The inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon brings 20,000 runners and walkers through a 42km route across Cape Town in honour of Nelson Mandela's enduring legacy.
Organised by international sports company Golazo in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the event donates all profits directly to the Foundation, which was established by Mandela after his retirement from public life to advance justice, dignity, equality and freedom through programmes in education, rural development and HIV/AIDS.
The marathon route begins on Strand Street and passes through the Atlantic seaboard, the Foreshore, and Milnerton before finishing on the historic Grand Parade, with Robben Island visible on the horizon. Final route details will be confirmed at the end of June 2026. Four ambassadors have been named: Dr Paul Tergat, five-time World Cross Country Champion and IOC member; Catherine Ndereba, two-time World Marathon Champion and four-time Boston Marathon champion; Hendrick Ramaala, former New York City Marathon champion; and Prudence Sekgodiso, women's 800m world champion at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships.
Joining the weekend is the Slave Route Challenge, a historically significant Cape Town race established in 2011 by Itheko Sport Athletic Club, offered in 21km, 10km, and 5km distances. The Slave Route Challenge routes pass landmarks including the Castle of Good Hope, Company's Garden, Bo-Kaap, and District Six.
Entries open at noon on Friday, 22 May 2026.