Confirming his participation, Kipchoge said the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will serve as the opening chapter of Eliud’s Running World, a series of seven marathons across all continents designed to inspire communities and unite the world through running.
The statement read in part: “For years, it has been Kipchoge’s dream to make our world a running world. Over the next two years, Eliud sets out to run a marathon on each of the seven continents to inspire people to lead healthier lives while uniting the world through running.
“Eliud is excited to visit each continent to meet and run alongside local running communities and fans.
“The project raises funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, focused on preserving our environment and providing education in areas that need it most.”
Africa is where my journey began
Speaking on racing in South Africa, the 41-year-old, who has run four of the 10 fastest marathons in history, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest marathon runners of all time, said: “Africa is where my journey as a runner began and where the foundation of my success is deeply rooted.
“To start this World Tour in Cape Town is very special. It is about celebrating the strength of African running and inspiring the next generation. To race my first ever marathon on the African continent holds deep meaning for me. I cannot wait!”
The organisers of the Sanlam Marathon through their official website, said they were excited to have Kipchoge, saying it represents a significant step in their journey.
“Hosting Eliud Kipchoge as he runs his first marathon on the African continent represents a significant step in that journey,” read part of the statement.
“The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon believes deeply in celebrating African excellence and inspiring new possibilities across the continent, and welcoming the greatest marathon runner in history to race the streets of Cape Town marks an important milestone in that pursuit.”
Eliud represents the very best
CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Clark Gardner further said welcoming Kipchoge to Cape Town for his first marathon on the African continent carries deep significance for the race and for the continent.
“Eliud represents the very best of what running can inspire. To see him race our streets, meet our communities and engage with young runners across the city will be incredibly powerful,” said Gardener.
“Moments like this remind us what is possible when the world’s greatest athletes connect with the places and people that shaped the sport.”
Kipchoge claimed his first individual world championship title in 2003 by winning the junior race at the World Cross Country Championships and setting a world junior record for the 5000m.
A five-time World Championship 5000m finalist, Kipchoge took silver medals at the 2007 World Championships, 2008 Beijing Olympics, and 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Kipchoge was the 2016 and 2020 Olympic marathon champion, and was the world record holder in the marathon from 2018 to 2023, until that record was broken by Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
He switched to road running in 2012 and made the second-fastest half marathon debut ever, at 59:25. In his marathon debut, he won the 2013 Hamburg Marathon in a course record time.
About Cape Town Marathon
According to their website, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has rapidly established itself as one of the leading races on the global running calendar, drawing elite athletes and runners from across the world to Cape Town each year.
In 2026, more than 27,000 marathon runners will line up at the start, a powerful signal of the race’s growth and the momentum building behind Africa’s premier marathon.
The event is currently a candidate for Abbott World Marathon Majors status, with the ambition of bringing Africa its first Major and creating a global stage where African athletes can compete and triumph on home soil.
The first edition of the race in 1994 was won by Julian Paul with a time of 2:26:45, while Evelina Tshabalala claimed the inaugural women’s title in 2:55:49.
The following year, an incentive prize of a new car for a 2:18 (men) or 2:50 (women) finishing time saw Esme Koopman claim the car with her 2:48:46 winning effort, while men’s winner Soulman Nakedi had to be content with 2:20:30 course record.
