Adam Lipschitz turned pre-race confidence into a record-breaking performance at the OUTsurance Gun Run Half Marathon, while Irvette van Zyl marked her return to the race with a convincing victory.
Lipschitz had made no secret of his ambition before Sunday’s 21.1km race, arriving in Cape Town determined to attack the course record.
Lipschitz, who won the Gun Run 10km in 2025, controlled the early stages with a series of fartlek-style surges before making the decisive move with about 19km remaining.
The acceleration proved decisive as he broke clear of his rivals and maintained his momentum to the finish.
Seutloali finished second in 1:02:53, with Hollywood teammate Tsépo Ramashamole completing the podium in 1:03:13.
Former Gun Run 21.1km winner Lloyd Bosman of Nedbank Running Club SWD was fourth in 1:03:28, while local athlete Anthony Timoteus finished fifth in 1:04:06.
For Lipschitz, the performance also provided valuable race-specific preparation as he continues building towards the marathon distance.
The women’s race produced another significant performance as Irvette van Zyl returned to the Gun Run Half Marathon after a seven-year absence and claimed victory in 1:14:03.
The 39-year-old Hollywood Athletics Club runner finished nearly three minutes clear of defending champion and clubmate Busisiwe Chamane, who crossed the line in 1:17:24.
Former Gun Run champion Fortunate Chidzivo of Nedbank Running Club WP was third in 1:18:23.
Van Zyl said the conditions and altered route made the race challenging.
“Today’s race was a bit tough. It was really humid because yesterday it rained,” she said.
She also had to adapt to a course that had changed significantly since her previous appearance in 2019.
“There’s a lot of up and down sidewalks and we had a bit of a cobblestone stage we actually run on,” Van Zyl said.
A two-kilometre hill also disrupted her rhythm.
“I would have hoped to run closer to 73, but I just couldn’t get my rhythm going the first 12-ish kilometres,” she said.
Her race improved after the climb, when she returned to the road and later reached the promenade.
“Overall I’m happy with today and happy with the win,” Van Zyl said.
She believes there is scope for a faster performance should she return, having now experienced the revised course.
“Hopefully when I return I can run faster than that, because then I will know what is ahead.”
The Hollywood weekend had already produced a strong result in Saturday’s 10km, where veteran Stephen Mokoka, 41, won in 29:36.
Hollywood AC veteran Stephen Mokoka won the Gun Run 10km on Saturday on debut.
Awethu Ntsotho of Athletes Academy in Boland was second in 29:49, while Eersterivier AC junior Beautin Van der Westhuizen finished third in 30:02.
Russian-born Stellenbosch-based athlete Olga Firsova, 43, won the women’s 10km in 35:17, ahead of Yandiswa Shange (38:12) and Nadia Turton (39:08).
For Lipschitz, the Gun Run provided a record to celebrate. For Van Zyl, it offered a successful return and a glimpse of faster days ahead.
Irvette van Zylreturns to the OUTsurance Gun Run this weekend after a seven-year absence, with the four-time Olympian targeting another fast performance on the Cape Town course where she produced one of the event’s most notable runs.
Van Zyl will contest Sunday’s 21.1km Half Marathon, while fellow Hollywood Athletics Clubathlete Stephen Mokoka lines up in Saturday’s 10km, where the 41-year-old veteran enters as one of the leading contenders.
Van Zyl’s last appearance at the Gun Run came in 2019, when she won the women’s half-marathon in 1:12:11.
The performance was particularly impressive given that Van Zyl had undergone significant surgery earlier that year before returning to top form.
Seven years later, she is looking forward to tackling the course again.
“I’m quite excited,” Van Zyl said.
“This is the first time I will be back running it since 2019. I knew I wanted to go back but never had the chance. So yeah, just excited everything worked out this year that I can go and run it.”
The 30-year-old knows the course well and remains fond of its combination of challenge and scenery.
“I like the route. It has a bit of a tough hill in it and yeah, it’s just nice views running it and it’s almost a great atmosphere running in Cape Town and going through C point at the finish.”
