Sanlam Cape Town Marathon with Eliud Kipchoge
Cape Town has long been a growing preferred destination for international travellers with its welcoming atmosphere, coastal and mountainous harmony, and unrivalled hospitality. 2026’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, however, was something overwhelmingly spectacular for South African sports tourism.
On Sunday, 24th May, Sanlam Cape Town Marathon took a giant leap towards becoming Africa’s First Abbott World Marathon Major. Despite the disastrous winds of 2025 that lead to heartbreaking cancellation, the investments from the City of Cape Town and its constituents for a 2026 redemption has been consummate.
Eliud Kipchoge’s “Eliud’s World Tour” officially launched at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, an event he publicly committed to on March 9th. Notably, this was the legendary runner’s first official marathon appearance on the African continent – a milestone moment not just for Eliud, but for all African nations in unity and a shared purpose with global eyes fixed toward African streets.
The Official 42.2km Race – Proud Start to Glorious Finish
Opening the race outside the DHL Cape Town Stadium with an emotive rendition of the South African national anthem, the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was a historic spectacle of speed and sheer dominance, completely rewritten by a masterclass performance. In the men’s field, Huseydin Mohamed Esa stole the show, shattering both the course record and the African all-comers’ record with a lightning-fast time, and narrowly leading a razor-thin Ethiopian 1-2 finish just four seconds ahead of Yihunilign Adane and Kenya’s Kalipus Lomwai.
Men’s Elite Results:
Huseydin Mohamed Esa (ETH) – 2:04:55
Yihunilign Adane (ETH) – 2:04:59
Kalipus Lomwai (KEN) – 2:05:06
Not to be outdone, the Ethiopian women staged an absolute podium sweep, spearheaded by Dera Dida Yami, who captured gold, followed by compatriots Mestawut Fikir and Waganesh Amare.
Women’s Elite Results:
Dera Dida Yami (ETH) – 2:23:18
Mestawut Fikir (ETH) – 2:23:46
Waganesh Amare (ETH) – 2:23:57
Adding to the world-class energy on the iconic Cape Town course, the wheelchair division saw thrilling victories from international icons, with Great Britain’s David Weir claiming the men’s title and Switzerland’s Manuela Schär dominating the women’s race.
Wheelchair Race Results:
Men’s Winner: David Weir (GBR) – 1:30:20
Women’s Winner: Manuela Schär (SUI) – 1:43:25
Africa United in 10km/5km Sanlam Peace Run
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon does not simply start without its 10km and 5km Sanlam Peace Run – symbolising global harmony, radical inclusivity, and African unity as families and friends gather to run at their own pace, inaugurating the official route for all in misty splendour along the coast. This also provides an opportunity for the participation of charitable support initiatives alongside community solidarity in shared African heritage and pride.
10km Men’s Elite Results:
Maxime Chaumeton (RSA) – 27:41
Thapelo Ramokhoase (RSA) – 28:33
Cwenga Nose (RSA) – 28:59
10km Women’s Elite Results:
Tayla Kavanagh (RSA) – 31:25
Kyla Jacobs (RSA) – 32:47
Neheng Khatala (LES) – 33:01
Local is Lekker on the 10km Peace Run Course
Cape Town is celebrated for its rolling hills, world-renowned friendliness, and colourful suburbs – running through it can only spark excitement for both local and international sporting communities, travel enthusiasts, and personalities across various disciplines. With increased global publicity and dedication toward this historic event, our Hotspots2c Tours and Africa Select Journeys team members jumped in on the action.
Despite some misty conditions and undeterred athletes, Marc Whitmill (3x Absa Cape Epic and Epic Legend Series finisher), Simoné Whitmill, and Catherine Barnard kicked the weekend off on Saturday as they took on the 10km Peace Run with the energy of South Africa under their feet.
Simoné reminisces with pride on her experience and race conditions,
The mist only added to the atmosphere as the spirit of the 10km Sanlam Peace Run shone through. What an incredible privilege to be part of such an amazing event.
