Nelson Mandela Marathon

The Nelson Mandela Marathon is a major new road-running event in Cape Town, South Africa, created to celebrate the life, values and legacy of Nelson Mandela through sport. Launching on October 18, 2026, the inaugural event brings together a full 42.195K marathon with the historic Slave Route Challenge Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, creating a race weekend designed to connect running with South African history, remembrance and social purpose. The Cape Town race is also the founding event of the new Nelson Mandela Marathon Global Running Series, which is planned to expand internationally from 2027.

The event is organized by Golazo in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. More specifically, the official participation terms identify Golazo South Africa (Pty) Ltd and affiliated Golazo entities as the organizers responsible for the event’s operation and delivery. Golazo has additionally partnered with Itheko Sport Athletic Club, the organization behind Cape Town’s established Slave Route Challenge, to incorporate that race into the new Nelson Mandela Marathon weekend. Itheko retains ownership of the Slave Route Challenge brand and provides route management, marshals and operational support.