By Adnaan Mohamed
Sboniso Sikhakhane is confident he can finally deliver the breakthrough victory at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD in 2026.
The 35-year-old Entsika Athletics Club runner will return to the gruelling 56km race Saturday, 11 April with unfinished business after last year’s agonising runner-up finish.
In 2025 Sikhakhane clocked 3:11:18, crossing the line only 31 seconds behind Lesotho’s Joseph Khoarahlane Seutloali after a gripping duel over the closing kilometres of the 56km race.
The narrow defeat still lingers in his memory.
“I still think I should have won the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon last year,” Sikhakhane said.
“I had a good strategy on how to attack the race from the start to the end. It all worked out well till the latter stages of the race.”
A late miscalculation ultimately proved costly.
“I made a huge mistake when I went to fetch a water bottle where I wasn’t supposed to. I gave Khoarahlane an opportunity to open a gap which made it hard for me to recover,” he explained.
“But I have moved past it as everything is planned by God.”
Under the guidance of coach Hendrick Ramaala, the 2004 New York Marathon champion, Sikhakhane has opted for a familiar preparation path ahead of this year’s race.
The Newcastle-born runner again used the FNB Kazungula Marathon in Botswana as a key build-up race, a strategy that produced encouraging results.
He finished second in 2:19:17, more than five minutes quicker than the 2:24:53 he recorded at the same race in 2025 when he placed seventh. Zimbabwe’s Isaac Mpofu took the victory.
“I didn’t see a reason to change what worked for me last year, which is why I decided to participate in the Kazungula Marathon just like I did last year,” Sikhakhane said.
“I love that race; it gives me the clear indication on where to adjust my training going forward.”
The race also confirmed his current fitness.
“The conditions were hot on race day, but I did well to adapt. My aim was to go there and clock two hours and 20 minutes, which I managed to achieve. I now have to discuss with coach where we can strengthen to be fully ready for Two Oceans.”
Sikhakhane has steadily built a strong record at the iconic Cape Town ultra.
He finished third in 2022 in 3:11:30, before improving to runner-up last year, performances that have strengthened his belief that victory could be within reach.
“I think I’m in the best shape of my life,” he said.
“My body has been responding well to training. Plus my mind is also strong as I have battled in the past two years.
“My target is to clock a better time than I have done in the past. I believe it is time for me to win a big race in this country.”
The experienced road runner says the lessons from previous campaigns have sharpened his approach.
“In the past I have made mistakes, but I have learned from them. Winning would be a dream come true as I have been knocking on the door for too long.”
Race organisers believe Sikhakhane’s determination adds another compelling storyline to the 2026 edition of the race often dubbed the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon.
“Sboniso Sikhakhane’s determination and consistency over the years make him a true contender for this year’s Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD,” said Chris Goldschmidt, chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.
“Having finished second last year, it’s inspiring to see him so focused on claiming his first victory.”
Wade Bromfield, general manager of the race, echoed that sentiment.
“Every year the Ultra Marathon brings out remarkable stories of resilience and ambition,” Bromfield said.
“Sboniso’s drive to turn last year’s near-miss into a win perfectly embodies the spirit of the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD.”
The 56km Ultra Marathon starts at 05:15 on Saturday, 11 April, forming the centrepiece of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend, which also includes the Trail Run on Friday and the Half Marathon on Sunday.
For Sikhakhane, the goal is simple when the starting gun fires before dawn in Cape Town.
Finish the race he believes slipped away last year.
Event Information
Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD
Thursday, 9 April 2026
Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon International Friendship Run
Friday, 10 April 2026
Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run
Start Time: 07:00
Saturday, 11 April 2026
Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon
Start Time: 05:15
Sunday, 12 April 2026
Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon
Start Time: 06:15
2026 Prize Purse
The iconic event boasts a combined prize purse of R2.6 million in 2026.
- Ultra Marathon: R2 177 400
- Half Marathon: R422 600
More information:
www.twooceansmarathon.org.za
