Thousands of runners devastated as Cape Town Marathon cancelled

The cancellation of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday morning because of severe overnight winds left thousands of runners devastated.

Some said the organisers should have just postponed the race for a few hours, as the strong winds later eased.

About 24,000 runners were expected to take part in one of the country’s most popular marathons, but strong winds overnight forced the organisers to cancel the race.

The marathon was set to start at 6.15am at Green Point, and the decision to cancel was taken at 4.45am on Sunday morning after the start and finish area was severely damaged by wind.

It’s frustrating and painful and disappointing.

—  Gift Gwaza, runner from Uganda

Runners were informed at 5am, with some already making their way to the start. Rumours started going around at 3.30am after buses in the park-and-ride area were told not to move until further notice.

Runners, including international hopefuls, were left disappointed. Gift Gwaza from Uganda said though he was disappointed, he accepted the safety of the runners had to come first.

“It’s frustrating and painful and disappointing; we put in a lot of work in preparing for the race. A lot of resources for us just to get here,” Gwaza told Sowetan on Sunday.

“We spent money on flights and accommodation. I was looking forward to experiencing the streets of Cape Town, but if it’s for the safety of runners, I accept.”

Tom Kabali from Uganda said: “This is the biggest disappointment I’ve had for the year. I’m devastated. Its being cancelled a few minutes before the race is the worst thing that could ever happen. Twenty of us flew from Uganda to here, only for it to turn out to be the worst experience.”

Another runner, who asked not to be named, said she spent R7,000 on accommodation and close to R6,000 on flights.

Tinyiko Baloyi, who came from Polokwane to run what would have been her first Cape Town marathon, said: “Looking at the fact that this marathon is moving to another month next year [May], I will probably not run it because it is very close to the Comrades Marathon and after Two Oceans.”

Clark Garner, CEO of the Cape Town Marathon, said they were devastated at the cancellation and felt for the runners who had put their all into preparing in the past few months.

“We’ve worked for months on planning for all scenarios and conditions, but ultimately a bigger force had the final say, and we are sorry for the situation,” he said.

The Cape Town Marathon is hoping to get Abbott Major status, such as Boston, London, New York, Tokyo and Sydney.

Dawna Stone, CEO of Abbott World Marathon Majors, said Sunday’s cancellation won’t affect Cape Town’s chances.

“Our hearts go to the Cape Town Marathon team. I know they are devastated, but the safety of the runners, the volunteers and everyone working here comes first.”

Sowetan