Micheal Seme – No pressure on Stephen Mokoka to win fourth Cape Town Marathon title

The sold-out 42.2km race, which gets underway at 6 am from Green Point Stadium, has attracted more than 20,000 runners and a world-class field.

Organisers have invited top international competitors capable of clocking times of 2:04, 2:05, and 2:07 in the men’s race, while the women’s elite lineup is expected to produce times between 2:16 and 2:18 — setting the stage for a fast and thrilling contest.

The 40-year-old Hollywood Athletics Club star remains among the favourites to claim the R250,000 winner’s prize before the event moves to its new slot in May 2026.

But the 66-year-old Seme, who this year received Athletics South Africa’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his 40 years of coaching excellence, says Mokoka must rely on experience and strategy rather than physical strength.

“The man is old now. It will be hard for him to win his fourth title, but if the others sleep, he will upset them,” said Seme. 

READ: Alan Fritz backs Chad le Clos to win two medals at Commonwealth Games

“He still runs like a youngster, and he’s clever. He just needs to use his brains and run smart. Things are no longer the same as before when we knew he would definitely win.”

Seme, who also coaches his son Sikhumbuzo and leading female road runner Cacisile Socibo, believes that experience gives Mokoka an edge over his younger rivals.

“Marathons are all about experience — the older you get, the better you become,” he explained.

“He must stick with the leading pack. If the others can’t plan properly, he’ll beat them. He has raced a lot this year — several 10km events and one or two half-marathons, including a win last week in Tshwane — so he’s fit and ready.”

Seme revealed that Mokoka left for Cape Town early to settle and rest ahead of the race, adding that the club has deliberately taken a more relaxed approach this time.