Steyn’s remarkable running journey has unfolded like a perfectly paced ultra, patient beginnings, relentless consistency, and a finishing strength that leaves spectators breathless.
With six Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon victories and three course records, she has mastered the art of winning. Yet the honour that resonates deepest is not measured in minutes or medals, but in colour: blue.
Despite multiple victories and course records, Steyn describes receiving her Blue Number, her first permanent race number, as one of themost meaningful honours of her career.
Gerda Steyn TTOM Blue Number 6067 by Adnaan Mohamed
“Receiving my Blue Number at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon was my first ever permanent race number, so it was a huge honour,” says Steyn. “It means that I am invested in the race in the same way as those who have completed it ten times or more.”
Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC, praised Steyn’s impact on the sport.
“Gerda is affectionately known by many nicknames: from ‘The Smiling Assassin’ to ‘The Darling of South African Road Running,’ ‘The Queen of SA Running,’ ‘The People’s Champion,’ and ‘Sunshine Lady.’ Each name tells a story of her talent, her dedication, and the joy she brings to the sport,” says Goldschmidt.
“Beyond her many nicknames and titles, what truly stands out is the way Gerda has captured the hearts of runners and fans across the country. Her achievements are matched only by the inspiration she provides to the running community.”
Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon General Manager Wade Bromfield added:
“Gerda embodies the spirit of this race. Her consistency, humility and record-breaking performances continue to raise the bar and inspire every runner who lines up on race day.”
“Being part of the BNC reminds me that running is deeply rooted in me and that I’m in it for the long term. No matter life’s circumstances, I’ve always been drawn back to this one start line.”
The road to the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2026 is built on loyalty, resilience and years of unwavering commitment.
From 10–12 April 2026, the world’s most beautiful marathon will honour its true trailblazers, the Blue Number Club (BNC), with an elevated race experience worthy of their legacy.
“Achieving the coveted BNC status at TTOM is a truly remarkable accomplishment,” said Two Oceans Marathon NPC Chairperson Chris Goldschmidt, describing the Blue Number as a badge earned through endurance, excellence and consistency.
With no joining or annual fee, the honour recognises runners who have shaped the event through repeated finishes, podium performances and gold-medal grit.
“The BNC represents the heart and history of TTOM,” Goldschmidt added.
“These runners remind us why this race is so special. Honouring them is not just important, it’s essential.”
For 2026, Blue Number Club members will enjoy a premium journey from start to finish, including priority entries, preferential seeding, express race-pack collection and dedicated hospitality. Their race numbers will proudly reflect their status, marking milestones earned through years of pounding the iconic Two Oceans route.
“These athletes are the storytellers and tradition keepers of our race,” said Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.
“Their commitment over decades has shaped the spirit and identity of this event, and from 2026 onwards we’re ensuring they receive the extra-special treatment they’ve earned.”
Beyond the Blue Number Club, all runners will benefit from a refreshed 2026 experience, with exclusive event T-shirts and limited-edition TTOM-branded Versus running socks included in every entry.
As the starting gun draws closer, Two Oceans 2026 promises a celebration of the runners who have turned every step into a legacy.
BNC runners can look forward to an exclusive, premium experience that includes:
Early Entries
Free Entries for runners with 25 medals or more
Blue Number Club Dinner – Wednesday, 08 April 2026
Express Race Pack Collection
BNC Hospitality at Expo and Finish
Special Seeding Batch
Enhanced Finish Experience
Recognition of Milestone Runs
Race Number Recognition
Ultra BNCs: dark blue band
Half Marathon BNCs: light blue number
Runners on nine medals chasing their 10th: distinctive yellow band
Exclusive BNC apparel by JOMA and SWAGG (available for purchase)
TOM NPC Membership
The Road Gets Better for Everyone
In a move that benefits the entire field, TTOM 2026 will also introduce new race-day upgrades:
All Ultra, Half and Trail entrants receive an exclusive event T-shirt, included in the entry fee
Every runner gets limited-edition TTOM-branded Versus Quarter Running Socks
Race Weekend at a Glance
Friday, 10 April 2026: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run
Saturday, 11 April 2026: Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon
Sunday, 12 April 2026: Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon
