Kipchoge makes historic African marathon debut as Esa smashes Cape Town course record

Much of the attention centred on marathon great Eliud Kipchoge, who competed in the first official marathon of his career on African soil during the launch of his “Eliud’s World Tour.”

The two-time Olympic champion finished 16th overall in 2:13:29 in one of the standout moments of the event.

Speaking before the race, Kipchoge described the occasion as deeply personal.

“Africa is where my running journey started and to finally run a marathon here is something very emotional and special for me. This is about inspiring people and celebrating running on the continent,” averred Kipchoge.

Kipchoge was joined in Cape Town by his wife, Grace Kipchoge, who also participated during the marathon weekend, adding a personal touch to a memorable edition of the race.

In the elite men’s race, Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa stormed to victory in a new course record time of 2:04:55.

Esa remained with the leading pack for most of the race before making a decisive break in the closing kilometres to eclipse the previous course record of 2:08:15, set by fellow Ethiopian Abdisa Tola at the 2024 edition.

Compatriot Yihunilign Adane finished second in 2:04:59, just four seconds behind the winner, while Kenya’s Kalipus Lomwai claimed third place in 2:05:06.

“The conditions were very good today and the crowds gave us a lot of energy during the race,” said Esa.

“I knew the field was strong, so I had to stay patient before making my move near the end.”

The women’s elite title was won by Ethiopia’s Dera Dida Yami, who crossed the line in 2:23:18 after pulling away from the leading group in the closing stages.

Ethiopia’s Mestawut Fikir finished second in 2:23:46, while Waganesh Amare secured third in 2:23:57 to complete an all-Ethiopian podium.

Kenya’s Leah Cheruto narrowly missed out on a podium finish after placing fourth in 2:24:31, while veteran Edna Kiplagat came fifth in 2:25:44.

In the wheelchair marathon, Britain’s David Weir claimed victory in the men’s race in 1:30:20 after leading a competitive international field.

Dutch athlete Jetze Plat finished second in 1:33:12, while Japan’s Sho Watanabe took third place in 1:33:43.

The women’s wheelchair title went to Switzerland’s Manuela Schär, who controlled the race from the early stages before winning in 1:43:25.

China’s Chen Xiaochun finished second in 1:52:21, while Deng Yirun completed the podium in 1:57:05.