Eliud Kipchoge to Launch World Marathon Tour in Cape Town
By Kass Digital | NAIROBI,
Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has announced that the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will be the opening stop on his “Eliud’s Running World” tour, a series of seven marathons across all continents designed to inspire communities and promote global unity through running. The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Over the next two years, Kipchoge plans to run a marathon on each continent, visiting local running communities and fans while encouraging healthier lifestyles. The initiative also supports the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which focuses on environmental preservation and providing education in under-resourced areas.
Speaking about starting the tour in Cape Town, Kipchoge 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 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has rapidly grown into one of the premier races on the global calendar, attracting elite athletes and runners from around the world. In 2026, more than 27,000 runners are expected to participate, highlighting the event’s continued growth. The marathon is currently a candidate for Abbott World Marathon Majors status, with the goal of bringing Africa its first Major and providing a global stage for African athletes.
Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, said Kipchoge’s participation is a milestone 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.”
Kipchoge’s participation marks his first marathon on African soil, creating a historic moment for the continent and setting the stage for a global tour that promises to unite runners and fans around the world.
