The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon delivered a historic weekend for African running, with a record 27,000 participants and the continent’s fastest elite field ever assembled, as the event edges closer to becoming the first World Marathon Majors race on African soil.
Eliud Kipchoge’s Homecoming and a New Era for African Running
Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic champion and greatest marathoner of his generation, kicked off his global “World Tour” with a symbolic finish in Cape Town, where he clocked 2:13:29 and placed 16th. The 41-year-old’s presence added unmatched star quality to the race, which is now a candidate for the prestigious World Marathon Majors status—a move that would elevate Cape Town to the same league as New York, London, and Berlin. Kipchoge’s mission, as he framed it, is to “unite the world through running,” with each of the seven marathons he plans to run across continents in the next two years raising funds for his foundation’s education and environmental projects.
“Cape Town, this was a special day. Today was a celebration of running on this beautiful course, supported by thousands of incredible fans singing and making music along the route, and by fellow runners sharing the same race. You all made our first stop on the tour one we’ll never forget. I’m proud to begin our world tour in Africa and to run my first-ever marathon on home soil. It was the perfect start.”
Eliud Kipchoge, via <a href="https://www.olympics.
Kipchoge’s finish time, while not competitive for the win, underscored the marathon’s growing prestige. The race itself was dominated by Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa, who obliterated the course record with a 2:04:55, more than three minutes faster than the previous mark. Esa’s victory was especially poignant, coming just over a month after he dropped out of the Boston Marathon. “To win my first marathon here in Africa, on home ground, and in a course-record time makes this victory very special to me,” he said, adding that Kipchoge’s presence made the day even more meaningful.
“Eliud is my role model. I love and respect him so much. I am really happy to see him being welcomed here and finish the race. I was very proud to race with him in Africa, in our homeland. I was very happy to finish together and show the world we are the same family.”
Mohamed Esa, via <a href="https://www.olympics.
Esa’s triumph was part of an Ethiopian sweep of the men’s podium, with Dera Dida also winning the women’s race in 2:23:18. The depth of the field was staggering: seven World Athletics Platinum Label and 13 Gold Label athletes lined up, including Kenya’s Bernard Biwott, widely regarded as the main favorite alongside Esa. The race’s international appeal was further highlighted by the participation of 8,500 runners from 145 countries, with the largest contingents from the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany.
The Race That Could Change African Marathon History
The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon wasn’t just a race—it was a statement. With 32% of entrants running for the first time, the event is rapidly becoming a global destination for marathon enthusiasts. But the real prize is the potential elevation to World Marathon Majors status, which would cement Cape Town’s place among the world’s elite races. According to Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, the event’s organizers have set out to honor African excellence by creating a platform for the continent’s best runners to compete on home soil.
“When we started on this marathon journey, one of our primary objectives was to honour the magnificent performances of the African elite marathon runners. They were the ones that inspired us to showcase African excellence, and so we set out to give them a marathon on African soil that is worthy of their participation.”
Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, via <a href="https://capetownmarathon.
Gardner’s vision is now closer to reality than ever. The marathon’s candidacy for World Marathon Majors status is nearing completion of its second phase, and if successful, it would make Cape Town the first African city to host a Major. This would not only put the event on par with global giants like New York and London but also send a powerful message about Africa’s growing influence in the world of athletics.
The race’s success is also a testament to its ability to draw elite talent while remaining accessible to first-time runners. With 17,500 additional participants in the accompanying 10km, 5km, and trail races, the event has become a true community celebration, blending elite competition with grassroots enthusiasm.
Who’s Next? The Contenders and the Future of African Running
While Kipchoge’s finish was a symbolic one, the race revealed the depth of talent emerging from Africa. Beyond Esa and Biwott, Ethiopia’s Yihunilign Adane and Kenya’s Kalipus Lomwai rounded out the men’s podium, each demonstrating the continent’s ability to produce world-class marathoners. The women’s race was equally impressive, with Dida’s victory and the Ethiopian trio dominating the top three.
Analysts and experts, however, remain divided on Kipchoge’s future. While the two-time Olympic champion continues to inspire, some, like Mike Finch, editor at Runners World, suggest that he may have passed his prime. “I think he’s passed his best, but who knows. I think we could see a surprise and for those who are fans, they’ll want him to be the person they see win,” Finch said. Despite this, Kipchoge’s influence on the sport is undeniable, and his World Tour promises to keep the spotlight on African running for years to come.
“The other people to watch out for is the Kenyan Bernard Biwott. He’s probably the main favourite. The fast marathon runner in the field. Mohamed Esa, an Ethiopian, is another one of those, and that’s probably the top three along with Kipchoge.”
Mike Finch, editor at Runners World, via <a href="https://www.ewn.co.
The Cape Town Marathon’s success also raises questions about the future of African running. With the continent producing some of the world’s fastest marathoners, events like Cape Town are becoming crucial platforms for showcasing this talent. The potential World Marathon Majors status would not only boost the profile of African athletes but also attract even more global attention to the continent’s growing sporting legacy.
What’s Next? The Road to World Major Status and Beyond
The Cape Town Marathon’s journey to World Marathon Majors status is far from over. The event’s organizers are currently in the final stages of the candidacy process, and if approved, it would mark a historic milestone for African sports. The implications are significant: increased global visibility, higher prize money, and a platform for African runners to compete at the highest level.
For Kipchoge, the World Tour is just beginning. His next stop is the Porto Alegre Marathon in Brazil on July 12, where he will continue his mission to inspire and unite through running. Meanwhile, the Cape Town Marathon is already looking ahead to 2027, with plans to expand its international appeal and further solidify its place in the global marathon calendar.
The 2026 edition has set a new benchmark for African marathons, and if the World Marathon Majors bid succeeds, it could redefine the sport’s future on the continent. For now, the focus remains on celebrating the achievements of the runners who made this weekend unforgettable—and on the promise of what’s to come.
The Cape Town Marathon has not only delivered a record-breaking race but also a vision for the future of African running. With the continent’s elite athletes dominating the field and the event’s global profile growing, the stage is set for Cape Town to take its rightful place among the world’s premier marathons.
<!– /wp:paragraph This milestone event not only marked the beginning of his ambitious global running series but also underscored the power of sport to inspire and unite communities worldwide.