Inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon Set for Cape Town

The inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon is scheduled for October 18, 2026, in Cape Town, uniting runners of various skill levels to honor Nelson Mandela's legacy.

The event will feature elite South African distance runners competing against international athletes on a scenic course that includes views of Table Mountain. Participants will compete in the flagship marathon as well as the Slave Route Challenge, which includes 21km, 10km, and 5km races.

Among the elite competitors are Tete Dijana, a three-time Comrades Marathon champion, and Piet Wiersma from the Netherlands. The marathon offers a total prize pool of R2 million, with R225,000 awarded to the first male and female finishers. The race will start at 05:30, and spectators can watch live coverage on SABC 3.