Cape Town Marathon 2026 With Eliud Kipchoge

Eliud Kipchoge has announced that the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will serve as the opening chapter of his Eliud’s Running World project, a series of seven marathons across all continents. The initiative aims to inspire running communities and highlight the role of running as a force that connects people worldwide. The race will take place on 24 May 2026.

The project reflects Kipchoge’s long-term vision of promoting a healthier lifestyle and building a global community through sport. Over the next two years, he plans to run a marathon on each continent, meeting local running groups and engaging in educational and community-focused activities. The initiative also supports the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which focuses on environmental protection and access to education in regions that need it most.

Kipchoge emphasizes that beginning the project in Africa carries special meaning for him. It is where his career began, and the race in Cape Town will be the first marathon of his career run on the African continent. He describes this moment as symbolic and important for the entire project.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has strengthened its position as one of the leading road races globally. In 2026, more than 27,000 runners are expected at the start line, highlighting the event’s rapid growth. The race is a candidate for Abbott World Marathon Majors status, which could bring Africa its first event of this level.

Organisers note that hosting Kipchoge is an important step in building the marathon’s profile and promoting African running. The presence of one of the greatest marathon runners in history reinforces the continent’s significance in global sport and opens new opportunities for local communities.

Further locations in the Eliud’s Running World project will be announced in the coming days.

Source: Cape Town Marathon