CAPE TOWN – Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has announced that the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will be the first stop on his world tour, marking his debut marathon on the African continent.
The Kenyan runner will compete in the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday, 24 May, as part of Eliud’s Running World, a project that will see him run seven marathons across all continents over the next two years.
The world tour aims to inspire people to lead healthier lives while raising funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which focuses on environmental preservation and education provision.
“Africa is where my journey as a runner began and where the foundation of my success is deeply rooted,” said Kipchoge. “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 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon expects more than 27 000 runners to participate in 2026. The race has established itself as one of the leading events on the global running calendar and is currently a candidate for Abbott World Marathon Majors status.
If successful, it would become Africa’s first Major marathon, providing a global platform for African athletes to compete on home soil.
Clark Gardner, chief executive of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, said hosting Kipchoge for his first marathon on the African continent carries significance for the race and 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. Moments like this remind us what is possible when the world’s greatest athletes connect with the places and people that shaped the sport,” Gardner said.
Kipchoge plans to visit each continent during the tour to meet and run alongside local running communities.
