Cape Town Marathon 2025 Cancellation: Insights from 500+ Runners via WhatsApp

A rapid-response examination of runner sentiment and perspectives following the Cape Town Marathon 2025 cancellation. Deployed within 10 hours of the event cancellation, this comprehensive analysis reveals critical insights into communication failures, emotional impact, and strategic recovery opportunities for South Africa's premier marathon event.

Methodology/Data Source Section

Based on real WhatsApp conversational survey data from 518 completed responses, this report reveals the hidden patterns driving runner frustration—and the strategic opportunities organisers are missing to rebuild trust before 2026.

What You'll Discover in This Report

Runner Sentiment Analysis

• ‍Quantitative breakdown of 518 responses across 5 questions, revealing that 67% would have run if given a choice—challenging the cancellation narrative entirely.

Geographic Impact Patterns

• ‍City-by-city analysis showing Cape Town locals are 61% committed to returning while Pretoria shows only 31%—critical for recovery strategy targeting.

Communication Breakdown

• ‍Detailed thematic analysis of what went wrong: 40% wanted delayed starts, 20% cite communication failures, and why "safety reasons" messaging backfired.

International Perspectives

• ‍Direct quotes from USA, Netherlands, Kenya, and UK runners revealing the tourism and reputational damage—and what it takes to win them back.

The Resolution Roadmap

• ‍What 518 runners actually want (not what you think): 37% priority entry, 23% refunds, creative solutions like virtual race options.

Strategic Recommendations

• Six evidence-based protocols for 2026 including delayed start procedures, infrastructure requirements, and communication frameworks tested against runner expectations.

Data Highlights Section

• 67%: Would have run if given a choice
• 10 Hours: From cancellation to deployment
• 518: Complete survey responses
• 49%: Definitely returning in 2026
• R15M+: Estimated economic impact‍
• 5 Countries: International respondents

About This Research

Conducted by Yazi Research, a Cape Town-based firm specializing in rapid-response WhatsApp research. This study was self-funded to give runners a voice in the narrative and demonstrate how mobile-first technology can capture authentic perspectives when timing is critical.

Yazi's platform enables organizations to gather real-time insights in crisis moments—delivering actionable data within hours, not weeks.

• Research Timeline: October 19-21, 2025 (10 hours to deployment)
• Sample: 518 registered runners affected by the cancellation
• Method: WhatsApp-based mobile survey with mixed quantitative (multiple choice) and qualitative (open-ended) questions
• Distribution: Social media campaigns (LinkedIn, Instagram), running club WhatsApp groups, and organic runner networks
• Incentive: R5,000 travel reimbursement (random draw) acknowledging financial losses‍
• Independence: Self-funded research with no commercial relationship to race organisers or sponsors