Adam Lipschitz turned pre-race confidence into a record-breaking performance at the OUTsurance Gun Run Half Marathon, while Irvette van Zyl marked her return to the race with a convincing victory.
Lipschitz had made no secret of his ambition before Sunday’s 21.1km race, arriving in Cape Town determined to attack the course record.
Lipschitz, who won the Gun Run 10km in 2025, controlled the early stages with a series of fartlek-style surges before making the decisive move with about 19km remaining.
The acceleration proved decisive as he broke clear of his rivals and maintained his momentum to the finish.
Seutloali finished second in 1:02:53, with Hollywood teammate Tsépo Ramashamole completing the podium in 1:03:13.
Former Gun Run 21.1km winner Lloyd Bosman of Nedbank Running Club SWD was fourth in 1:03:28, while local athlete Anthony Timoteus finished fifth in 1:04:06.
For Lipschitz, the performance also provided valuable race-specific preparation as he continues building towards the marathon distance.
The women’s race produced another significant performance as Irvette van Zyl returned to the Gun Run Half Marathon after a seven-year absence and claimed victory in 1:14:03.
The 39-year-old Hollywood Athletics Club runner finished nearly three minutes clear of defending champion and clubmate Busisiwe Chamane, who crossed the line in 1:17:24.
Former Gun Run champion Fortunate Chidzivo of Nedbank Running Club WP was third in 1:18:23.
Van Zyl said the conditions and altered route made the race challenging.
“Today’s race was a bit tough. It was really humid because yesterday it rained,” she said.
She also had to adapt to a course that had changed significantly since her previous appearance in 2019.
“There’s a lot of up and down sidewalks and we had a bit of a cobblestone stage we actually run on,” Van Zyl said.
A two-kilometre hill also disrupted her rhythm.
“I would have hoped to run closer to 73, but I just couldn’t get my rhythm going the first 12-ish kilometres,” she said.
Her race improved after the climb, when she returned to the road and later reached the promenade.
“Overall I’m happy with today and happy with the win,” Van Zyl said.
She believes there is scope for a faster performance should she return, having now experienced the revised course.
“Hopefully when I return I can run faster than that, because then I will know what is ahead.”
The Hollywood weekend had already produced a strong result in Saturday’s 10km, where veteran Stephen Mokoka, 41, won in 29:36.
Hollywood AC veteran Stephen Mokoka won the Gun Run 10km on Saturday on debut.
Awethu Ntsotho of Athletes Academy in Boland was second in 29:49, while Eersterivier AC junior Beautin Van der Westhuizen finished third in 30:02.
Russian-born Stellenbosch-based athlete Olga Firsova, 43, won the women’s 10km in 35:17, ahead of Yandiswa Shange (38:12) and Nadia Turton (39:08).
For Lipschitz, the Gun Run provided a record to celebrate. For Van Zyl, it offered a successful return and a glimpse of faster days ahead.
Irvette van Zylreturns to the OUTsurance Gun Run this weekend after a seven-year absence, with the four-time Olympian targeting another fast performance on the Cape Town course where she produced one of the event’s most notable runs.
Van Zyl will contest Sunday’s 21.1km Half Marathon, while fellow Hollywood Athletics Clubathlete Stephen Mokoka lines up in Saturday’s 10km, where the 41-year-old veteran enters as one of the leading contenders.
Van Zyl’s last appearance at the Gun Run came in 2019, when she won the women’s half-marathon in 1:12:11.
The performance was particularly impressive given that Van Zyl had undergone significant surgery earlier that year before returning to top form.
Seven years later, she is looking forward to tackling the course again.
“I’m quite excited,” Van Zyl said.
“This is the first time I will be back running it since 2019. I knew I wanted to go back but never had the chance. So yeah, just excited everything worked out this year that I can go and run it.”
The 30-year-old knows the course well and remains fond of its combination of challenge and scenery.
“I like the route. It has a bit of a tough hill in it and yeah, it’s just nice views running it and it’s almost a great atmosphere running in Cape Town and going through C point at the finish.”
