Nairobi, Kenya | Today marks an exciting moment as Eliud Kipchoge announces that 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 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
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 also raises funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, focused on preserving our environment and providing education in areas that need it most.
For Kipchoge, beginning in Cape Town carries deep meaning.
“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 races my first ever marathon on the African continent holds deep meaning for me. I cannot wait!”
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.
Hosting Eliud Kipchoge as he runs his first marathon on the African continent represents a significant step in that journey. 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.
Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, said welcoming Eliud 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. Moments like this remind us what is possible when the world’s greatest athletes connect with the places and people that shaped the sport.”
The next tour destinations will be announced later this week.