Van Zyl has set herself a realistic target rather than chasing her 2019 performance at all costs.
“I’m hoping for close to that time that I did run in 2019. So anything under 73 I’ll be very happy with, but the weather also has to play with. So we’ll see.”
For the South African marathoner, the significance of her return extends beyond the stopwatch.
“But yeah, I’m just excited to be healthy and be running and just be back after seven years of absence and really looking forward to it.”
While Van Zyl will be chasing another strong performance over 21.1km, Mokoka will be aiming to make an immediate impact on his Gun Run debut.
The former South African 10km record holder boasts a 27:38 personal best, recorded in Manchester in 2015, as well as a 59:36 half-marathon best and a 2:06 marathon personal best.
His longevity remains one of the defining features of his career. Mokoka is a four-time Olympian and has represented South Africa at five World Championships.
His 2026 season has also demonstrated that his speed remains intact, including a sub-29-minute performance at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km.
Last year’s Gun Run 10km winner, Adam Lipschitz, has moved up to the half-marathon this year, where he will target the course record.
That leaves Mokoka as the leading name in the 10km field, although several Cape Town-based athletes will be hoping to disrupt his winning plans.
The weekend therefore offers Hollywood Athletics Club two experienced international performers with very different objectives.
For Van Zyl, it is a long-awaited return to a course where she has already left her mark.
For Mokoka, it is an opportunity to add a Gun Run victory to an already decorated distance-running career.
Joshua Cheptegeiwill return to theAbsa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10Kon Sunday, the race that launched his rise to international stardom, with another slice of history firmly in his sights.
The reigning Olympic 10,000m champion is aiming to become the first athlete to run a sub-27-minute 10km on African soil, adding another milestone to an already glittering career.
The 29-year-old Ugandan first claimed victory in Durban in 2017 before producing a South African All-Comers record of 27:16 a year later. Since then, he has cemented his place among the greatest distance runners of his generation, winning Olympic gold, three World Championship titles over 10,000m and setting world records in both the 5,000m and 10,000m.
Armed with a personal best of 26:38, Cheptegei believes the historic barrier can fall, provided the leading contenders work together.
“Running is the same as football these days, it has become a team sport. If the organisers want us to run sub-27 minutes all of us must come together then something good can happen,” said Cheptegei.
Standing in his way will be defending champion Kabelo Mulaudzi, former South African 10km record holder Stephen Mokoka and Kenyan speedster Gilbert Kiprotich, all capable of setting a relentless pace from the gun.
Mulaudzi, a two-time Durban champion, is eager to continue his impressive record in the coastal city.
“I have done well in Durban in the past and I want to continue with that record. I think I’m in good shape, although I struggled with race fitness at the Great Manchester 10K Run on 31 May. I don’t want to put myself under pressure, but my goal remains the same. I always want to finish on the podium,” said Mulaudzi.
Kiprotich, who recorded a blistering 27:01 10km split during this year’s Lisbon Half Marathon, believes Cheptegei’s presence could inspire the entire field to faster times.
“The reason I decided to come to Durban is because I wanted to get a personal best time. Cheptegei is here and I know we are going to push. When a strong and a good athlete comes to race it means we are going to help each other to push the pace,” said Kiprotich.
Elite Women Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K by Dawn Oosthuis
The women’s race promises its own historic storyline. Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir, the fastest entrant with a personal best of 29:25, is chasing the first sub-30-minute women’s 10km ever run on African soil.
“If the weather is good and the body responds, I’ll push,” said Jepchirchir.
South Africa’sTayla Kavanagh, winner of the 2021 edition when the race doubled as the SA 10km Championships, is hoping home support will inspire another memorable performance.
“It’s special to have hometown support and I’m looking forward to Sunday. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is special to me because I won the race in 2021 when it doubled as the SA 10km Championships. I’m excited to see what we can produce on Sunday,” said Kavanagh.
The race starts at 07:00 on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue alongside Moses Mabhida Stadium and finishes at the Sunkist Lawns on the Durban Promenade.