Van Zyl has set herself a realistic target rather than chasing her 2019 performance at all costs.
“I’m hoping for close to that time that I did run in 2019. So anything under 73 I’ll be very happy with, but the weather also has to play with. So we’ll see.”
For the South African marathoner, the significance of her return extends beyond the stopwatch.
“But yeah, I’m just excited to be healthy and be running and just be back after seven years of absence and really looking forward to it.”
While Van Zyl will be chasing another strong performance over 21.1km, Mokoka will be aiming to make an immediate impact on his Gun Run debut.
The former South African 10km record holder boasts a 27:38 personal best, recorded in Manchester in 2015, as well as a 59:36 half-marathon best and a 2:06 marathon personal best.
His longevity remains one of the defining features of his career. Mokoka is a four-time Olympian and has represented South Africa at five World Championships.
His 2026 season has also demonstrated that his speed remains intact, including a sub-29-minute performance at the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km.
Last year’s Gun Run 10km winner, Adam Lipschitz, has moved up to the half-marathon this year, where he will target the course record.
That leaves Mokoka as the leading name in the 10km field, although several Cape Town-based athletes will be hoping to disrupt his winning plans.
The weekend therefore offers Hollywood Athletics Club two experienced international performers with very different objectives.
For Van Zyl, it is a long-awaited return to a course where she has already left her mark.
For Mokoka, it is an opportunity to add a Gun Run victory to an already decorated distance-running career.
TheTotalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD has teamed up with global travel specialist Marathon Tours & Travel in a partnership designed to bring even more runners from across the globe to the Mother City over the next three years.
If the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon were a blockbuster movie, Marathon Tours & Travel has become the VIP usher, making sure international athletes walk the red carpet without tripping over paperwork, travel plans or race logistics.
For overseas runners, it means one trusted destination for race entries, flights, accommodation and travel planning. Less admin. More anticipation.
Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD by Devin Paisley
TWO OCEANS MARATHON NPC chairpersonChris Goldschmidt believes the partnership is another milestone in expanding the event’s international footprint.
“We are excited to welcome Marathon Tours & Travel as the exclusive Travel Partner. Their reputation for delivering world class travel experiences makes them the ideal partner to help grow our international reach while ensuring a seamless journey from registration to race day,” he said.
Event director Wade Bromfield said the collaboration would strengthen the race’s global appeal while giving visitors greater confidence when planning their Cape Town adventure.
Every year, thousands dream of conquering Chapman’s Peak, surviving Constantia Nek and soaking up one of road running’s most spectacular finishes.
Getting there, however, has often felt like running an extra marathon before race week even begins.
This partnership promises to change that.
Marathon Tours & Travel’s Head of Product and Operations, Marie Howarth, says helping runners experience Cape Town is a privilege after her own encounters with both the Half Marathon and Ultra Marathon.
“Our teams are dedicated to creating an exceptional race-week experience, ensuring runners are welcomed, supported and inspired every step of the way,” she said.
The announcement arrives as anticipation builds for the 2027 edition.
Two Oceans Half Marathon 2026 by Mark Sampson
South African runners can enter from 3 August, whileBlue Number Club membersalready enjoy early access to the flagship races. International and Rest of Africa athletes will once again bypass the ballot process by entering exclusively through Marathon Tours & Travel.
The world’s most beautiful marathon has never been shy of stealing hearts.
Now it is making the journey there every bit as memorable as crossing the finish line.
The priority entry window opened at 10:00 on 15 July and closes at 22:00 on Wednesday, 22 July, giving the event’s most loyal runners the first opportunity to secure a place in either the 56km Ultra Marathon or the 21.1km Half Marathon.
Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD photo credit Devin Paisley
Two Oceans Marathon NPC chairperson Chris Goldschmidt said the exclusive entry period recognises runners who have played a significant role in building the race’s legacy.
“The opening of the Yellow and BNC entry window is always a special milestone in our journey to race day,” said Goldschmidt.
