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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
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
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 the "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, plus 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
About this research
Conducted by Yazi Research, a Cape Town–based firm specialising in rapid-response WhatsApp research. This study was self-funded to give runners a voice in the narrative — and to demonstrate how mobile-first technology can capture authentic perspectives when timing is critical.
Yazi's platform enables organisations to gather real-time insights in crisis moments, delivering actionable data within hours, not weeks.
Want to see the full report, or run a similar rapid-response study with Yazi?
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