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Nelson Mandela Marathon 2026 Results

Arthur Jantjies Wins!


Welcome, fellow runners and fitness enthusiasts. There is something about a close marathon finish that makes runners lean towards the screen. After more than two hours on the road, the difference between winning and finishing third can come down to a handful of seconds.

That was the story at the front of the men’s race at the Nelson Mandela Marathon in Cape Town on Sunday, 18 October 2026.

South Africa’s Arthur Jantjies took the title in 2:15:14, with Tsépo Ramashamole ten seconds behind. Moses Tarakinyu completed the podium another ten seconds later. Ethiopia’s Bize Beyira Negasa won the women’s race in 2:36:42.

For runners following the results, there are two natural questions: how did Jantjies win, and what was he wearing?

Nelson Mandela Marathon 2026: Leading Results

Men’s marathon

PositionRunnerFinish time
1Arthur Jantjies2:15:14
2Tsépo Ramashamole2:15:24
3Moses Tarakinyu2:15:34
4Simon Sibeko2:15:59
5Siboniso Sikhakhane2:16:11

Women’s marathon

PositionRunnerFinish time
1Bize Beyira Negasa2:36:42
2Malineo Mahloko2:43:53
3Fortunate Chidzivo2:49:55
4Monique van der Merwe2:50:07
5Ethel Pangiso2:53:24

These are the leading marathon results reported after the race.

Jantjies Saved His Decisive Move for Late

Cape Town gave the field plenty to think about. A southeasterly wind affected different sections of the route, and a sizeable men’s group remained together through halfway.

Jantjies stayed in contention as the field gradually thinned. With roughly two kilometres remaining, Ramashamole and Tarakinyu were still alongside him in the battle for victory. His move around the 40 km mark settled the contest and secured a personal best. The win also followed his victories at the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon and Cape Town’s Peace Run earlier in the year.

That patience offers an appealing lesson for the rest of us. A marathon gives you many opportunities to spend energy. Choosing when to spend it is part of the challenge.

For someone chasing a Comrades qualifier, the equivalent might be resisting an ambitious opening pace and reaching the closing kilometres with enough strength to hold the target.

Negasa Delivers a Commanding Women’s Victory

While the men’s podium was separated by seconds, Negasa built a substantial winning margin. Her 2:36:42 finish put her 7 minutes and 11 seconds ahead of Mahloko, with Chidzivo taking third. Negasa also recorded a personal best.

Together, the two winning performances gave Cape Town a memorable morning of marathon racing.

For those of us planning the next start line, there is plenty to take away: prepare thoroughly, give your pacing some thought and arrive wearing kit you already trust. The shopping can support that preparation. The kilometres still need to be run.

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