Joshua Cheptegei’s return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K has reignited memories of one of the fastest races ever staged on South African soil, while presenting Stephen Mokoka and Kabelo Mulaudzi with another opportunity to test themselves against one of distance running’s greatest champions.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist returns to Durban on Sunday, eight years after producing a breathtaking 27:16 South African All-Comers record in the 2018 race. That performance made Cheptegei the first athlete to break the 28-minute barrier in South Africa, while Julien Wanders also rewrote the European record with 27:32.
For Mokoka, who finished sixth in that memorable contest, Cheptegei’s presence remains a benchmark for how international stars can elevate local competition.
“It was a great event because of his presence. It was the first time a sub-28-minute 10km was run in South Africa. We witnessed that thanks to Stillwater Sports, which continues to bring the world’s biggest names to our shores. We also saw the European record being broken. Having an athlete of his calibre in our country made it a special occasion, and I’m looking forward to racing against him again,” said Mokoka.
The former South African 10km record holder believes Sunday’s race offers emerging athletes a rare chance to measure themselves against an athlete who has conquered the Olympic Games, World Championships and world records.
“It’s a great opportunity for emerging athletes to compete against one of the best athletes and a world record holder. It also shows how far the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series has come.
“If you can attract someone like Joshua after winning Olympic and world titles, while also giving athletes like Kabelo Mulaudzi the chance to compete against him, you’re creating healthy competition. The younger athletes won’t be afraid to push the pace, while Joshua will want to remind everyone of his class.”
Stephen Mokoka in action during the 2025 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. PHOTO CREDITS: Action Photo
Mulaudzi knows the value of that opportunity.
Having finished 13th behind Cheptegei in 2018, he has since developed into one of South Africa’s leading road runners, winning six RUN YOUR CITY races and lowering his personal best to 27:41 in Durban last year.
“I am extremely grateful to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series because it created opportunities for me to compete internationally. My invitation to the Great Manchester Run came through those performances, and I believe the organisation of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is every bit as world-class,” he said.
The 27-year-old hopes Sunday’s showdown can inspire another breakthrough.
“I have always enjoyed racing against athletes who are better than me. It’s a privilege to line up with Joshua again, and I hope competing against him will bring out the best in me and everyone else in the field.”
Stillwater Sports managing director Michael Meyer said Cheptegei’s return reflects the growing international reputation of the series.
“Joshua Cheptegei’s return to Durban is a significant moment for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series and for South African road running,” Meyer said.
“It speaks to the growth of the series that we are able to attract athletes of Joshua’s calibre. Athletes like Mokoka and Mulaudzi thrive on this level of competition and it raises the standard for everyone involved.
“When the best in the world line up in our races, it elevates the event, inspires the next generation and reinforces the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series as a truly world-class platform.”
With Durban’s race sold out and one of the sport’s biggest names back on the start line, Sunday’s contest promises another high-quality examination of South Africa’s leading road runners against the global gold standard.
TheSanlam Cape Town Marathondelivered a landmark moment for African road running on Sunday as Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa produced the fastest marathon ever run on African soil in a record-shattering performance through the streets of the Mother City.
Esa stormed to victory in 2:04:55, obliterating the previous course record of 2:08:16 set by fellow Ethiopian Abdisa Tola in 2024.
Mohamed Esa of Ethiopia won the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in a new course record 2:04:55, which is the fastest time ever run on African soil. Image: Fahwaaz Cornelius
His time also eclipsed the previous fastest marathon run on the continent, the 2:06:32 recorded by Morocco’s Hicham Laqouahi in 2020, while establishing a new South African All-Comers record.
One of the key requirements for Major status is a world-class elite and wheelchair field. The 2026 edition delivered exactly that and the athletes responded by rewriting the record books.
Esa arrived in Cape Town with the quickest season-best in the field after clocking 2:04:49 in the 2025 Chicago Marathon, and delivered on that form with a decisive late surge.
He broke away from a leading pack of four inside the final three kilometres before pulling clear again in the closing stages.
The depth of the elite field underlined the quality of the race, with the first 10 runners all finishing quicker than the previous course record.
“To be honest, I was not thinking about the course record today, because my target was to win the race in my African homeland,” said Esa.
