According to a statement, the race has been stopped due to safety reasons. About 24 000 runners had registered to run the race and were set to begin on Sunday morning, with some already gathering at the start point, when they were informed on the cancellation.
The cancellations comes after gale force winds blew over temporary structures along the route which, organisers say, could have jeopardised the safety of runners and spectators.
This year’s event was supposed to be phase two of their bid to secure Abbott World Marathon Major status. There are currently seven major city marathons, including New York, London, Tokyo and Sydney.
Runners have expressed disappointment at the news.
“I can’t express my disappointment. This was going to be my first Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. When I saw the information, I initially thought it’s fake news. I’ve travelled more than 1500 km from Polokwane in Limpopo and I can’t run. I spent a lot of money to prepare the marathon, such as booking for accommodation, flight from Polokwane to Cape Town, and other running needs. I also took leave from my work, I was disappointed to hear this news,” one runner said.
–SABC–
