The 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K has been cancelled due to severe weather conditions forecast for Cape Town and the Western Cape this weekend, organisers confirmed on Friday.
Race organisers said the decision was made after consultations with the City of Cape Town, local authorities and appointed safety officials.
The event had been scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 10.
According to the latest forecasts, a cold front is expected to make landfall over the Western Cape on Sunday morning, followed by a second cold front on Monday.
Weather warnings include disruptive rainfall, gale-force coastal winds and cold, wet and windy conditions across the province.
Authorities also warned of possible flooding in formal and informal settlements, flooded roads and hazardous driving conditions.
Race Director Dezroy Poole said organisers had been closely monitoring weather predictions in the lead-up to race weekend.
“This decision was not taken lightly, especially considering the anticipation surrounding the event and the commitment shown by our runners, sponsors and partners,” Poole said.
He added that organisers could not guarantee a safe race experience under the expected weather conditions.
Leonora DeSouza-Zilwa, Director of Events and Film at the City of Cape Town, said safety remained the city’s top priority.
She said the severe weather posed risks to participants, public infrastructure, mobility and essential services.
As part of arrangements following the cancellation, participants will be offered either a full refund or free entry to the 2027 race.
Runners will also still be able to collect official race packs and event merchandise at Grand Parade.
Sydney Mbhele, Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Absa Group, said the safety of participants and the broader community remained the primary consideration throughout the decision-making process.
Mbhele said organisers understood the disappointment of runners but safety had to come first.
IOL
