BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN-ROSE
Marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge has praised South Africa’s vibrant running culture during his visit to Cape Town ahead of this Sunday’s Cape Town Marathon.
The Kenyan legend is in the country as part of his “Running World” tour, a global project that aims to see him participate in marathons across all seven continents over the next few years.
Although Kipchoge will not compete at full intensity in Sunday’s race, he is helping promote the Cape Town Marathon as it pushes to become Africa’s first World Marathon Major.
Speaking during his visit, Kipchoge applauded South Africa’s strong road-running tradition and major races such as the Comrades Marathon, Two Oceans Marathon, and the Absa Run Your City series.
He said the country possesses enormous untapped athletic talent, especially within township communities.
Kipchoge also expressed excitement about exploring South African sporting culture beyond athletics. The two-time Olympic marathon champion revealed that he hopes to meet the South Africa national rugby union team and experience the passion surrounding rugby and football in local communities.
According to Kipchoge, visiting townships, meeting young athletes, and connecting with people involved in sport and community development are among his priorities during the trip.
The marathon great added that South Africa’s enthusiasm for sport and community participation makes the visit both inspiring and meaningful.
