Near-perfect conditions, sunshine and little wind
2026 Ballot results
The datasheet
Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026 ballot: 17th edition
The first ballot-entry edition of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon delivered the fastest marathon ever run on African soil, and 17 days later, confirmation as the eighth Abbott World Marathon Major, Africa's first.
Edition
17th edition
Applications not published by race organiser
Field size
n/a
Not yet reported
Results date
Nov 26
2025
Race day
May 24
2026
Ballot open
Nov 6
2025
Ballot close
Nov 25
2025
Race day weather
What runners faced on the course
Context
What made 2026 notable
Cape Town's first ballot draw fed its biggest day yet. The 2026 edition was the final test of a multi-year Abbott candidacy, the first run on the new late-May date after years in October, and it landed in near-perfect sunshine with little wind. Huseyidin Mohamed Esa won in 2:04:55, the fastest marathon ever run on African soil, with the top ten all inside the old 2:08:16 course record, and Dera Dida took the women's race in 2:23:18. Eliud Kipchoge opened his seven-continent World Tour with 16th in 2:13:29. Seventeen days later, on June 10, Abbott confirmed Cape Town as the eighth Major, and every 2026 finisher's provisional star turned real.
FAQ
Questions about the 2026 ballot
When did the 2026 Cape Town Marathon ballot run?
Open 6 November to 25 November 2025, with a non-refundable R5 application fee. The draw was held and results emailed on 26 November 2025, with the remaining entry fee charged automatically to successful applicants.
How many applied for the 2026 Cape Town ballot?
The organisers have not published application counts, ballot places, or an acceptance rate for the first ballot.
Did the 2026 Cape Town Marathon count as a World Marathon Major?
Not on race day. Finishers received a provisional AbbottWMM star, and on 10 June 2026 Abbott confirmed Cape Town as the eighth Major, upgrading those stars retroactively. The race formally joins the series at the 23 May 2027 edition.
What happened on race day, 24 May 2026?
Huseyidin Mohamed Esa won in 2:04:55, the fastest marathon ever run on African soil, with the top 10 all inside the old 2:08:16 course record. Dera Dida won the women's race in 2:23:18, and Eliud Kipchoge finished 16th in 2:13:29 to open his seven-continent World Tour.
When is the 2027 Cape Town Marathon ballot?
Opened 10 June 2026, closes 24 June 2026, and all applicants are notified of the outcome on 26 June 2026. The 2027 race is on 23 May 2027, Cape Town's first as a full Major.
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