CAPE TOWN – The Timbercity Red Hill Marathon & Classic 2026 achieved a historic milestone, delivering record participation and perfect racing conditions as hundreds of runners tackled the challenging Cape Peninsula route from Fish Hoek through Scarborough on Saturday 24 January.
Record-breaking participation
This year marked the largest field in Red Hill history, attracting marathoners and classic distance runners from across the region.
Many participants used the race as a crucial qualifier following last year’s Cape Town Marathon cancellation, contributing to the electric atmosphere from start to finish.
Outstanding podium performances
The marathon distance saw Sibusio Madikizela claim victory in the men’s 42.2km category, followed by Brandon Lewin and Siphosoxolo Moyeni.
Women’s marathon champion Elmé Middlemost scooped first place, with Isel Barnard taking second and Jessie Waldman coming in third.
The 36 km classic distance featured impressive performances from Godwin Swartz, who topped the men’s field ahead of Mthandazo Qhina and Lehlohonolo Raliphokojoe.
Sarah Silber dominated the women’s 36 km race, followed by Leani Potgieter and Marlize Vienings.
In the popular 13 km event Dewayne Mouries led the men’s field, with Keenan Janse and Lusindiso Mbuli completing the podium.
Lara Marggraf claimed the women’s 13 km title, ahead of Julia Thaller and Petra Eastaugh.
Sustainability leadership
The event’s partnership with Manzi Water proved a major success, powering the event’s ambitious Run Clean, Run Green initiative.
Every hydration station operated with refill tanks instead of single-use plastics and eliminating thousands of bottles.
Race Director Zeta Booysen, alongside Timbercity and Fish Hoek Athletics Club representatives, praised the exceptional turnout and seamless teamwork that characterised the event.
The success relied heavily on Fish Hoek Athletics Club members, course marshals and hundreds of volunteers from local schools and businesses who worked tirelessly from before dawn.
Following this record-breaking year, the Timbercity Red Hill Marathon will return in 2027, promising to be bigger, better and bolder than ever.
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