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Important update: Cancellation of the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K
The 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K has been cancelled following severe weather warnings issued for Cape Town and the Western Cape ahead of race day this Sunday, 10 May 2026.
The decision has been made after extensive consultation between the event organisers, the City of Cape Town, Disaster Risk Management, local authorities and appointed safety officials.
How the decision was made
In the days leading up to race day, operational teams continuously monitored evolving weather forecasts while conducting daily risk assessments. The aim was to determine whether the event could proceed without compromising the safety of participants, spectators, staff and the wider public.
According to the latest forecasts, a cold front is expected to hit the province on Sunday morning, bringing disruptive rainfall, strong interior winds and gale-force coastal conditions. A second cold front is expected to follow on Monday, 11 May 2026. Authorities have also warned of possible flooding in both formal and informal settlements, hazardous driving conditions and disruption to public infrastructure and essential services.
Following a full safety review, organisers confirmed that conditions would not allow for a safe and controlled, mass-participation road-running event.
“This decision was not taken lightly, especially considering the anticipation surrounding the event and the commitment shown by our runners, sponsors and partners. However, under the expected conditions, we could not guarantee a safe and enjoyable race experience for everyone involved,” says Dezroy Poole, Race Director of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.
“With the severe weather warnings issued for Cape Town this weekend posing a serious safety risk to participants, as well as impacting public infrastructure, mobility, essential services and most importantly the safety of all stakeholders, responsible decision-making becomes critical. While we understand the anticipation from thousands of participants and the broader running community, for the City of Cape Town, safety at events hosted in our city is always a priority, and responsible decision-making becomes critical,” says Leonora DeSouza-Zilwa, Director Events & Film, City of Cape Town.
What this means for participants
Behind every race entry was a personal goal, a reason for showing up and months of preparation. With that in mind, Absa and the event organisers have confirmed a support plan for all registered runners following the cancellation of the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K.
As part of Absa’s Your Story Matters brand ethos, participants will be able to choose the option that works best for them, particularly at a time when many South Africans are feeling the pressure of rising costs.
Sydney Mbhele, Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Absa, says safety remains the priority throughout the decision-making process.
“While we share in the disappointment of thousands of runners who were looking forward to this event, safety had to come first. The decision to cancel was not an easy one, but we are pleased to offer participants the choice between a full refund or complimentary entry to a 2027 Absa RUN YOUR CITY race,” says Mbhele.
Option 1: Collect your race pack and receive a complimentary 2027 entry
Participants can still collect their official race pack and event merchandise from Grand Parade and will also receive a complimentary entry to a 2027 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series race of their choice.
Race pack collection will continue as scheduled:
- Friday, 08 May 2026: 09:00–19:00
- Saturday, 09 May 2026: 09:00–17:00
Option 2: Receive a full refund
Participants who would prefer not to defer their race experience to next year can instead choose to receive a full refund of their 2026 entry fee.
Please note:
Over the course of the weekend, all registered runners will receive communication via WhatsApp and email with details on the refund process, next steps and how to select their preferred option. Participants are encouraged to follow the instructions shared in those communications and keep an eye on the event’s social media platforms for real-time updates.
Conclusion
The organisers shared the news of the cancellation via a podcast, unpacking the decision in more detail and addressing key questions around the cancellation. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has grown into one of South Africa’s premier road running events since launching in 2015. It draws elite athletes, social runners and spectators from across the country. The series includes events in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Johannesburg and Gqeberha.