Eliud Kipchoge ran his first competitive marathon on African soil on Sunday, finishing 16th at the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2 hours, 13 minutes and 29 seconds. The race opened “Eliud’s World Tour,” the Kenyan runner’s plan to race a marathon on each of the seven continents over the next two years.
It was Kipchoge’s first marathon in more than six months. His previous race, the New York City Marathon on November 2, 2025, ended with a 17th-place finish in 2:14:36. Cape Town was a small step forward on that result, and one Kipchoge described as deeply personal.
“Cape Town, this was a special day,” Kipchoge said after the race. “Today was a celebration of running on this beautiful course, supported by thousands of incredible fans singing and making music along the route, and by fellow runners sharing the same race.”
He went on: “You all made our first stop on the tour one we’ll never forget. I’m proud to begin our world tour in Africa and to run my first-ever marathon on home soil. It was the perfect start.”
Speaking ahead of the race, Kipchoge had explained why returning to Africa to compete carried such weight. “Africa is where my running journey started and to finally run a marathon here is something very emotional and special for me. This is about inspiring people and celebrating running on the continent,” he said.
His wife, Grace Kipchoge, also ran during the marathon weekend, adding a family element to a memorable edition of the race.
What’s next on the tour
Kipchoge’s seven-marathon project moves to South America next. He is scheduled to run the Porto Alegre Marathon in Brazil on July 12, followed by the Melbourne Marathon in Australia on October 11. Stops in North America, Asia, Europe and Antarctica are yet to be confirmed.
A statement on Kipchoge’s official website frames the tour as more than a race series. “Eliud’s biggest dream has always been to make this world a running world,” it reads. The project is built around encouraging healthier lifestyles and bringing the global running community closer together.
A record-breaking race up front
While Kipchoge pulled most of the crowd’s attention, the front of the race belonged to Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa, who won in 2:04:55 and broke the previous course record of 2:08:16 set by Abdisa Tola in 2024. Esa’s compatriot Yihunilign Adane was second in 2:04:59, just four seconds behind the winner. Kenya’s Kalipus Lomwai took third in 2:05:06.
Esa, who finished more than eight minutes ahead of Kipchoge, said the older runner’s presence in the field meant a great deal to him.
“Eliud is my role model. I love and respect him so much,” Esa said. “I am really happy to see him being welcomed here and finish the race. I was very proud to race with him in Africa, in our homeland. I was very happy to finish together and show the world we are the same family.”
The women’s elite race was won by Ethiopia’s Dera Dida in 2:23:18, ahead of Mestawut Fikir (2:23:46) and Waganesh Amare (2:23:57) for an all-Ethiopian podium. Kenya’s Leah Cheruto finished fourth in 2:24:31, and veteran Edna Kiplagat was fifth in 2:25:44.
More than 44,000 runners took part across the marathon weekend. The Cape Town Marathon is currently a candidate for World Marathon Majors status, and Kipchoge’s appearance, along with Esa’s record, added significant weight to that bid.
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