Eliud Kipchoge Announces First-Ever Marathon Race in Africa as Part of Seven-Continent World Tour

Five-time Berlin Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has announced the world tour that will see him compete on all seven continents over the next two to three years, beginning with his first-ever marathon in Africa on May 24, 2026, in Cape Town.

The two-time Olympic champion revealed his ambitious plan to run seven marathons, primarily to raise funds for his foundation, which focuses on conservation and education. This tour marks a significant new chapter for the Kenyan icon.

"I have been planning for the world tour for a long time, and I am happy that the first one will start with my own continent. This will be my first race in Africa," said Kipchoge, who holds two world records and was the first person to break the two-hour marathon barrier.

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Speaking at a virtual press conference from Kenya on Monday, March 9, the 41-year-old emphasised a shift in his racing philosophy. He explained that his future races will be less about setting records and more about inspiring others.

"I am training normally, preparing my mind like any other race. But it is a different race. It’s more for inspiration and to reach more people," he said, maintaining his characteristic positivity.

"I am not giving a stipulated time that I need to run in Cape Town… I want to run a good race, a beautiful race that everyone will enjoy."

Eliud Kipchoge's goal is to use his platform to elevate the perception of athletics. "I want to spread my inspiration and make people understand sport more than ever, make them treat sport as a profession," he added.

This new, fan-focused chapter of his career will see him travel the globe. While the full schedule is still being finalised, potential stops include Abu Dhabi for his first Asian marathon, Perth in Australia, and a race along Portugal's Algarve coast. The tour could then continue to Cartagena, Colombia, and Miami, USA, before a grand finale at Wolf's Fang in Antarctica.

The choice of Cape Town for the inaugural race is strategic. The South African event is a candidate to become a new World Marathon Major, which would make it the first on the African continent to achieve that prestigious status. Winning there could earn Kipchoge another coveted star after he completed his Six-Star journey in New York City last year.

Eliud Kipchoge, a celebrated ambassador for running, expressed his excitement about connecting with his African fanbase in person.

"Most people in Africa have only watched me on television, and now it’s my turn to go to them," he said. "The African continent is still young, so I want to bring a lot of inspiration. I also like the running culture in Cape Town... South Africa is very much a sporting country, and Cape Town is a very sporty city."

Having previously stated he plans to "evolve" rather than retire, this world tour represents the next stage of his illustrious career. Kipchoge is expected to announce the next two destinations on his tour later this week.