© Cape Town Marathon
Cape Town Marathon 2026: Mohamed Esa Victorious, Dera Dida Wins as Eliud Kipchoge Enjoys His African Marathon Debut
There was something different about Cape Town this Sunday, May 24. Maybe because this edition represented a decisive step in the marathon’s bid to become the first Major on the African continent. Maybe because Eliud Kipchoge was running his very first marathon on African soil as part of his World Tour. Or maybe simply because, after last year’s edition was cancelled due to violent winds, an entire city was eager to lace up its running shoes again. Probably a bit of all of that. This time, everything aligned perfectly. 13 degrees Celsius at the start, no wind, cloudy skies and ideal racing conditions. Around Cape Town Stadium in Green Point, nearly 27,000 runners took off with Table Mountain as a backdrop. And the show delivered: a new men’s course record (2:04:55 by Mohamed Esa) and a high-level women’s race won in 2:23:18 by Dera Dida.
| A men’s race that exploded after halfway: Mohamed Esa takes control
At the front, the ambitions were clear: pass halfway in around 1:02:30 thanks to two high-quality pacers, local runners Adam Lipschitz and Adrian Wildschutt. Behind them sat a particularly dense lead pack featuring Mohamed Esa, Kalipus Lomwai, Leonard Langat, Yihunilign Adane, Bénard Biwott, Maru Teferi and of course… Eliud Kipchoge.
The group reached 10 km in 30:01 before moving through several iconic locations around the city. After Green Point came Woodstock, the Castle of Good Hope and eventually downtown Cape Town. But despite its urban layout, Cape Town remains a demanding marathon with nearly 215 meters of elevation gain that slowly begins to break the field apart.
At halfway, sixteen runners were still together in 1:02:47. The group remained packed and the race completely open. But Kipchoge had already chosen to let the leaders go shortly after kilometer 13.
Then came one of the most unexpected moments of the day.
While Adam Lipschitz stepped off at halfway as planned, Adrian Wildschutt kept pushing. The South African, who trains in the United States with NAZ Elite, is currently in the shape of his life. Not surprising considering his recent results… including victory at the prestigious United Airlines NYC Half in 59:30 on March 15.
In Cape Town, he was the local hero. He gradually increased the pace and opened a gap on the lead group. Watching the pacer run away toward victory is a pretty rare scene in marathon running.
Behind him, the race exploded. Leonard Langat, Lomwai and Esa began working together to close the gap. With ten kilometers remaining, the race completely changed.
Eventually caught just before kilometer 35, Wildschutt finally stepped aside and left behind a now completely chaotic race. Approaching kilometer 40 along the roads beside Sea Point Promenade and the Atlantic Ocean, Mohamed Esa launched the decisive move. Lomwai cracked, Langat faded and only Yihunilign Adane tried to resist.
But the Ethiopian was simply too strong and eventually crossed the line in 2:04:55. He shattered the course record by more than three minutes to secure the first marathon victory of his career.
Men’s Results
1. Mohamed Esa (Ethiopia) – 2:04:55 (course record)
2. Yihunilign Adane (Ethiopia) – 2:04:59
3. Kalipus Lomwai (Kenya) – 2:05:06
4. Leonard Langat (Kenya) – 2:05:26
5. Jemal Yimer (Ethiopia) – 2:05:48
6. Mulugeta Uma (Ethiopia) – 2:06:19
7. Maru Teferi (Israel) – 2:06:46
8. Abebaw Dessie Muniye (Ethiopia) – 2:06:57
9. Benard Kipkurui Biwott (Kenya)– 2:07:34
10. Justus Kipkogei Kangogo (Kenya) – 2:07:42
16. Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) – 2:13:29
| Eliud Kipchoge: his first marathon on African soil
His presence alone was enough to draw massive crowds.
For his first African marathon, Eliud Kipchoge officially launched his new World Tour. A different kind of project from anything he had done before: seven marathons, seven continents, using running as a way to bring people together while supporting the educational and environmental initiatives of his foundation.
Sportingly, the mission was different too.
After holding the lead pace for 13 kilometers, Kipchoge gradually let the front group go. Running alone between groups for much of the race, he eventually finished 16th in 2:13:29.
A respectable performance for Kipchoge, but clearly the priorities are now elsewhere for the Kenyan legend. At 41 years old, the former world record holder has entered a new chapter of his career. The era of chasing pure performance and podiums is over. He now focuses more on experiences, sharing moments, meeting people and telling a different story through running.
In Cape Town, he added another meaningful chapter to his incredible journey: the first marathon of his life run on the African continent.
The GOAT remains the GOAT.
| Dera Dida becomes the queen of Cape Town after a controlled race
The women’s field was equally impressive.
Five athletes entered with personal bests under 2:20, including Dera Dida, Edna Kiplagat, Mestawut Fikir, Ruti Aga and Lonah Salpeter. Around fifteen women stayed together behind three male pacers for much of the race.
The group passed 10 km in 34:40 before progressing through downtown streets and near Company’s Garden and Long Street, where the atmosphere became increasingly intense.
Unlike the men’s race, the pace here appeared more controlled. Halfway was reached in 1:12:33. Slightly slower than expected, but visually the favorites still looked extremely comfortable.
As the kilometers passed, the race naturally selected its contenders. Approaching 40 km, only Dera Dida and Mestawut Fikir were still fighting for victory.
In the final kilometers along the ocean, Dida finally accelerated. Fikir could no longer respond.
The Ethiopian crossed the line in 2:23:18 to complete an Ethiopian double victory in Cape Town. A patient and perfectly managed performance, helped greatly by her pacers.
Meanwhile, Edna Kiplagat continues to defy time itself. At 46 years old, the two-time world champion still competes at the highest level, finishing fifth in 2:25:44.
Women’s Results
1. Dera Dida Yami (Ethiopia) – 2:23:18
2. Mestawut Fikir (Ethiopia) – 2:23:46
3. Waganesh Amare (Ethiopia) – 2:23:57
4. Leah Cheruto (Kenya) – 2:24:31
5. Edna Kiplagat (Kenya) – 2:25:44
6. Gojjam Enyew (Ethiopia) – 2:26:24
7. Mercy Jerop Kwambai (Kenya) – 2:30:36
8. Desi Jisa Mokonin (Bahrain) – 2:30:44
9. Cythia Jerotich Limo (Kenya) – 2:32:00
10. Salmi Nduviteko (Namibia) – 2:33:23
| Cape Town close to becoming a Major
This edition above all marked a major turning point in international marathon history.
For several years, Cape Town has been working closely with the World Marathon Majors organization in an attempt to join the exclusive group of the world’s biggest marathons. The event needed to meet a long list of demanding criteria: elite field quality, runner experience, safety, international broadcasting, economic impact, organization and logistical capacity.
After already securing World Athletics Elite Label status and progressively passing different evaluation stages, Cape Town appears to have successfully completed its final major test this weekend.
The nightmare of last year’s cancellation due to extreme weather now feels far behind. The overall impression left by this 2026 edition is that of a marathon event that has truly reached maturity.
Unless something unexpected happens, the first African Major should officially be announced later this year.
Beyond Sunday’s outstanding performances, this edition leaves behind a very special feeling. The organization clearly elevated its standards: an impressive elite field, a professional wheelchair race, strong crowd support throughout the course and an entire city fully engaged in the event. A huge step forward for the Cape Town Marathon in its quest to become Africa’s first Major. With world-class performances and the exceptional presence of Eliud Kipchoge, South Africa delivered an unforgettable show for running fans around the world. The beginning of a beautiful story between Africa and marathon running.
✓ Full results from the 2026 Cape Town Marathon
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
