All eyes will be on Cape Town this weekend as the city prepares to host the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday, 24 May, with organisers expecting one of the most competitive and high-profile editions to date.
A record-breaking 27,000 runners from more than 145 countries will take part, transforming the Mother City into a global athletics hub for the day.
Cape Town Marathon CEO Clark Gardner says preparations are in place for favourable conditions, with elite international athletes and race directors already arriving in the city.
Princess Nandi Zulu is also participating in the marathon, running to raise funds and awareness for children’s charities and highlight the needs of vulnerable children.
Zulu is running with Team Keep Children Alive (KCA), supporting organisations including Bobbi Bear, the Sabrina Love Foundation and Uzima. Her participation adds a strong humanitarian dimension to an event already attracting global sporting attention.
“The weather forecast looks good, and we’ve got the elite runners arriving, as well as race directors from all the major marathons, who are impressed with our African warmth, the expo, and how we’ve put it on,” said Gardner.
The elite men’s field includes two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya’s Bernard Biwott, and Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa, a former podium finisher at both the Boston and Chicago marathons.
The women’s field is equally competitive, featuring Kenya’s two-time world marathon champion Edna Kiplagat and Israeli Olympic athlete Lonah Salpeter among the leading contenders.
Gardner added that the women’s race features three platinum and eight gold label athletes, setting the stage for a fast-paced contest.
Spectators are expected to line the streets of Cape Town, while the marathon will also be streamed live globally. Organisers have encouraged fans to gather at key viewing points including Beach Road, Rondebosch Common and Long Street, where wheelchair athletes are expected to reach high speeds on downhill sections.