Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge announces Cape Town as first stop of global tour

Eliud Kipchoge has announced the Cape Town Marathon as the inaugural stop of his new world tour, "Eliud’s Running World."

The ambitious seven-race series will see the marathon legend compete on every continent.

The 2026 edition of the Cape Town Marathon is scheduled for May 24, marking a historic moment as the Kenyan icon runs his first-ever marathon on African soil.

“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 race my first-ever marathon on the African continent holds deep meaning for me. I cannot wait!”

Kipchoge’s project will unfold over the next two years. As a double Olympic marathon champion and the first person to complete a marathon in under two hours, he aims to inspire people globally to embrace running while connecting with communities across all seven continents.

Additionally, the tour will raise funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which supports environmental conservation and education initiatives in underserved communities.

The Cape Town Marathon is currently a candidate for Abbott World Marathon Majors status.

The event aims to bring Africa its first Major, creating a global stage where African athletes can compete and triumph on home soil.

Clark Gardner, CEO of the Cape Town Marathon, noted that hosting Kipchoge for his first marathon on the continent carries deep significance. “Eliud represents the very best of what running can inspire,” said Gardner. “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 is widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners in history. He claimed Olympic gold in the marathon at the 2016 Rio Games and the 2020 Tokyo Games and held the world record in the event from 2018 to 2023.

He has achieved four of the 10 fastest marathon times in history and also earned Olympic medals in the 5,000m, taking bronze in Athens in 2004 and silver in Beijing in 2008.