Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge shared an emotional moment with his wife, Grace Sugut, after both completed the 2026 Cape Town Marathon in South Africa.
The race marked a special chapter in Kipchoge’s career. It was his first-ever marathon on African soil, and the opening event of his planned seven-continent farewell tour announced in 2025.
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While the two-time Olympic champion finished 16th in the elite men’s race, much of the attention after the marathon shifted to his touching celebration of Grace, who completed her first full marathon.
Eliud Kipchoge and his wife on her first marathon // FacebookKipchoge Proud of Wife’s Debut
After crossing the finish line, Kipchoge took time to thank his family and supporters for standing by him throughout his career.
“My heart is filled with pride for my wife, Grace, completing her first marathon in Cape Town,” Kipchoge said after the race.
The former world record holder revealed that he ran his first marathon 13 years ago, a journey that transformed his life and career.
Tough Start to Kipchoge’s Farewell Tour
The Cape Town Marathon was the first stop of Kipchoge’s final global marathon journey.
The Kenyan star started strongly and remained with the lead pack during the opening 10 kilometres before gradually losing contact with the front runners.
Ethiopia’s Huseyidin Mohamed ESA went on to win the race in 2:04:55, smashing the previous course record of 2:08:16 that had been set by Abdisa Tola in 2024.
Kipchoge eventually crossed the line in 2:13:29 after running much of the second half alone.
Fans Praise Kipchoge’s Humility
Social media users praised Kipchoge for celebrating his wife’s achievement despite his own decorated career.
One fan wrote:
“Imagine this man has seen hundreds of medals in his career, but just look at how excited and proud he is to hold the one that his wife has earned.”
Another user, sisanda_joy, commented:
“How amazing! And she chose the Cape Town Marathon to be her first.”
joshuamatenjwa added:
“Congratulations to her. I hope my wife will be motivated by your wife to run her first marathon.”
Eliud Kipchoge and his wife on her first marathon // FacebookOmanyala Continues Strong Form
Elsewhere, Kenyan sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala continued his impressive 2026 season after winning the men’s 100m at the Xiamen Diamond League in China.
Omanyala clocked 9.94 seconds to claim victory ahead of South Africa’s Gift Leotlela and American sprinter Trayvon Bromell.
The win earned the African record holder 20,000 USD (about KSh 2.5 million) after the men’s 100m was selected as one of the Diamond+ disciplines for the event.
“I enjoyed it, to be honest. It was so fun,” Omanyala said after the race.
