The 2026 Cape Town Marathon took place on Sunday, May 24. About 27,000 runners took to the start line in the South African capital city.
Results from the 2026 Cape Town Marathon
Cape Town is looking to become the first African race to join the World Marathon Majors series. Last year’s race was canceled 90 minutes before the start of the race after high winds damaged structures near the start line. That pushed the final phase of its World Marathon major candidacy from last year to this year.
It was an Ethiopian sweep of the top spots, with Dera Dida Yami winning the women’s race in 2:23:18, and Huseydin Mohamed Esa taking the men’s race in 2:04:55.
The elite results of the 2026 Cape Town Marathon are below.
Women’s elite results
- Dera Dida Yami (ETH), 2:23:18
- Mestawut Fikir (ETH), 2:23:46
- Waganesh Amare (ETH), 2:23:57
- Leah Cheruto (KEN), 2:24:31
- Edna Kiplagat (KEN), 2:25:44
- Gojjam Enyew (ETH), 2:26:24
- Mercy Jerop Kwambai (KEN), 2:30:36
- Desi Jisa Mokonin (BHR), 2:30:44
- Cynthia Jerotich Limo (KEN), 2:32:00
- Fortunate Chidzivo (ZWE), 2:41:09
Men’s elite results
- Huseydin Mohamed Esa (ETH), 2:04:55
- Yihunilign Adane (ETH), 2:04:59
- Kalipus Lomwai (KEN), 2:05:06
- Leonard Langat (KEN), 2:05:26
- Jemal Yimer (ETH), 2:05:48
- Mulugeta Uma (ETH), 2:06:19
- Maru Teferi (ISR), 2:06:46
- Abebaw Dessie Muniye (ETH), 2:06:57
- Benard Kipkurui Biwott (KEN), 2:07:34
- Justus Kipkogei Kangogo (KEN), 2:07:42
- Kamohelo Mofolo (LSO), 2:08:50
- Isaac Mpofu (ZWE), 2:10:27
- Stephen Mokoka (ZAF), 2:10:48
- Matlakala Bennet Seloyi (ZAF), 2:12:17
- Anthony Timoteus (ZAF), 2:13:04
- Eliud Kipchoge (KEN), 2:13:29
- Joel Reichow (USA), 2:14:31
- Tukiso Motlomelo (LSO), 2:16:30
- Desmond Mokgobu (ZAF), 2:19:30
- Jamie Riddle (ZAF), 02:25:04
Dan Beck is the deputy news editor at Runner’s World. He has led news coverage teams for major running events like the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships, Boston Marathon, and New York City Marathon. A former collegiate distance runner at DeSales University, he still enjoys running, just more slowly now. Before coming to Runner’s World, he covered track and field and cross-country at MileSplit. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, where the two like to explore the city’s rich dining scene.
