The women’s race at the 2026 Cape Town Marathon started at a fast but controlled pace. The opening 5 kilometers were covered in 17:13, equivalent to a 3:26/km tempo. Ewnetie Dagnaw led an eleven‑woman pack that included Dera Dida Yami, Edna Kiplagat, Emebet Mamo, Mercy Kwambai, Vibian Chepkirui and Mestawut Fikir.
A standout presence in the front group was 47‑year‑old Edna Kiplagat — a two‑time World Marathon Champion and the 2017 Boston winner. Her ability to remain in the lead pack at this stage, given the statistical norms of elite marathoning, was remarkable in itself.
The decisive phase unfolded between kilometers 35 and 40. The leaders accelerated to a 3:12/km pace, covering the segment in 16:00. Only four athletes remained in contention. Yami and Dagnaw reached the 40 km mark together in 2:16:11. Mestawut Fikir was 8 seconds behind, while Waganesh Amare passed in 2:16:27. Leah Cheruto, who had been leading through 30 km, slipped to a 39‑second deficit.
The final 2.195 kilometers — along the inland turn through Mouille Point and into Vlei Road — would decide the winner. In the head‑to‑head battle, Dera Dida Yami proved strongest and crossed the finish line first in 2:23:18.
Ethiopia sweeps the podium
Behind the winner, her compatriots Mestawut Fikir (2:23:46) and Waganesh Amare (2:23:57) completed the all‑Ethiopian podium. Leah Cheruto of Kenya, who had dictated the pace earlier in the race, finished fourth after losing contact during the late surge. The top six also included the ever‑reliable Edna Kiplagat and Gojjam Enyew.
Cape Town Marathon 2026 – Women’s Results
Cape Town Marathon 2026 – Men’s Race
Source: Cape Town Marathon / Abbott World Marathon Majors
