By Elias Makori
Africa’s Marathon legends Paul Tergat, Catherine Ndereba of Kenya and South Africa’s Hendrick Ramaala have been named Ambassadors for Cape Town’s inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon in October alongside South Africa’s middle-distance star Prudence Sekgodiso.
The first Nelson Mandela Marathon will run on October 18 this year, with slots available for 20,000 runners and walkers to Rise, Remember, Run through one of the world’s most meaningful marathon routes.
Organised by Golazo in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the marathon is rooted not in competition but rather in values and purpose, with all profits donated directly to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
The momentum behind the event was already evident at Monday night’s official media launch in Cape Town, which saw strong attendance and support from media, partners and key stakeholders, signalling significant excitement and anticipation for the inaugural race.
Power of sport to inspire change
Tergat, Ndereba, Ramaala and Sekgodiso were unveiled as the race’s ambassadors to also celebrate their contribution to African sport. The four of Africa’s greatest distance athletes were named as ambassadors, united by their shared belief in the power of sport to inspire change.
Tergat is a five-time world cross country champion, former marathon world record holder, and two-time Olympic silver medallist and is one of the greatest distance runners in history. He currently sits on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and is a passionate advocate for sport diplomacy and African youth development.
Ndereba, affectionately known as “Catherine the Great,” is a two-time world marathon champion, two-time Olympic silver medallist, and four-time Boston Marathon champion. She champions sports development and mentorship for young athletes through serving Kenya as Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons.
South Africa’s Ramaala is a former New York City Marathon champion who has represented South Africa at multiple Olympic Games and World Championships and is one of the country’s most decorated long-distance runners. Through the Hendrick Ramaala Sports Foundation, he now dedicates himself to empowering the next generation of athletes.
Sekgodiso is one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents, claiming the women’s 800 metres world title at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China. Her grit and fearless racing style represent a new generation of African athletes redefining the future of track and field.
From Strand Street to the Grand Parade
The inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon will take runners on a 42-kilometre journey through the heart of Cape Town, starting in Strand Street before heading towards the Atlantic seaboard, sweeping back through the Foreshore, out towards Milnerton, and returning to finish on the historic Grand Parade.
The route passes through spaces shaped by the history of slavery and South Africa’s long walk to freedom, with Robben Island visible on the horizon, serving as a constant reminder of what the race represents. Final details of the route will be made towards the end of June.
Running For a Purpose
This race was created to honour Mandela’s unshakeable belief in the power of sport to change the world.
“Madiba always believed that sport has a unique and powerful ability to bring people together, inspire hope, and strengthen communities,” says Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.
“The inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon will do exactly that – celebrating athletic excellence and healthy living while creating opportunities for tourism, economic growth, and community connection. We are proud to support an event that honours his legacy and further enriches the Western Cape’s vibrant sporting calendar.”
Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi, invites everyone to be part of this historic first: “This is about carrying forward the values Madiba stood for: dignity, unity, courage and justice,” he says. At a time when the world feels increasingly divided, even the smallest step can connect us to something greater than ourselves.”
Bob Verbeeck, CEO of Golazo, agrees: “Running has always been one of the most inclusive sports, and this series embodies that spirit. It is a true honour to work alongside the Nelson Mandela Foundation to pay tribute to Madiba and carry his values forward.”
One of world’s great road running cities
Cape Town was chosen as the home of the inaugural race, cementing its reputation as one of the world’s great cities for road running. The event marks the launch of the Nelson Mandela Marathon Global Running Series, with host cities and countries for 2027 to be announced in the week leading up to the inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon in October.
Geordin Hill-Lewis, Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, celebrated the city as one of the most popular marathon destinations: “We are proud to host the upcoming inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon, and we cannot wait to see 20,000 runners take to the streets in October to run in honour of Madiba’s legacy. Cape Town is fast establishing itself as one of the great marathon cities of the world, and the Nelson Mandela Marathon, together with the Slave Route Challenge half marathon and the 10km and 5km races, will only add to that pedigree.”
Slave Route Challenge Joins Movement
Golazo and Itheko Sport Athletic Club have joined forces to bring Cape Town’s iconic Slave Route Challenge into the Nelson Mandela Marathon weekend. Established in 2011, the Slave Route Challenge honours the city’s complex history through routes that pass the Castle of Good Hope, Company’s Garden, Bo-Kaap, and District Six – two events bound by shared values of dignity, courage, justice, equality, solidarity and freedom.
The 21km, 10km, and 5km retain their unique identity and history while stepping onto a global stage. Itheko SAC proudly retains full ownership of the brand, overseeing route management across all distances and supplying marshals and operational support on race day.
“The Slave Route Challenge has always been about more than running,” says Zarina Meyer-Brewer, President of Itheko SAC.
“It is a powerful act of remembrance honouring the resilience, dignity and legacy of enslaved communities whose stories shaped Cape Town and South Africa. As we enter this new chapter alongside the Nelson Mandela Marathon, we do so through a shared commitment to human rights, freedom, justice and remembrance. This partnership allows the Slave Route Challenge to continue evolving, reaching new audiences through a stronger, more sustainable and globally recognised platform that will carry these important stories to future generations.”
About the key actors
The Nelson Mandela Foundation was established by Nelson Mandela following his retirement from public life to carry forward his legacy of justice, dignity, equality and freedom. The Foundation develops and sustains programmes in the areas of education, rural development and HIV/AIDS, and acts as a centre of memory and dialogue.
Golazo is an international sports and entertainment company, and one of Europe’s leading organisers of mass participation events. Golazo organises iconic running, cycling and multisport events across the globe, connecting millions of participants with unforgettable experiences. Golazo has a growing presence in South Africa, where it is bringing world-class event management to local sporting traditions.
Itheko Sport Athletic Club is the owner and organiser of the Slave Route Challenge, one of Cape Town’s most historically significant running events. Itheko SAC is committed to preserving the unique identity and history of the Slave Route Challenge while growing its reach through new partnerships and platforms.
Entry Information:
Race Distances:
- Nelson Mandela Marathon – 42km
- Slave Route Challenge Half Marathon – 21km
- 10km Run & Walk
- 5km Run & Walk
Entry Information:
Event date: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Entries open: 12h00, Friday, 22 May 2026
South African licensed ASA Club runners (42km/21km/10km):
- 42km (R700)
- 21km (R260)
- 10km Run (R190)
No license required:
- 10km Walk (R150)
- 5km Run/Walk (R80)
Start: Strand Street, Cape Town
Finish: Grand Parade, Cape Town
To enter, visit www.nelsonmandelamarathon.com
- Reporting with resources from Nelson Mandela Marathon
Elias Makori, the founder and Managing Editor of Pura Vida Sports Africa, is a veteran sports journalist with over 30 years’ experience. Makori is a holder of a Masters in Sports Management degree from Barcelona’s Cruyff Institute and is also the 2012 World Athletics Journalist of the Year, three-time Kenya Sports Journalist of the Year and twice Africa Sports Media Personality of the Year.
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