, and we are so sorry for the situation.
“We wish to thank our participants, sponsors and stakeholders for their ongoing support and understanding.”
Speaking on behalf of the JOC shortly after the decision to cancel, Colonel Christo Engelbrecht of the SAPS said, “The route is unsafe, as the wind is constantly gusting in Woodstock, and the infrastructure at the start and finish venue has been compromised.
“It’s unsafe for runners and pedestrians in that whole area, and that’s why the race has had to be cancelled.
“It was a collective decision made by the whole team in the Joint Operations Committee.”
The Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, echoed the thoughts of the organising team.
“All the runners must be disappointed, as are we all.
“But I’m grateful to the event organisers for taking a decision with runners’ safety in mind after heavy winds blew down some race infrastructure this morning.
“The City is committed to hosting events of the highest global standards, and that includes sometimes managing difficult calls like this one.”
