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Eliud Kipchoge vows support for the cause to put Africa on the world marathon map
22nd May, 2026 06:38 PM
Ahead of his debut marathon race on African soil, marathon legends Edna Kiplagat and Eliud Kipchoge have expressed their full commitment towards the upgrade of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon to a World Marathon Major.
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, the iconic distance runners will join more than 1,800 elite athletes in a historic race that could change the landscape of global athletics by bringing the first-ever Abbott World Marathon Major to African soil.
Addressing the media at the elite pre-race press conference on Friday, May 22, 2026, Kipchoge expressed his excitement about being in South Africa, praising Cape Town’s rich sporting heritage and unifying spirit.
The legendary marathoner pledged his full backing to the city’s bid for major status.
Pushing for major status
“To be here makes me feel great. This is my home. This is my soil, and I am delighted to see the race push for Abbott Major status,” Kipchoge stated. “It is the reason I am here—to drum up support. It is the only race of its kind in Africa, and we have to fight for it to be recognised among the best.”
Edna Kiplagat echoed his enthusiasm, noting that the event’s upgrade would be a historical first that will lift the entire continent.
“Cape Town becoming a major is a milestone for Africa, and not just South Africa,” Kiplagat said. “I am happy to be part of this, and it is truly the best feeling,” she stated.
Cape Town marathon
The Cape Town race will mark the opening event of Kipchoge’s ambitious “Eliud’s Running World” project, which aims to see him compete in seven marathons across seven continents over the next two years.
This year’s edition is expected to attract over 27,000 marathon runners and a total of about 44,500 participants across all distances, making it one of the largest road races ever staged in Africa.
At 41 years, Kipchoge holds an impressive pedigree, including his 2018 world record of 2:01:39 in Berlin and his historic sub-two-hour run in Vienna in 2019, which, although unofficial, redefined marathon limits. He later improved his official world record to 2:01:09 in Berlin in 2022.
