2024 has been a huge year for the World Marathon Majors. The Chicago Marathon broke its attendance record with 52,150 finishers compared to last year’s 47,000. Then came the iconic New York Marathon, which also made history with 55,000 participants in 2024. So, amidst the growing popularity of the format, it’s no surprise the WMM is choosing to strike while the iron is hot.

Six famous tracks, namely Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York, have been part of the catalog for the longest time. However, in a bid to evolve alongside the demand and create its crown as the foremost marathon series in the world, the WMM has announced the TCS Sydney Marathon will join the lineup in 2025. And just as people were getting excited at the prospect of a seven-star medal, the WMM has hit marathon fans with another big move.

“The Abbot World Marathon Majors announce the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon passed its first assessment. A big step in its process to become the 8th World Marathon Major,” Citius Mag founder Chris Chaves revealed on X. However, those getting too excited should hold their horses. The venue needed to pass one more step before joining the World Marathon Majors lineup.

“Cape Town will need to pass a second assessment in Oct. 2025 in order to be added to the series in 2026. Would be the first World Marathon Major in Africa,” added Chris Chavez. However, even passing the first step marks the clearance of a huge hurdle. Besides the organizers, even Cape Town’s residents ensured the race wouldn’t encounter blocked roads for parked cars.

“Our success in Stage 1 showcases the power of collaboration. From sponsors, service providers, participants to residents, our city demonstrated what can be achieved when we come together with a shared vision.” Sanlam Cape Town Marathon CEO Clark Gardner said. However, you may be wondering why Cape Town got the nod as the eighth WMM candidate.

Cape Town’s lasting ambition to join the World Marathon Majors

Sanlam Chief Executive Sydney Mbhele commented on their nearly decade-long desire to join the series after becoming a candidate. “This is our eighth year as headline sponsor of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon… We have always believed deeply in the vision for this race – to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major,” said Mbhele.

However, you don’t become part of the World Marathon Majors just because your city can provide 26.2 miles of open road. The TCS Sydney Marathon joined the lineup as the seventh venue, as it’s one of the fastest-growing races in the Oceania region. This year 20,272 runners participated in Sydney, quite the jump from last year’s 17,000. However, Cape Town has done something special.

Besides crossing the 20,000 participants milestone, Cape Town is among the leaders in sustainability. As the South African city battles climate change, the organizers vowed to make it the greenest event, and not just in track and field. Their efforts to become carbon-natural paid off seven years ago in 2017. Marathon Director Barry van Blerk discussed their continued effort with BBC Africa.

“We see ourselves as a leader in that field… We want to bolster one of our key objectives, to get better in that field every year, and to see how we can offset carbon – not only around the marathon but also after,” Blerk told the news outlet. With the first hurdle cleared, the Sanlam Cape Town marathon has set its sights on the second WMM assessment.

“Now, we set our sights on Stage 2, with the goal of not just meeting but exceeding all expectations,” said the event CEO. If they pass, Cape Town will join the World Marathon Majors lineup as the eighth venue in 2026.