What if your next race was not only about fitness, but also about purpose, history, resilience, and hope? Cape Town’s inaugural Nelson Mandela Marathon is set to bring 20,000 runners and walkers together on Sunday, 18 October 2026, in a powerful new event that honours Madiba’s belief in the unifying power of sport. Featuring a marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km distances, the race moves through parts of Cape Town deeply connected to South Africa’s story, creating a sporting experience designed to inspire far beyond the finish line. Fitness enthusiast and wellness correspondent Liezel van der Westhuizen joins Africa Melane on CapeTalk and 702 to explain why the Nelson Mandela Marathon is already generating major excitement across South Africa. From the role of the Slave Route Challenge and the significance of the Cape Town route to practical entry details, training motivation, and why this event is accessible for beginners and experienced runners alike, Liezel shares expert insights into why this race could become a defining new moment in Cape Town’s fitness and wellness calendar