“So the win was the priority, and I was not targeting the course record, but I am really happy that I could do both today.”
Fellow Ethiopian Yihunilign Adane finished second in 2:04:59, while Kenya’s Kalipus Lomwai completed the podium in 2:05:06.
South African veteran Stephen Mokoka was the leading local athlete in 13th place in 2:10:48.
He was followed by Matlakala Bennet Seloyi, who clocked a personal best 2:12:17, while debutant Anthony Timoteusimpressed with 2:13:04 in his first marathon.
The Ethiopian later waited at the finish line to welcome fellow runners home, including marathon great Eliud Kipchoge, who finished 16th in 2:13:29.
“Eliud is my role model, and I love and respect him so much,” Esa said.
“I wanted to show the world that we are the same family of African runners.”
In the women’s race, Ethiopia completed a clean sweep of the podium positions.
The top 3 women in the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, from left, Mestawut Fikir (Ethiopia, second), Dera Dida Yami (Ethiopia, winner), and Waganesh Amare (Kenya, third).Image: Fahwaaz Cornelius
Dera Dida Yami claimed victory in 2:23:18, narrowly missing the course record of 2:22:22 set by South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba in 2024.
“I came here to win the race and that was my goal,” Dida said.
“But I’ll be very happy to come back here and try to break the course record next year.”
She also revealed that Tamirat Tola already plans to race in Cape Town next year after missing this year’s event following his London Marathon campaign.
Mestawut Fikir crossed second in 2:23:46, with Waganesh Amare third in 2:23:57.
Former women’s world champion Edna Kiplagat finished fifth in 2:25:44 at the age of 46.
South Africa’s top finisher was Mia Morrison, who placed 15th in 2:49:52.
WHEELCHAIR RECORDS SHATTERED
The wheelchair races also produced two course records.
Great Britain’s David Weir won the men’s race in 1:30:20 to better the previous mark of 1:32:09 set in 2023.
“The atmosphere was amazing with the crowd, and the weather was good as well,” said Weir.
“I didn’t plan to go for the record today, it was one of those things.”
David WeirManuela Schär
Switzerland’s Manuela Schär dominated the women’s race in 1:43:25, smashing the previous course record of 1:52:58.
“I’ve done all the Majors around the world, and this is definitely one of my favourites,” Schär said.
“The crowd was amazing, and then the view… you have the ocean and Table Mountain. It was beautiful.”
The latest edition of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon comes at a crucial stage in the event’s bid to become part of theAbbott World Marathon Majors series, strengthening its growing reputation as Africa’s leading marathon.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is poised for a potentially historic Sunday as one of the deepest elite fields ever assembled on African soil prepares to attack the record books beneath Table Mountain.
The 32nd edition of the race has attracted 27,000 marathon runners and a combined total of 44,500 participants across the weekend’s events, while the elite field carries enough firepower to threaten both course records.
In the men’s race, 13 athletes have already run faster than the current course mark of 2:08:16 set by Abdisa Tola in 2024. Ten of them have dipped beneath that time within the last year.
Leading the charge is marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic champion and former world record-holder, whose personal best of 2:01:09 makes him the fastest athlete in the field historically.
Although now 41, Kipchoge remains a formidable contender after clocking 2:05:25 in London last year.
Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa enters with arguably the sharpest recent form after posting 2:04:49 in Chicago in 2025, while Israel’s Maru Teferi arrives with a personal best of 2:04:44.
Mohamed Esa
Kenya’s Benard Kipkurui Biwott and Justus Kangogo, alongside Ethiopians Yihunilign Adane, Mulugeta Asefa Uma and Boki Kebede Asefa, add further depth to a field packed with sub-2:06 runners.
Another major contender is Adane Gebre Kebede, who won in Cape Town in 2023 and finished runner-up in 2024. His recent 2:06:16 in Houston suggests he could again feature prominently.
South Africa’s hopes will largely rest with three-time champion Stephen Mokoka, alongside Desmond Mokgobu, Bennet Seloyi and debutant Anthony Timoteus.
