WILD TOMORROWS FIRST OFFICIAL TEAM ELEPHANT, CAPE TOWN TEAM
On May 23rd, 2026, 18 incredible runners took on the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon for Wild Tomorrow’s Team Elephant! This year's race marked a historic milestone, as the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon officially became the eighth Abbott World Marathon Major. To make the experience even more special, our runners had the opportunity to visit the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve before or after race weekend and contribute to Wild Tomorrow’s conservation work. We are incredibly proud of this amazing team and grateful for their dedication to wildlife conservation, read more about their trip below!
Cape Town runners Thomas, Jackson, Nicholas, Monia, Ben, Polina and Egor, post race…congratulations!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 TEAM ELEPHANT CAPE TOWN RUNNERS
While we had planned to field a Team Elephant Cape Town team in October 2025, the race was unfortunately canceled due to severe weather. As a result, this 2026 team became our first official Team Elephant Cape Town team - what an incredible debut it was.
Together, the team raised an astounding $42,222 to support wildlife conservation projects in South Africa. This remarkable achievement reflects the passion, commitment, and generosity of every runner who took part. We are deeply grateful for their support and dedication to protecting wildlife and wild spaces.
CAPE TOWN IS OFFICIALLY AN ABBOTT WORLD MAJOR MARATHON
Sierra after completing the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon!
According to the official Cape Town Marathon website, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially become a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, making it Africa's first-ever World Marathon Major.
Following the May 23, 2026 race, Cape Town successfully passed the second and final stage of the Abbott World Marathon Majors assessment process, joining Berlin, Boston, London, New York City, Paris, Sydney, and Tokyo as the eighth race in this prestigious global series.
Africa is home to some of the world's most talented runners, yet until now, no marathon on the continent had achieved Major status. Cape Town's inclusion marks a significant moment for the sport and for African athletics.
“Team Elephant didn’t just run a marathon; they saw the wildlife, landscapes, and communities their fundraising helps protect and sustain. Some marathons are measured in miles. This one was measured in purpose, connection, and impact. For me, this experience was especially meaningful. It was my first time visiting the reserve, and seeing the work on the ground brought our mission to life in a way I will never forget. I share the same emotions many of our runners felt—the awe of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat, the deep connection to the land, and the profound understanding of why this work matters so much.
A huge congratulations to each and every one of you. Not only did you complete the Cape Town Marathon, but you did so in the historic year it became a Major—a milestone that will forever be part of your story. And what an extraordinary achievement for Team Elephant! Cape Town Marathon has officially become one of Team Elephant’s flagship events, standing proudly alongside the legendary New York City Marathon.”
EXPERIENCE CAPE TOWN
Kayaking with wildlife in Cape Town.
Many of our Team Elephant runners traveled internationally for the race and arrived a few days early to experience some of Cape Town's most iconic attractions.
Participants had the option to join a half-day kayaking excursion and visit Boulders Beach to see its famous African penguin colony. They also came together for a 5K shakeout run the day before the marathon, followed by a team dinner and post-race celebrations—creating lasting friendships and unforgettable memories along the way.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE ADD-ON
Sierra, Nicholas, and Laura alongside Wild Tomorrow staff members Shay, Wendy, and Sena!
One of the most unique aspects of the Cape Town Marathon experience is the opportunity for runners to visit the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and volunteer alongside Wild Tomorrow and our conservation partners.
One group arrived at the reserve before the marathon, enjoying some rest and relaxation before conquering 26.2 miles through the streets of Cape Town. The second group visited after the race for some well-deserved recovery…although there wasn't much downtime, as they quickly got to work supporting conservation efforts!
Volunteers participated in a variety of memorable activities and experienced several once-in-a-lifetime moments. They received an introduction to our sand forest nursery and restoration project from our knowledgeable Reserve Manager, Kevin, who also conducted a bird-ringing demonstration to showcase how we monitor bird populations, migration patterns, and behavior.
The groups enjoyed game drives throughout the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve, and since they're all runners, we couldn't resist taking them on a few scenic runs through the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and False Bay Park (arguably one of the most beautiful training grounds).
Although Wild Tomorrow’s Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve is not yet home to the Big Five, we partner with neighboring reserves, including Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, where volunteers had the opportunity to enjoy Big Five game drives.
Leopard mother and cub tracks at Ukuwela.
A tower of giraffe on the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve.
The team also spent time removing invasive plant species alongside the Green Mambas, our women-led reserve habitat restoration team. They enjoyed a peaceful boat cruise along the Mzinene River, spotting crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of birdlife along the way.
To cap off an unforgettable week, volunteers participated in two truly extraordinary conservation experiences. Group 1 had the opportunity to witness and fund a rhino horn trimming, while Group 2 visited a rhino orphanage and assisted with trimming the horns of orphaned rhinos as part of their ongoing protection and management.
Orphan rhino horn trimming.
Laura holding rhino horn shavings.
We are extremely proud of the 18 #TeamElephant runners who joined us in Cape Town this year and even more proud of the impact they brought to our conservation work…with hands on work as well as funds raised!
Want to get involved? Join Team Elephant for races around the world or join a Conservation Experience Trip with Wild Tomorrow in the field! Ensuring there will be a wild tomorrow.