The 2026 City to City Marathon has been cancelled after organisers failed to secure the financial support and sponsorship needed to stage the iconic road race.
Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) and Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) announced on Monday that the marathon, which was scheduled to take place on 27 September 2026, would not go ahead.
In a joint statement, the two athletics bodies said the decision was taken because they were unable to secure the necessary financial support to stage the event “to the appropriate standard”.
The cancellation is a blow to the Gauteng road-running community, with the City to City Marathon having built a longstanding reputation as one of the region’s major road-running events.
CGA and AGN acknowledged the race’s historical and heritage significance, saying it had played an important role in the development of road running in the region and remained an important part of Gauteng’s sporting heritage.
“We acknowledge the disappointment this decision may cause and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to athletes, clubs, officials, volunteers, partners, stakeholders and members of the public,” the organisations said.
The cancellation also comes after preparations for the 2026 race had been under way, leaving athletes, clubs and other stakeholders affected by the decision.
However, CGA and AGN stressed that the cancellation was not intended to mark the end of the marathon.
The organisations said they had already begun engagements with potential sponsors and strategic partners in an effort to establish a sustainable financial foundation for the race’s return.
“Our objective is to work towards the return of the City to City Marathon to the 2027 athletics calendar, subject to securing the necessary support,” they said.
The City to City Marathon has historically been an important fixture on the Gauteng road-running calendar, attracting athletes from across the country and contributing to the province’s athletics heritage.
Its cancellation highlights the growing financial pressures facing major sporting events, particularly those that rely heavily on sponsorship and external financial support.
For now, however, CGA and AGN say their focus is on ensuring that the race returns in a manner that reflects its history and importance to the athletics community.
They said they remained committed to working with stakeholders to secure the future of the event.
The 2027 return will, however, remain dependent on the organisers securing sufficient financial backing and sponsorship.
