Johannesburg – The Cape Town Marathon has become the first race in Africa to secure Silver Label status from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), organisers confirmed.
The annual event, relaunched last year, achieved the necessary criteria to be listed among 22 road races around the world with second-tier status.
“We're delighted to announce the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has achieved this status,” said race ambassador Elana Meyer.
“This will be crucial in assisting South African athletes achieve Silver Label status as individuals.
“It will give them the opportunity to qualify for Gold Label events around the world and earn a living from the sport. Not enough of our athletes are able to do that at the moment.”
With their first goal in the bag, the race's executive committee had set their sights on becoming one of the top 30 road races around the globe by achieving Gold Label status.
While the Gabon Marathon in Libreville had achieved Bronze Label status, no road race in Africa held Silver or Gold Label recognition from the IAAF.
“This race is not necessarily about profiling Cape Town. We want this to be the must-run marathon in Africa,” said Janet Welham, a member of the race's executive committee.
“We want it to become Africa's largest running event and one of the biggest fundraising sporting events in South Africa.”
In order to achieve Gold label status, the organisers needed to make some key changes for this year's race by, among other things, raising the quality of the elite field, showcasing the history and heritage of the city and offering live television coverage in five countries.
“There are special target areas we need to address to close the loophole, and we are now trying to do that,” Welham said.
Entries had been capped for the first time, Welham confirmed, with 7 500 runners allowed in the 42km race and 10 000 in the 10km event.
A further 3 000 places would be made available for the 11km and 21km trail races and the 4.2km fun run.
Entries would open on Sunday for the annual race, to be held in the Mother City in September. – Sapa