The inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon will bring runners together in Cape Town this October across multiple race distances.
Cape Town, South Africa (14 May 2026) – Thousands of runners are expected to hit the streets of Cape Town later this year for the launch of a new global running movement inspired by the values Nelson Mandela stood for.
The first-ever Nelson Mandela Marathon will take place in the Mother City on 18 October 2026, bringing together runners across the marathon, half-marathon, 10km and 5km distances.
But organisers say this is about far more than chasing personal bests or crossing finish lines. Instead, the event hopes to create a space where people can come together through movement and reflection, using running as a way to celebrate values such as unity, dignity, courage and equality.
Set against the backdrop of Cape Town, the inaugural race is expected to attract around 20 000 participants as the movement officially gets underway. The marathon forms part of what will eventually become the Nelson Mandela Marathon Global Running Series, with plans to expand the initiative internationally from 2027.
According to the organisers, the idea is to use one of the world’s most inclusive sports to connect people from different backgrounds, cultures and generations. All the profits from the event will go towards the Nelson Mandela Foundation‘s efforts.
The official programme for the Cape Town event is expected to be unveiled later this month, giving runners their first full look at what to expect from the race weekend.
And while the marathon itself will only take place in October, excitement around the event is already building as South Africa prepares to host the first chapter of what could become a major global running movement.
Those wanting to follow the journey, watch the teaser video or find more information can do so here.
https://youtu.be/sI036Q3wzjs
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