Cape Town brought the views, but nothing could stop Arthur Jantjies and Ethiopia’s Bize Beyira Negasa from claiming the inaugural marathon titles with personal-best performances.
Cape Town, South Africa (19 October 2026) – The first-ever Nelson Mandela Marathon got off to a flying start on Sunday, 18 October, with South Africa’s Arthur Jantjies and Ethiopia’s Bize Beyira Negasa writing their names into the history books.
Jantjies, who hails from Hopetown in the Northern Cape and runs for Pan African Resources Club, crossed the finish line in 2:15:14, shaving four and a half minutes off his previous marathon best. It was also his third victory in Cape Town this year, following wins at the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon and the 10km Peace Run.
The men’s race was a tactical battle, with a pack of around 30 runners staying together through the halfway mark. But the blustery conditions eventually helped break up the field, setting the scene for a decisive move in the closing kilometres.
Jantjies made his move at the 40km mark, holding off Lesotho’s Tsépo Ramashamole, who finished just 10 seconds behind him. Zimbabwe’s Moses Tarakinyu took third, 20 seconds off the winner’s time.
“I thought that was the moment to empty the tank!” Jantjies said of his late-race surge, adding that he loves running in Cape Town.
Negasa, meanwhile, delivered a commanding performance in the women’s race. The Nedbank Running Club athlete maintained a steady pace of around 3:40 per kilometre and built a substantial lead over her rivals.
She finished in 2:36:42, improving her previous personal best by almost four minutes and beating South Africa’s Malineo Mahloko by 7 minutes and 11 seconds. Mahloko finished second after a strong late push, while Zimbabwe’s Fortunate Chidzivo claimed third.
The marathon attracted 4,500 entrants, while another 22,000 runners took on the 21km, 10km and 5km events. The 42km route showcased some of Cape Town’s iconic landmarks, from District Six, Company’s Garden and Bo-Kaap to the Sea Point Promenade and Table Bay coastline.
There was more African success in the Slave Route Half Marathon, where Kenya’s Stephen Ngigi Kangethe won the men’s title by 2:18. Ethiopia’s Weynalem Haftu Gebre dominated the women’s race, finishing 8:11 ahead of Kirsti Bell.
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David Bellairs, chief operating officer of race organiser Galoza South Africa, said the aim was to create an event that celebrated African sporting excellence while encouraging runners to embrace its ethos and enjoy the experience.
Big crowds and a route packed with Mother City magic, the inaugural edition has given the Nelson Mandela Marathon a promising start.
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