Encouragement from Catherine – inspiring us to keep running in collective passion,
For those of us runners who are not quite up for marathon distances but still have a love for the sport and an urge to feel that race day excitement, I can confirm that the 10km Peace Run that forms part of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon weekend, is a fantastic event to be a part of. You get to enjoy the world-class event organisation, a beautiful and safe route, plentiful refreshments and the unbeatable electric VIBE that effortlessly pushes you to your best performance. Even the heavy mist that obliterated the gorgeous ocean and mountain views this year couldn’t dappen the experience. The inclusivity that this distance (as well as the 5km) creates, means no-one needs to be left out! Whether you Run or Walk – there is a place for all in the Peace Runs. Get out there – do your thing – enjoy the post run camaraderie at the race village and then go home holding that beautiful finishers medal feeling like a hero! I can’t wait for next year.
A Correspondent’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Play by Play
By Sunday morning, the mist began to clear and gentle clouds provided shade as approximately 27,000 marathon runners waited in their batches for the thrill of the chase to begin – the perfect weather conditions for a brilliant race. Months of endless training was to be tested in glorious fashion.
Leading the elite batch as official pacer was none other than South Africa’s Adrian Wildschutt – a globally celebrated elite long-distance runner who stunned the crowd with his excellent pacing strategy. Dropping off around 36km after giving the world a taste of his speed and brimming potential on the marathon stage. We managed to catch a quick glimpse of Eliud Kipchoge in the first kilometer as he sat comfortably behind Adrian – alongside his peers and co-contenders for quite some time, soaking in the vibrant South African spirit. The winding route passes through life-altering landmarks and suburbs such as the iconic District Six, the Presidential Estate of South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, Company Gardens, the Castle of Goodhope, and V&A Waterfront.
Before we dashed to the finish line to capture the earth-shattering course record-breaking moment, we were mesmerised by the symphony of steps as the World Marathon Majors Age Category set off, followed by an ocean of sub-elite and non-elite runners donning the official Adidas x Sanlam Cape Town Marathon kits amongst various other club kits. Roaring, infectious cheers emerged from supporters all along the course.
Our cheers were dedicated not just for the ocean of blue, but also to two local runners, Kyle Pietersen and Msizi Mthuli (friends of Hotspots2c Tours and Africa Select Journeys), who braved the unique course together. We caught up with them after the race for their take on the overall experience:
Kyle Pietersen offers favourable views on the elevated execution of the Sanlam Cape Town marathon,
Cape Town Marathon proved itself to be a world class event. The organisers made us feel like we were a part of something special and, in turn, we made memories that will last forever.
Followed by a humorous and relatable response from Msizi Mthuli, recollecting the 2025 race cancellation,
It was the most fun I’ve had while suffering. With all the cheers on the road, and how well organised the event was, all of 2025’s traumas were healed. Running in Cape Town comes second to no experience.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 2026 weekend truly was a wholesome occasion that united not only local South Africans with international visitors but strengthens the comradery between the nations of the African continent.
Booking Your Next Sporting Adventure?
Whether you are an elite athlete chasing down a world record, a passionate runner looking to soak up the unbeatable electric vibe of the 10km Peace Run, or an enthusiastic spectator wanting to witness history in the making, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is an event that demands a spot on your bucket list.
At Africa Select Journeys, we don’t just cheer from the sidelines – we are your premier partners in crafting unforgettable Southern African sporting itineraries. For the thrill-seekers and active explorers, curate your adventure travel experiences that immerse you in the raw beauty and vibrant spirit of the region. If you prefer to pair your race-day adrenaline with world-class hospitality, coastal harmony, and premium comfort, Africa Select Journeys offers bespoke, luxury travel packages tailored to your exact desires. From securing seamless logistics and route-side accommodation to organizing post-race safaris and wine-country recoveries, let us handle the details while you focus on the finish line.
Contact our team today to start planning your ultimate 2027 race weekend!
Article Written by Caryn Adriaanse for Africa Select Journeys