“It is our way of recognising and rewarding the loyalty of runners who have embraced the spirit and tradition of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD over many years. We are proud to welcome these dedicated members back first as we begin the countdown to another unforgettable edition of the world’s most beautiful marathon.”
Event director Wade Bromfield described the opening of entries as the first major milestone on the road to race weekend in April next year.
“The exclusive Yellow and BNC entry period marks the first major milestone on the road to the 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD. We encourage all eligible members to take advantage of this dedicated entry window and secure their place early.
“While our team has been hard at work behind the scenes for some time, there is always a special sense of excitement when we can officially welcome our loyal Yellow and BNC members on the journey to race day. We look forward to seeing them back on the start line next April.”
Eligible Yellow and Blue Number Club members can enter through the official Two Oceans Marathon website by selecting the entry option for either the Half Marathon or Ultra Marathon.
Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD photo credit Devin Paisley
The general ballot for both races opens on 5 August 2026.
The 2027 event programme begins with the 8km Night Run on Wednesday, 31 March, followed by the 4.5km International Friendship Run on 1 April and the Trail Run on 2 April.
The Half Marathon will be held on Saturday, 3 April, with a capacity of 21,000 runners, while the iconic 56km Ultra Marathon takes place on Sunday, 4 April, with an identical field limit of 21,000 participants.
Entries for the Night Run, International Friendship Run and Trail Run open on 3 August 2026.
Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD photo credit Devin Paisley
The Half Marathon entry fee is R450 for licensed South African athletes, while licensed local runners will pay R840 to enter the Ultra Marathon. International and Rest of Africa entry fees are payable in pounds sterling and remain subject to the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment.
TheTotalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD has rewritten its entry playbook. Discovery’s new partnership introduces the event’s first-ever preferential entry window, rewarding qualifying Discovery Bank clients with an early shot at the coveted start line.
Discovery has been announced as the Official Health, Wellness and Banking Sponsor of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD, introducing a range of benefits designed to support runners from registration through to the finish line.
The headline announcement is a historic first for the event. Qualifying Discovery Bank clients will enjoy an exclusive preferential entry window from 10:00 on 28 July until 09:59 on 31 July 2026. A limited allocation of entries will be available on a first come, first served basis before the public ballot opens on 5 August.
For one of South Africa’s most oversubscribed races, that early access offers runners greater certainty as they prepare for one of the country’s most iconic endurance experiences.
Seen at the official launch on Thursday 09 July 2026 (from left to right): Wade Bromfield (Event Director of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD), Firoze Bhorat (CMO, Discovery), Gerda Steyn (South African marathon and ultramarathon athlete, and seven-time winner of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD), Celeste Williams (Head of marketing for Vitality and Sponsorships) and Dinesh Govender (CEO of Vitality).
Discovery Chief Marketing Officer Firoze Bhorat said the partnership builds on the bank’s commitment to rewarding healthy lifestyles with meaningful experiences.
“This first-ever early access opportunity for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD is a natural extension of that promise, giving qualifying clients a genuine head start on securing a place at one of the country’s most sought-after races,” he said.
The rewards continue well beyond registration. Discovery Vitality members who complete race week events, including the Night Run, Trail Runs, Half Marathon and Ultra Marathon, will earn Vitality points, with Ultra Marathon finishers receiving 3,000 Vitality points plus a 500-point bonus.
Participants can also benefit from discounts on official race merchandise through Vitality Active Gear, reduced gym membership offers, travel savings and wellness rewards designed to support every stage of their preparation.
“We are proud to partner with Discovery, a brand that shares our passion for encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles,” said Event Director Wade Bromfield. “The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is about more than race day. It inspires people to set ambitious goals, prepare with purpose and celebrate their achievements.”
Chairperson Chris Goldschmidt added that Discovery’s long-standing commitment to health and wellbeing makes it a natural partner for an event that celebrates perseverance, achievement and the joy of running.
