Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge is set to run his first-ever marathon on African soil at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon scheduled for 24 May 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
The announcement marks a notable milestone in Kipchoge’s career, as the Kenyan athlete has previously competed in most of the world’s major marathons but had not run a full marathon race on the African continent.
The event will form part of a broader project in which he plans to run marathons across all seven continents over the next two years.
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                                                                                                                  Kipchoge Eliud // Instagram

A Major Race on the African Calendar

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The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is one of Africa’s leading road races. The event covers the standard marathon distance of 42.2 kilometres and starts and finishes near Green Point, close to Cape Town Stadium.
The race is recognised as a World Athletics Gold Label road race and attracts elite athletes and thousands of recreational runners each year.
Organisers say the 2026 edition will bring together more than 27,000 runners across several race categories, including the full marathon and shorter distances such as 10km and 5km races.
The event is also seeking to become the first African race to join the Abbott World Marathon Majors series, which includes marathons in cities such as London, Tokyo, and New York.
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Kipchoge’s Global Marathon Mission

Kipchoge, now 41, is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished marathon runners in history. He is a two-time Olympic marathon champion and has won numerous major city marathons during his career.
The Cape Town race will serve as the opening event in a planned global series known as “Eliud’s Running World,” where the athlete intends to run seven marathons across seven continents. The initiative aims to encourage participation in running and promote healthy lifestyles around the world.
“Africa is where my journey as a runner began,” Kipchoge said when announcing the race.

“To start this world tour in Cape Town is very special.”

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Kipchoge Eliud // Instagram

Significance for African Athletics

Kipchoge’s participation is expected to draw international attention to the Cape Town race and to long-distance running in Africa. Organisers say hosting one of the sport’s most recognisable athletes will help highlight the continent’s role in producing world-class runners.
The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 24 May, with thousands of athletes expected to take part alongside the Kenyan star.