Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge will line up as an elite at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on Sunday 24 May, after announcing earlier this week that the Mother City will be the first stop on his ambitious “Eliud’s Running World Tour.”

“Kipchoge has confirmed that he will start in the elite field,” said event media spokesperson Renata Bossi. The 2026 race will mark the beginning of a two-year journey that will see the two-time Olympic champion run a marathon on all seven continents, inspiring healthier lifestyles while raising funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation.

In addition to racing the marathon, Kipchoge will take part in several key events in Cape Town before and after race day – bringing one of the sport’s greatest athletes to compete on South African roads for the first time.

“To start this World Tour in Cape Town is very special.”

Starting in Africa carries special meaning for Kipchoge. “Africa is where my journey as a runner began,” he said. “To start this World Tour in Cape Town is very special. It celebrates the strength of African running and the next generation of runners.”

The Cape Town race continues to grow as a global event, with more than 27 000 runners expected on the start line in 2026 as the event pushes to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors race.

For South African runners, it means a rare opportunity to watch the greatest marathoner in history and two-time Olympic champion take on the streets of Cape Town, setting up a thrilling moment for both local runners and fans.

Kipchoge’s appearance elevates an already iconic race, giving South Africans a rare chance to witness the man who redefined marathon running in action on home soil. The next countries in his tour destinations are to be announced within the coming weeks.

READ MORE ON: Eliud Kipchoge Eliud's Running World Tour sanlam cape town marathon