Eliud Kipchoge Arrives in Cape Town for Historic African Marathon Debut

Running legend Eliud Kipchoge has officially landed in Cape Town ahead of the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, marking a major moment for African road running.

The marathon, taking place on 23 and 24 May 2026, will become Kipchoge’s first official marathon race on African soil despite his long-standing dominance on the global stage.

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A historic first for African running

Kipchoge is widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners in history.

His achievements include:

• double Olympic marathon gold medals
• two marathon world records
• becoming the first person to run a marathon in under two hours

Yet surprisingly, the Kenyan icon has never officially raced a marathon in Africa until now.

Cape Town will also serve as the opening stop of his new “Eliud’s Running World” tour, which aims to see him run marathons across seven continents over the next two years.

Why Cape Town matters

Speaking after arriving in the Mother City, Kipchoge described the moment as deeply meaningful.

“Africa is where my journey as a runner began, and where the foundation of my success is deeply rooted,” he said.

“To race my first ever marathon on the African continent holds deep meaning for me.”

He also praised South Africa’s sporting culture and said he hopes the event inspires more people to embrace running.

Cape Town’s World Marathon Major ambitions

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is currently pursuing World Marathon Major status.

If successful, it would become Africa’s first marathon included alongside globally recognised races such as:

• New York City Marathon
• London Marathon
• Berlin Marathon
• Tokyo Marathon

Achieving Major status would place Cape Town among the world’s most prestigious marathon destinations.

Welcomed by Cape Town officials

Kipchoge was welcomed at the airport by Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Clark Gardner, Clark Gardner, the marathon organising team and local media representatives.

The athlete said he is especially excited to run alongside the more than 27,000 participants expected to take part.

Why this race matters beyond sport

The marathon represents more than elite competition.

Organisers believe bringing World Marathon Major status to Africa would elevate African road running globally attract international tourism create economic opportunities and give African athletes a major platform on home soil.

For many runners and fans, Kipchoge’s participation adds historic significance to Cape Town’s bid.

The bottom line

Eliud Kipchoge’s arrival in Cape Town marks a milestone moment for African athletics.

His first official marathon race on African soil not only adds global attention to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, but also strengthens the city’s ambition to become Africa’s first World Marathon Major.

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