The partnership arrives during an exciting period of growth for the event. Both the 56km Ultra Marathon and the 21.1km Half Marathon will accommodate 21,000 runners in 2027, creating opportunities for thousands more participants to experience the spectacular Cape Peninsula route.
From its humble beginnings in 1970 with only 26 runners, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has grown into one of the world’s premier road running events, welcoming athletes from almost 100 countries while making a significant contribution to the Western Cape economy.
As South Africa’s running community continues to flourish, the collaboration between Discovery and the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon reflects a shared vision of making healthy living more accessible, more rewarding and more enjoyable. For runners chasing a personal best, a first finish or a lifelong dream, every step towards April 2027 now comes with even greater support.
Thabang Mosiako has timed his run into form with precision ahead of the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon on 12 April, delivering back-to-back performances that underline his intent to challenge for the title in Cape Town.
The Nedbank Running Club athlete produced a commanding victory at the Phakamile Mabija Human Rights Half Marathon in Kimberley, clocking 1:04:37 to set a new course record. He finished 1 minute and 23 seconds clear of teammate Joel Mmone.
“What a great race,” said Mosiako. “The road was smooth and safe, it was well organised and everything was indeed perfect. Overall, I am happy with my performance.”
That result followed a strong showing at the Paris Half Marathon on 8 March, where he ran 1:00:44 to finish third, the third fastest 21km time of his career.
The 31-year-old, who is the 2023 South African half marathon champion and one of the country’s fastest ever over the distance, believes improved race management has played a key role in his current form following his recent marathon campaigns.
“I think this time around I was smarter after my second marathon. I took enough rest, that’s why I didn’t struggle with the buildup phase and that led me to the shape I have now.”
Mosiako will return to Cape Town aiming to improve on last year’s fifth-place finish and replicate his victory in 2024.
“I’m going for the Two Oceans Half Marathon again to correct the mistake I made last year,” he said. “I’m just praying to remain injury free and to have consistency in training. I’m really happy about what’s coming my way.”
Two Oceans Marathon NPC chairperson Chris Goldschmidt believes Mosiako will be among the leading contenders.
“We’ve been watching Thabang Mosiako’s recent performances with great interest. His form in the lead-up to the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD certainly suggests that he is ready to challenge strongly for the title again. With athletes of this calibre lining up, we can expect an exciting and highly competitive race on 12 April.”
Race general manager Wade Bromfield echoed those sentiments.
“Thabang has shown impressive determination since finishing sixth last year, and his recent results indicate that he’ll arrive at the start line full of confidence. Performances like these add to the anticipation surrounding the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the race unfolds with such a strong field competing for top honours.”
The 2026 event carries a combined prize purse of R2.6 million, with the half marathon offering R422 600, adding further incentive to an already competitive field.
At the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, the Blue Number Club (BNC) is living proof that endurance doesn’t fade, it evolves. In 2026, more than 3 100 BNC members will line up across the Ultra and Half Marathon, turning the race route into a moving celebration of longevity, resilience and love for the run.
Among them are 16 Half Marathon runners in their 80s, 49 Ultra runners in their 70s, and 147 Half Marathoners also in their 70s, alongside 743 runners aged 60–69. These athletes don’t chase the clock, they outlast it, running on experience as much as fitness.
“The BNC continues to show that the spirit of running knows no age,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “With members in their 60s, 70s and even 80s taking on the Ultra and Half Marathon, it’s incredible to see such dedication, perseverance, and passion inspiring runners of all generations.”
Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon General Manager Wade Bromfield adds: “This year, more than a third of our BNC runners are aged 60 and above, including remarkable athletes in their 70s and 80s. Their commitment is a true testament to the power of endurance, resilience, and the joy of running, proving that age is never a barrier to chasing your goals.”
BNC Profiles to Watch
Kaare James (82) – Half Marathon
Kaare James (82) by Action Photo
A walking and running archive of Two Oceans history, James owns an extraordinary 41 medals and has lined up at every edition since 1980, bar the two COVID-cancelled years. After earning his Light Blue Number in 2025, he returns in 2026 wearing number 2338.