The women’s race also promises fireworks.
South African star Glenrose Xaba set the course record of 2:22:22 in 2024, producing the fastest women’s marathon ever run on African soil. This year’s elite lineup includes five women who have already run faster than 2:20.
Ethiopian trio Ruti Aga, Dera Dida and Mestawat Fikir are expected to spearhead the challenge. Aga owns a 2:18:09 best, while Dida and Fikir have clocked 2:18:32 and 2:18:48 respectively.
Edna Kiplagat
Experienced campaigners Lonah Salpeter and Edna Kiplagat add further quality to the field. Salpeter remains the fastest woman in the race historically with her 2:17:45 Tokyo victory in 2020, while two-time world champion Kiplagat continues to compete at elite level at 47.
“We have assembled the best marathon elite and wheelchair fields the African continent has ever seen, led by the best marathon runner of all time, Eliud Kipchoge,” said Clark Gardner.
“With so many starters who have run faster times than our course records, we feel confident that the record books will need updating after this year’s race.”
The race also represents another significant milestone in Cape Town’s bid to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majorsevent, alongside marathons in New York, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, Sydney and London.
TheAbsa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES Cape Town 10Kis shaping into a race that could leave scorch marks on the Mother City’s streets this weekend, with elite athletes targeting fast times, national bragging rights and a slice of history.
The women’s race has emerged as the main attraction with the elusive sub-30 minute barrier firmly in sight for the first time on South African soil.
Kenya’s Faith Cherono enters as the quickest athlete in the field with a personal best of 30:06 and is expected to drive an aggressive pace from the opening kilometre. Fellow Kenyan Jackline Rotich also arrives with proven pedigree and should add further pressure at the front.
South African attention, though, will centre on Glenrose Xaba and Tayla Kavanaghin a contest carrying the feel of a championship prize fight.
Xaba has become the country’s dominant road runner in recent seasons, producing performances as smooth and relentless as a train gathering speed downhill. Kavanagh has rapidly climbed the ranks and continues to show the fearless racing instincts needed to survive a brutal pace on a fast course.
“Cape Town is known for quick times and strong competition,” said Xaba. “When the field moves hard from the start, everyone gets pulled into the race.”
Kavanagh believes the race could deliver something special.
“A sub-30 has been hanging in the air for years,” she said. “This field has the athletes capable of chasing that mark.”
The men’s race also carries serious firepower.
Kenyan speedster Felix Kibet Masai leads the entries with a lightning-fast 27:24 personal best and will start among the favourites alongside South African veteran Stephen Mokoka, whose experience and tactical awareness remain among the sharpest in the domestic road running scene.
Kabelo Mulaudzi, Tanzania’s Jummanne Ngoya and a powerful local contingent including Bongelani Mkhwanazi and Chris Mhlanga should ensure the pace remains fierce throughout.
Mokoka expects an uncompromising race from the gun.
“When athletes with these personal bests line up together, the pace naturally becomes aggressive,” he said. “You need to be ready for every move.”
With cool rainy, coastal conditions expected, deep international fields and national stars eager to seize the spotlight, Cape Town’s roads are set to become a high-speed theatre for one of the most anticipated races on the local calendar.
See full list of male and female elite contenders below:
The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is set to deliver one of the strongest elite fields ever assembled on African soil when the race takes place in the Mother City on Sunday, 24 May.
As the event continues its push for Abbott World Marathon Majors status, organisers have secured a line-up featuring Olympic champions, world title holders, seasoned marathon winners and some of the fastest athletes in the world.
Four-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka will return to familiar territory as he targets a fourth Sanlam Cape Town Marathon title. The Hollywood Athletics Club veteran remains one of South Africa’s most accomplished distance runners and returns to a course where he has already built a formidable legacy.
Mokoka owns a marathon best of 2:06:42 and a half marathon personal best of 59:36, credentials that keep him firmly among the leading contenders despite the depth of the field.
The biggest attraction is set to be Kenyan superstar Eliud Kipchoge, who has confirmed his participation in what will be his first marathon on African soil.
