Sanlam Cape Town Marathon technical sponsor adidas is rallying South Africa and the continent behind a historic mission: helping the race become Africa’s first World Marathon Major by 2026, launching the Adizero Boston 13 Cape Town Edition running shoe and Run for Africa campaign.
To become Africa’s first World Marathon Major, the event needs to reach 15,000 finishers in the 2025 edition.
READ MORE | adidas launches Supernova Rise 2 with more comfort in a lighter package
Gerda magic
adidas is driving this effort through the launch of, and the Road to Sanlam Cape Town Marathon holistic training plan curated by six-time Two Oceans Marathon winner and four-time Comrades winner, Gerda Steyn.
To help runners prepare, adidas invites runners of all levels to join the adidas Runners (AR) community and partake in the 14-week Road to Sanlam Cape Town Marathon training plan, curated by Gerda.
This holistic programme includes expert guidance, and structured workouts, designed to help runners conquer their marathon goals. The training plan is also available for adiClub members through points redemption on the adidas app.
“Training for a marathon is as much about mental preparation as it is physical,” said Gerda.
“With the Road to Sanlam Cape Town Marathon training plan, Ive created a programme that supports runners every step of the way, from their first training run to the finish line. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this journey and to help more South Africans believe in their potential to go the distance.”
READ MORE | Adidas unveils Adizero apparel range for high-speed running
African-inspired design
This year, the Adizero Boston 13 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon edition celebrates the spirit and endurance of Cape Town’s marathoners, combining cutting-edge running technology with African-inspired design.
The shoe features a striking lucid red colourway with unique details: a map of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon route on the insole, the flame logo on the medial sling tab, and printed shoelace aglets.
READ MORE | SS2025 adidas by Stella McCartney range drops!
Run for Africa
To further drive race participation, adidas is proud to continue its Run for Africa initiative for the third consecutive year.
All runners who start, run, and finish the 42.2km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on 19 October 2025 in adidas Running footwear will receive a R2,000 adidas voucher to use online at adidas.co.za (*Ts & Cs apply).
This bold initiative underlines adidas’ belief in the power, resilience, and potential of the African running community.
“adidas is immensely privileged to play a role in shaping the future of running on the continent,” explained Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas South Africa.
“Run for Africa is more than a campaign, it’s a call to action to unite, uplift and inspire runners across South Africa and beyond. As we work toward World Marathon Major status in 2026, we want every runner to know they’re not just chasing a finish line, they’re part of something historic.”
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Boston 13 retails for R3,299 and is available online at adidas.co.za and at select adidas stores. For more info or to follow the journey, visit @adidasZA and join the conversation
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.