“It’s a privilege to be one of the oldest BNCs in 2026,” says James. “I don’t have any secret to staying strong, I just make sure to get an early night and don’t eat too much before a race. On race day, my goal is simply to reach the finish in one piece and enjoy every moment. No rushing, no stress, just soaking it all in.”
Makgoale Magwentshu (71) – Ultra Marathon After earning her 19th Ultra medal in 2024 and missing the 2025 race, Magwentshu returns in 2026 with one clear objective: her 20th medal and Double Blue Number status.
Makgoale Magwentshu (71) by Action Photo
“I can’t wait to be a Double Blue Number member after this race,” she says. “It means the world to me to be part of the Blue Number Club, and I wear my number with pride. The special treatment we receive shows that we are appreciated and valued, and it motivates more runners to become Blue Number members.”
Other inspirational BNC runners lining up in 2026 include Kaare and Marlene James (both 82), Sibongile Cele (81) and Willemien Smuts (85) in the Half Marathon, as well as Nancy Will (73) and Larence Ashworth (79) in the Ultra Marathon.
At Two Oceans, the Blue Number Club reminds the running community that the longest journeys are often the most meaningful, and that some runners only get stronger the further they go.
Marlen James (82)Willemien Smuts (85) Larence Ashworth (79)Nancy Will (71) Credit: Action Photo
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has raised the stakes for 2026, announcing a combined R2.6 million prize purse that further cements its status as one of the world’s premier road running events.
Dubbed the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon, the iconic Cape Town race will see increased prize money across both its flagship events. The internationally renowned Ultra Marathon and the ever-popular Half Marathon will get a significant boost as organisers look to attract top-tier local and international talent.
The Ultra Marathon will account for the lion’s share of the purse, with R2 177 400 on offer, while the Half Marathon prize money has been boosted to R422 600, a move organisers believe was long overdue.
“The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has always been about more than just finishing the race – it’s about celebrating the spirit of running, pushing boundaries, and inspiring excellence,” said Chris Goldschmidt, chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.
“By increasing the prize purse for 2026, we’re not only recognising the dedication and talent of elite athletes but also raising the profile of the event on the global stage. It’s a clear statement that the Two Oceans Marathon is committed to fostering world-class competition while honouring our rich heritage in road running.”
At the sharp end of the Ultra Marathon, male and female winners will each pocket R380 000, with runners-up earning R220 000 and third place R100 000. The Open Category prize money will be shared among the top 10 finishers, ensuring depth and competitiveness throughout the elite field.
The Half Marathon Open Category will distribute R298 000, with winners taking home R50 000, second place R30 000 and third R18 000, again across both men’s and women’s races.
Prize money will also be paid across multiple age categories in both events, rewarding consistent excellence beyond the podium. Additional allocations have been made for Top WPA Athletes, Top South African Athletes (Ultra only) and Teams, underlining the race’s inclusive competitive structure.
General manager Wade Bromfield said the increase in prize money was about more than financial reward.
“Increasing the prize purse is more than just a financial boost – it’s an investment in the athletes and the integrity of the race itself,” Bromfield said.
“It shows our commitment to supporting both local and international elite runners, while also elevating the prestige of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. This step reinforces our mission to create a race experience that inspires ambition, celebrates achievement, and upholds our position as a world-class event.”
Bromfield added that the enhanced Half Marathon purse was a particularly significant milestone.
“We are especially proud to introduce a significantly enhanced prize purse in the 2026 Half Marathon, an increase that has been long overdue,” he said.
“By investing in both the Ultra and Half Marathon, we are rewarding excellence, while reinforcing our dedication to the running community. We are proudly celebrating elite performance while ensuring the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon continues to be one of the most prestigious and exhilarating races on the global calendar.”
I recently had the opportunity to race the Sportsmans Warehouse Winelands Half Marathon, and once again, I found myself blown away by the scenic route through the wine estates around Stellenbosch. – By Grant Johnson with Sean Falconer
