With the Cape Town Marathon called off, SAPS took the lead, turning Bishop Lavis Academy into a hub of health checks and fitness activities.
Cape Town, South Africa (20 October 2025) – When the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was unexpectedly cancelled yesterday, many refused to slow down. This includes the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Nearly 600 officers had been preparing to take part in the race, representing discipline, unity, and the power of fitness within the force. But when safety concerns brought the marathon to an abrupt halt, SAPS simply changed course, turning what could have been a day of disappointment into one of inspiration.
Instead of hanging up their running shoes, the officers headed to SAPS Bishop Lavis Academy, where it was transformed into a day of celebration of health and wellness. The atmosphere was alive with movement, from fitness checks, health screenings, and laughter filling the space. It became a reminder that, even when plans fall apart, teamwork and purpose keep the spirit strong.
Across Cape Town, more than 24,000 registered runners were coming to terms with the cancellation. Some are still in disbelief, others are creating their own routes to keep the tradition alive. Even marathon captain Jaryd Browne encouraged runners online to find new ways to celebrate the day.
As news of the marathon’s cancellation spread, social media quickly lit up with humour and light-hearted banter. Runners shared memes and jokes about waking up in their running gear only to find their plans derailed. Even in disappointment, South Africans found a way to laugh at the situation, turning shared frustration into a moment of collective humour. Some even took to singing in the streets, turning their disappointment into a celebration of community spirit.
But for SAPS, the marathon may have stopped them, but their commitment to fitness, to service, and to showing up never did.
by 