'My strategy will be to focus on my strengths' - Lipschitz targets podium finish at Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is just a few days away and some of the world’s fastest marathoners are arriving in South Africa's coastal city to compete in a world-class event, with many seeking a fast time. In the men's race, local hopes will be pinned on three-time champion Stephen Mokoka, the country's marathon record holder Elroy Gelant, reigning Half-Marathon Champion Thabang Mosiako, and Adam Lipschitz to challenge East Africans for the top honours . 

Despite his recent transition to the marathon distance, Lipschitz has shown outstanding performances since his 42,2km debut in December 2023, twice breaking the 2:10 barrier. Speaking ahead of the race, Durban-based Lipschitz expressed positivity and excitement about taking part in Africa’s Major on Sunday (October 19).

Lipschitz in action during the 2023 Valencia Marathon. Photo Credit: Supplied.

"My training for the Cape Town Marathon has been progressing exceptionally well. I participated in the Berlin Marathon, where I paced the female runners," explains Lipschitz who is holder of 2:08:54 personal best time over 42.2km distance.

"I have also completed numerous 10km races as part of my build-up to the event," he explained alluding to his season's best 28:46 at the Absa RUN YOUR CITy DURBAN 10K in July. "Additionally, I paced up to 40km in the Adidas world record attempt, which featured Sibusiso Kubheka (where he became the first athlete to run under six hours in the 100km distance). Although there has been a significant amount of traveling, my body is holding up well," he told #TheTopRunner.

As the Cape Town Marathon's seeks to make history by becoming the first African race to attain Abbott major marathon status, alongside notable events such as the Chicago, London, Berlin, Tokyo, New York, Boston, and the Sydney Marathons, there is much excitement in local running circles. Lipschitz, who has competed in some of the biggest global marathon events has provided thought-provoking input.

"I have been fortunate enough to have completed the Chicago, Berlin, and London marathons. Additionally, I have participated in various other exciting marathons worldwide, including Valencia, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Hamburg," explains Lipschitz who clocked 2:09:48 in this year's London Marathon to finish in 12th place overall. 

Lipschitz (centre) at the start of the 2025 Absa DURBAN 10K, where he ran the second fastest 10km time of his career. Photo Credit: Stillwater Sports.

"If Cape Town becomes a major marathon, it will undoubtedly revolutionize the running landscape in South Africa, by highlighting the significance and achievement of completing a marathon. I am thrilled at the prospect of the race becoming a major event next year.”

To get the nod and be included as the latest member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series, The Cape Town Marathon, will have to inter alia, produce it’s fastest finishing time yet. For example, Brimin Kipkorir won the 2024 Sydney Marathon in a new course record 2:06:18 as the Australian officially became a major this year. It means that the men’s winner is likely to run considerably faster than the 2:08:16 course record that Ethiopia’s Abdisa Tola produced to win the race last year. 31-year-old Lipschitz knows this and has only one target in mind - to obtain a podium position in the Mother City. 

"I am targeting a position. Although the course is not the fastest, I am confident that by adopting a strategic and technical running approach, I can make achieving a position a reality. My strategy will be to focus on my own strengths and maintain my own pace, leveraging the fact that the second half of the course is considerably faster than the first," he concluded.