For years, Eliud Kipchoge conquered the world’s biggest marathons without ever competing over the distance on African soil. That changed on Sunday in Cape Town.
The two-time Olympic champion finally made his competitive African marathon debut at the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, drawing huge crowds and emotional scenes along the city’s streets. But while much of the spotlight followed the Kenyan icon, it was Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa who delivered the performance of the day with a stunning course-record victory.
Esa surged away late in the race to win the elite men’s title in 2:04:55, slicing more than three minutes off the previous course record set in 2024. Compatriot Yihunilign Adane finished just four seconds behind in 2:04:59, while Kenya’s Kalipus Lomwai claimed third in 2:05:06.
“The conditions were very good today and the crowds gave us a lot of energy,” Esa said after the race. “I knew the field was strong, so I stayed patient before making my move near the end.”
Yet the loudest cheers of the morning were reserved for Kipchoge. The 41-year-old, widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner in history, crossed the line in 16th place in 2:13:29 during what he described as a deeply personal moment in his career.
“Africa is where my running journey started,” Kipchoge said before the race.
“To finally run a marathon here is emotional and special for me. This is about inspiring people and celebrating running on the continent.”
The race marked the beginning of Kipchoge’s newly launched “Eliud’s World Tour,” an initiative aimed at promoting distance running across different regions of the world. His wife, Grace Kipchoge, also took part during the marathon weekend, adding to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the event.
The women’s elite race produced another Ethiopian triumph. Dera Dida Yami broke away in the closing stages to win in 2:23:18 ahead of fellow Ethiopians Mestawut Fikir and Waganesh Amare. Kenya’s Leah Cheruto narrowly missed the podium after finishing fourth, while veteran Edna Kiplagat came home fifth.
In the wheelchair races, Britain’s David Weir claimed the men’s title, while Switzerland’s Manuela Schär dominated the women’s event. Organisers said more than 44,000 runners participated across the marathon weekend, underlining Cape Town’s growing status as one of Africa’s leading road racing destinations.
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