adidas Launches Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026 Edition, Boston 13, and Run for Africa Campaign
adidas South Africa unveils the 2026 edition of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Adizero Boston 13, alongside the return of its Run for Africa campaign and the Road to Sanlam Cape Town Marathon training program curated by Gerda Steyn.
Designed to celebrate the spirit and determination of the African running community, the Adizero Boston 13 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon edition combines race-ready innovation with details inspired by one of the continent’s most iconic races.
This year’s edition arrives in a striking Dusky Petrol / Gold Metallic / Lucid Aquamarine colourway, inspired by the official Sanlam Cape Town Marathon palette. The shoe features a traditional print pattern on the heel and insole, alongside the flame logo, symbolising the energy, movement, and resilience of runners preparing to take on the 42.2km distance.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, taking place on Sunday, 24 May 2026, continues its pursuit of becoming Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major. While the race has not yet attained Major status, it continues to build momentum as one of the fastest-growing marathon events globally, with over 27,000 total participants expected to compete in the main marathon, along with various support races.
Excitement is already building around the elite field, with high-caliber global athletes ready to line up, including Adane Kebede, the 2023 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon winner, and second place in 2024, Stephen Kiprop, Justus Kiprop, Cynthia Limo and Leah Cherutu, further cementing the event’s reputation on the international running calendar.
While last year’s event was unable to take place, the spirit of the running community has only grown stronger.
For thousands of runners across the continent, the message is simple: We will go again.
In support of this mission, adidas reaffirms its commitment to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon for the third year, pledging that all runners who start, run, and finish the 42.2km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in adidas footwear will receive a R2,000 adidas online voucher.
This initiative underlines adidas’ belief in the power, resilience, and potential of the African running community.
How it works
• Enter the 42.2km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
• Start, run, and finish the marathon in adidas Running footwear.
• Receive a R2,000 adidas voucher to use online at adidas.co.za (Ts & Cs apply).
Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas South Africa, says: “The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon represents the ambition and spirit of African running. Each year the momentum continues to grow, from the strength of the elite field to the thousands of runners preparing to take on the streets of Cape Town. Through Run for Africa, adidas is proud to support this journey, celebrating the runners who show up, push limits, and help build the future of marathon running on the continent.”
To help runners prepare, adidas invites runners of all levels to join the adidas Runners (AR) community and take part in the Road to Sanlam Cape Town Marathon training plan, curated by the Queen of the Road, Gerda Steyn. The 12-week holistic programme includes expert guidance and structured workouts designed to help runners conquer their marathon goals. The training plan is also available to adiClub members via points redemption on the adidas app.
“The marathon has a way of teaching you resilience, and that’s something runners across South Africa understand deeply. Every training block, every early morning run, and every kilometer builds belief. With the Road to Sanlam Cape Town Marathon training plan, my goal is to help runners arrive at the start line confident, prepared, and ready to embrace the journey to the finish,” said Gerda Steyn.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Boston 13 retails for R3299 and is available online and at select adidas stores.
For more information or to follow the journey, visit @adidasZA and join the conversation.
