By Adnaan Mohamed
Lesotho distance-running star Neheng Khatala is gathering momentum ahead of the 2026 Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, with the versatile runner targeting a top-two finish when the race unfolds in Cape Town on Saturday, 11 April.
Nicknamed the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon, the 56km test along the Cape Peninsula demands endurance, strength and tactical patience. Khatala arrives with confidence growing stride by stride after a strong start to her season.
The Olympian recently used the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K as a key fitness checkpoint, finishing fourth in 32:43 despite carrying heavy training miles in her legs.
“I really ran well to be honest and I’m grateful about the work I did that day especially because the last 3km were quite windy,” said Khatala. “I’m particularly happy with my performance because I didn’t taper. The week of the race I did a 45km long run so I went into the race with heavy legs.”
The performance highlighted the range that has become Khatala’s trademark. Few athletes move as smoothly between shorter races and the grinding demands of ultra-distance events.
The Hollywood Athletics Club runner recently demonstrated that versatility when she claimed victory at the demanding Pirates 21K Powered by Medshield, finishing ahead of South African ultra star Gerda Steyn on a challenging course.
Khatala attributes her steady progress to the training programme designed by coach Andrew Booyens, which blends hill work, endurance training and speed sessions.
“I think my training is balanced and structured in such a way that it allows me to run hilly routes as well as fast and flat courses all at the same time,” she said. “It’s all about the effort I put in. Whether it’s a tough course or a flat course I always put in effort to ensure that I remain consistent even if I don’t always win.”
Her disciplined approach produced a third-place finish in 3:40:38 at last year’s Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, placing her firmly among the contenders for the 2026 edition.
“My aim is to improve. Last year I finished in third position, so this year I must target a win or second position,” she said. “The point is to improve last year’s performance and if I can achieve that, it would be a huge blessing.”
Race organisers believe the Lesotho athlete could play a significant role when the field tackles the demanding course through Cape Town’s mountain passes and coastal roads.
“Neheng Khatala is a remarkable athlete whose versatility and dedication make her a standout entrant for the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon,” said Chris Goldschmidt, chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.
“Her performances over the last twelve months, from track races to ultra marathons, demonstrate the discipline and focus required to excel at this level.”
Event general manager Wade Bromfield believes her preparation places her among the pre-race favourites.
“Khatala’s approach to training and racing is what makes her a true contender at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon,” he said. “Her structured preparation, combined with a third-place finish last year, positions her as one of the pre-race favourites.”
With form building kilometre after kilometre, Khatala now sets her sights on Cape Town’s sweeping coastal route, where another podium finish may await if her rhythm holds across the 56km journey.