The double Olympic champion will begin an ambitious global campaign in Cape Town, aiming to run marathons across all seven continents over the next two years. The initiative will raise funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which focuses on environmental preservation and education projects.
Israel’s Maru Teferi enters the race with the fastest personal best in the men’s field at 2:04:44. He will face strong opposition from a group of sub-2:06 runners that includes Kenya’s Bernard Biwott (2:05:25) and Justus Kangogo (2:05:57), along with Ethiopians Yihunilign Adane (2:05:33), Mulugeta Asefa Uma (2:05:33) and Boki Kebede Asefa (2:05:40).
South African interest in the men’s race will also centre on Desmond Mokgobu and Nadeel Wildschutt, both holders of sub-2:10 marathon performances. Wildschutt’s brother, Adriaan, will take on pacing duties for the elite men’s race.
Thabang Mosiako will be chasing a breakthrough sub-2:10 performance, while former South African 10km record holder Precious Mashele and former national trail representative Kane Reilly are both set to make their marathon debuts.
The women’s field is equally impressive, led by Israel’s Lonah Salpeter, who boasts a personal best of 2:17:45.
Ethiopia’s Ruti Aga, Dera Dida and Mestawat Fikir bring extensive international marathon experience, while Bahrain’s Desi Jisa Mokonin and Ethiopia’s Waganesh Mekasha add further quality to the contest.
Veteran Kenyan star Edna Kiplagat, a two-time world champion, remains one of the standout names in the field at the age of 47. Zimbabwe-born Fortunate Chidzivo and UK-born Emma Pallant-Browne, now based in South Africa, will also attract local support.
The wheelchair race will feature British great David Weir and Swiss multiple major winner Manuela Schär.
With world-class depth across both elite races, the2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathonis positioning itself among the leading marathons on the international calendar.
Adriaan Wildschutt has done it again. The South African road running sensation added another national record to his growing collection on Sunday, turning heads in Spain with a breathtaking run at the Valencia Half Marathon.
In his first-ever outing over 21 kilometres, the 27-year-old from Ceres clocked 59 minutes and 13 seconds, slicing 23 seconds off Stephen Mokoka’s previous South African record of 59:36, set in 2020.
Wildschutt’s performance placed him fifth overall in a fiercely competitive race won by Ethiopian star Yomif Kejelcha in 58:02.
Adriaan Wildschutt trains hard on the track Photo: Facebook
His record run comes just weeks after Maxime Chaumeton (26:55)broke Wildschutt’s SA 10km record (27:28) set earlier this year at theAbsa RUN YOUR CITY Gqeberha 10K, marking a golden period for South African distance running.
The Olympic finalist, who represented South Africa in the Paris 2024 Games in the 10 000m, said he thrives on setting ambitious goals and putting them in plain sight.
“So many people have been asking me why I put my goals out there for everyone to see and potentially criticize,” Wildschutt explained in a post on social media.
“My response is simple … I like challenging myself, and I’m not scared to fail. I feel like I thrive under pressure, even if it’s pressure I put on myself. In the end, I’m doing this for myself and no one else.”
Wildschutt represents Western Province Athletics (WPA) when he competes in South Africa. He is however based in the USA.
Adriaan Wildschutt in action in the colours of Western Province Athletics (WPA) Photo: Supplied
After completing his collegiate career and earning his MBA from Florida State, Wildschutt moved to Arizona and joined the HOKA NAZ Elite professional running squad.
Running in the HOKA Northern Arizona Elite colours, Wildschutt battled gusty winds over the final stretch but refused to ease up.
“It was quite windy the last 8k, and I know I can go even faster,” he said.
“For now, I’m very grateful to God and everyone who’s always supporting me.”
The Valencia performance marks Wildschutt’s fourth South African record, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most versatile and consistent distance runners. He already owns national bests over 3 000m (7:32.99), 5 000m (12:55.02), and 10 000m (26:50.64). These achievements speak to years of relentless training and discipline.
WPA President Farouk Meyer praised the athlete’s record-breaking form, noting that his path to road-running success was forged on the track.
