The pulse of the Mother City’s running scene beats strongest far from the elite start line, in the clubs and communities that shape every stride taken across its roads. With the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon (SCTM)pursuing Abbott World Marathon Major status, adidas has placed the spotlight on the network of runners who have turned the sport into a city-wide movement.
From the Sea Point promenade to the streets of Khayelitsha and the shaded routes of Constantia, running has grown into a shared culture. Clubs such as Running Late Club, adidas Runners Cape Town, VOB Running Club and Khayelitsha Athletics Club have become central to that rise, offering structure, support and a sense of belonging.
adidas Runners Cape Town captain Drew Ngcaba said the impact of community extended beyond performance.
“adidas Runners saved my life. When I was recovering from knee surgery, I couldn’t run, I couldn’t train and I was in a dark place. But the community kept me going. Serving the community kept me going. That’s what it means to me,” said Ngcaba.
He added that the growth of the sport in Cape Town has been rapid.
“Running in the last few years has become a must-do. Races sell out within hours. It’s not just about elites anymore; brands like adidas create spaces where everyone can experience running. It elevates the whole city.”
At VOB Running Club, captain Elydia de Monk (pictured below) has witnessed the marathon’s evolution over more than a decade.
“Years ago, it was just another marathon. Now it’s exhilarating, there’s so much excitement. You see international runners and familiar faces on the route and it’s grown into something incredibly special for our city,” she said.
De Monk said the club’s focus remained on participation and milestones.
“My highlight is helping members run their first marathon, their first half and their first ultra. Crossing the finish line with them, that’s special. It’s about being part of someone’s first.”
In Khayelitsha, running has become a platform for identity and opportunity. Khayelitsha Athletics Club captain Siphiwo Melani (pictured below) said the sport offered more than physical benefits.
“When you’re outside, you think running is just waking up and running. Then you discover the community behind it, the organisation and structure. It gave me purpose and a sense of belonging,” said Melani.
He recalled a defining moment during the marathon.
“There was a young girl on the side of the road cheering. She didn’t know me, she just saw the Khayelitsha vest. That’s when I realised this is bigger than me. Khayelitsha is not a jungle. There are good things happening here. When thousands of people come to run here, it makes me proud. We are rewriting the story.”
Collaboration among clubs has also increased, with groups training together and supporting each other’s events as participation numbers continue to climb.
As Cape Town strengthens its bid for global marathon recognition, it is these communities that remain the foundation, carrying the city’s ambitions one step at a time.
The Mother City is set to host a marathon that could rewrite its record books. The2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, staged on Sunday, 19 October, features a lightning-fast field.
The line-up includes two men under 2:05, four more below2:06, and another four beneath2:07.
The women’s line-up boasts athletes with personal bests of 2:16, 2:17 and 2:18, plus two more who have broken2:20. This combination thas pundits sharpening pencils for new course records.
Records on the Edge
Both course records set in 2024 are within striking distance. Ethiopia’s Abdisa Tola ran 2:08:15, while South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba scorched the women’s mark at 2:22:22, eclipsing national and continental times. Xaba’s performance sliced nearly two minutes off Gerda Steyn’s former SA record and redefined the standard for women’s marathon running on African soil.
On the men’s side, Tola’s time edged close to the South African all-comers mark of 2:08:04 (an aided downhill mark from 1986). The fastest legal time on South African soil remains Stephen Mokoka’s 2:08:31 (2018), a benchmark now squarely in the elite field’s sights.
The front pack reads like a who’s who of marathon royalty. Kenya’s Ronald Korir (PB 2:04:22) and Bethwell Chumba Kibet (2:04:37) headline, joined by Morocco’s Othmane El Goumri (2:05:12). Yet the man drawing the loudest local attention is South Africa’s Elroy Gelant, fresh from a national-record 2:05:36 in Hamburg.
“My goal is to improve on my previous best SCTM time. Running in front of a home crowd gives me wings. The Cape Town route is honest and fast. I believe we can push it to new limits.,” said Elroy Gelant
Season form now places Gelant atop the 2025 pecking order, followed by Korir and El Goumri. Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana (national record 2:06:18) and Kenya’s Justus Kangogo also loom as pace-setters. Veterans such as three-time champion Stephen Mokoka, despite turning 40 in 2025, remain potential disruptors.
Women’s Race: Fire Meets Form
Women Elite runners in action at the SCTM Photo: Caleb Bjergfelt
The women’s contest promises equal drama. Winfridah Moraa Moseti of Kenya headlines with a 2025 PB of 2:16:56 from Tokyo, while compatriot Angela Tanui and Ethiopia’s Meseret Belete bring sub-2:19 speed.
“The course, the crowd, the energy, it all pushes you forward. If the weather plays along, we can chase history,” said Winfridah Moraa Moseti
Back home, Gerda Steyn returns following wins at Two Oceans and Comrades; her marathon PB of 2:24:03 suggests she may be primed to reclaim speed over the classic 42.195km distance.
Wheelchair Division: Rivals Roll Again
The wheelchair races set up a rematch between Japan’s Sho Watanabe and the Netherlands’ Geert Schipper, separated by a photo-finish in 2024 when both clocked 1:37:33.
“This race always comes down to heart and timing. Cape Town pushes us to the limit—literally.” — Geert Schipper
Defending women’s champion Michelle Wheeler (USA) returns, while an international crop of newcomers adds depth and unpredictability to the field.
The Road to Major Status
Beyond trophies and split times, the 2025 race carries extra weight: the event is in Phase 2 of theAbbott World Marathon Majorscandidacy process, aiming to become Africa’s first Major.
The race’s Platinum and Gold Label athletes help tick essential boxes for that bid.
With a world-class elite line-up, a scenic yet fast route, and passionate local support, Cape Town looks poised to sprint into the global marathon spotlight once more.
