ATHLETICS
Frank Rotich 2 days ago

Eliud Kipchoge backs Cape Town Marathon for World Majors status

Eliud Kipchoge when he arrived in Cape Town. [Courtesy Sanlam Cape Town Marathon]

Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has called on African countries to support the Cape Town Marathon’s bid to join the World Marathon Majors.

Kipchoge spoke after arriving in South Africa ahead of Sunday’s Cape Town Marathon, where he will compete in his first-ever marathon on African soil.

The two-time Olympic champion said Africa deserves to have one of its marathons ranked alongside famous races such as London, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, New York and Sydney.

Kipchoge urged all African nations to unite behind the Cape Town race, saying it can help showcase African culture and talent to the world.

“This is our marathon. I want all African countries to invest in Cape Town because this is our only marathon. We need to feel proud and work together because this is where we sell our culture as Africans,” said Kipchoge.

The former world marathon record holder has enjoyed huge success in the World Marathon Majors, winning five Berlin Marathon titles, four London Marathon crowns and also victories in Chicago and Tokyo.

The 41-year-old will now be hoping to add Cape Town to his list of achievements as he leads more than 27,000 runners expected at the event.

Kipchoge’s appearance in Cape Town is part of his “Eliud’s Running World” tour, a project aimed at inspiring healthy living and bringing people together through running across different continents.

The Kenyan star will also be chasing a fast time in Cape Town, with the current course record standing at 2 hours, 8 minutes and 16 seconds set by Ethiopian runner Abdisa Tola in 2025.