“Adriaan once again proved that if elite athletes want to perform on the road, they need to build their speed on the track,” said Meyer.
“He’s a perfect example of this philosophy. WPA is extremely proud of him.”
From Ceres to the world stage, Wildschutt continues to show that South African distance running is alive and kicking. And, in his case, sprinting into fresh territory with every stride.
With two start lines in Green Point and a dazzling cast of global talent, the 2025 edition promises a race painted in speed, pride, and possibility.
“This is the best and strongest field the African continent has ever seen,” said Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.
“With eight Platinum Label and 10 Gold Label athletes, they will help us bring the first Abbott World Marathon Majors race to Africa. Given the quality of this field, I think race records could tumble again, as they did in 2024.”
Gardner added, “We’re proud to host this event, but we also carry the responsibility to develop running across Africa. You can see that in our South African lineup — all capable of sub-2:10. This is part of our journey toward global recognition.”
A Festival of Running
Before the marathoners hit the road, Saturday’s Peace Trail and Peace Run events will set the tone for a weekend-long running festival. From the 43km mountain challenge at dawn to the family-friendly 5km, more than 41,000 runners will take part across road and trail. Chip timing and staggered wave starts will keep every stride smooth and safe.
Men’s Race: Fire on the Asphalt
The men’s field looks set to ignite. Kenya’s Ronald Korir (2:04:22) and Bethwell Chumba Kibet (2:04:37) bring serious pace, but South Africa’s Elroy Gelant, fresh off a 2:05:36 national record in Hamburg, could light up the home straight.
Elroy Gelant by Tobias Gingsberg
“I’ve grown and matured as a runner,” said Gelant.
“When I first ran Cape Town, I had a 2:12. Now I’m at 2:05, and I think I’ve reached the stage where I really understand and love the marathon. When that happens, things start to come together.”
Other challengers include Othmane El Goumri (Morocco), Asefa Boki Kebebe (Ethiopia), Justus Kangogo (Kenya), and Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana, who will act as pacemaker before chasing glory himself.
Veteran star Stephen Mokoka, a three-time champion, is chasing a fairytale fourth title. “This is my fifth Cape Town Marathon. I’ve won three and finished second once. I’m hoping I can repeat history,” he smiled.
Three-time winner of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, Stephen Mokoka, is hoping to add a fourth win in five starts. Photo Tobias Ginsberg
Women’s Race: Speed Meets Grace
The women’s race is equally electrifying. Kenya’s Winfridah Moraa Moseti (2:16:56) and Angela Tanui (2:17:57) bring major marathon pedigree, while Ethiopia’s Meseret Belete and the 2015 World Champion, Mare Dibaba, are ready to test their mettle.
Flying the flag for South Africa, Gerda Steyn returns with pride in her stride. “It’s an honour to line up in a great South African race against such a high-quality field,” she said. “The crowd carried me in 2021, and I can’t wait to feel that again.”
“adidas takes immense pride in partnering with some of the world’s best athletes, including Justus Kangogo, Angela Tanui, Gerda Steyn, and Adam Lipschitz. We’re thrilled they’ll be part of this landmark race,” said Tom Brown, Senior Brand Director at adidas.
Wheelchair Division: Wheels of Fire
The men’s and women’s wheelchair champions return for another showdown. Sho Watanabe (Japan) and Michelle Wheeler (USA) will defend their titles against fierce challengers, including Geert Schipper (Netherlands).
“I’ll face this race as a challenger, not just a defending champion,” said Watanabe. Schipper added with a grin, “I’m going fast from the gun — I’m a big guy, so I can’t wait for a sprint!”
Wheeler added, “It feels like coming home. The volunteers and crowds make Cape Town special — I’m looking forward to that again.”
Prize Money & Incentives
Top finishers will share a massive R4.5 million prize purse, with winners taking home US$25,000 each and bonuses for course or national records. The first South African man and woman will pocket R25,000 each, while age-group and local category prizes ensure everyone has something to chase.
Watch It Live
Fans can catch every stride of the 2025 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon live on SuperSport from 05:50 to 11:00, with international coverage beamed across multiple continents.
