19/10/2026
Jacaranda Athletic Club Shines at Inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon
Laudium’s purple running spirit was on full display in Cape Town as Jacaranda Athletic Club celebrated an outstanding weekend at the inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon this past Sunday, 18 October 2026.
The historic inaugural event attracted approximately 4,500 marathon runners, alongside thousands of participants in the half marathon, 10km and 5km races. The marathon route showcased some of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks and coastal scenery.
Arthur Jantjies claimed the men’s marathon title in a personal best of 2:15:14, while Ethiopia’s Bize Beyira Negasa won the women’s race in 2:36:42, also recording a personal best.
For Laudium’s largest running club, the weekend was about far more than race times. It was a celebration of teamwork, community spirit, inclusion and the growing popularity of road running.
More than 20 Jacaranda participants took part across the weekend’s events, with 19 tackling the gruelling 42.2km marathon distance. All the club’s participants successfully completed their respective races.
One of the biggest highlights was the successful marathon debut of six novices; four women and two men.
The six novice marathon finishers were Naseema Kharbai , Arsha Nichha, Hawa Yousuf and Sameeha Kharbai, alongside Luqmaan Mahomed and Fayzal Jeebhay.
Their successful completion of the demanding 42.2km course was a proud milestone for the runners and the club, highlighting Jacaranda’s commitment to encouraging newcomers and growing participation in road running.
Jacaranda also welcomed Professor Priya Soma, who joined the club’s runners for the marathon. Following the team’s race strategy and drawing on the support of fellow athletes, she successfully completed the race and secured a qualifying time for next year’s historic 100th Comrades Marathon.
Expressing her gratitude to the club, Priya said: “Thank you to Cassim and team Jacaranda. I really appreciate you allowing me to join your run. I came to Cape Town with no plan but your strategy really worked for me. The last 7km were tough but your support was amazing!”
The club’s support crew along the route also played a vital role, encouraging runners through the difficult final kilometres and creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and motivation.
Novice runner Hawa Yousuf echoed those sentiments, saying: “Thank you to all our supporters on the road … appreciate all your effort and just being there for us meant so much.”
A club spokesperson said the successful outing was a proud moment for Jacaranda and reflected the positive results of its ongoing efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and introduce more people to road running.
“Seeing our runners achieve their goals, particularly our first-time marathoners, is incredibly rewarding. It demonstrates what can be achieved when people are encouraged, supported and given the opportunity to challenge themselves.
“We are especially proud of our women who stepped up to the marathon distance and crossed the finish line. Their achievements are an inspiration to others in our community who may be considering taking up running.”
The spokesperson also paid tribute to the dedicated Jacaranda support crew, whose presence and encouragement along the route made a meaningful difference to the runners.
For Jacaranda Athletic Club, the Nelson Mandela Marathon was not simply another race on the calendar. It was a celebration of friendship, family, perseverance and community pride, with Laudium’s unmistakable purple colours making their mark in the Mother City.
From first-time marathoners to seasoned Comrades runners, Jacaranda’s message was clear: with the right support, determination and team spirit, extraordinary things are possible.
