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Arthur Jantjies shocks field as Steyn claims seventh Two Oceans title

Adnaan MohamedTotalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Arthur Jantjies shocks field as Steyn claims seventh Two Oceans title
By Adnaan Mohamed

Arthur Jantjies announced himself on the national stage, while Gerda Steyn added another chapter to her legacy at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD in Cape Town on Saturday.

Jantjies, 25, produced a breakthrough performance to win the men’s 56km race in 3:09:25, claiming the biggest victory of his career.

“It’s a phenomenal step – a big step. It’s history,” said Jantjies, who hails from Hopetown near Kimberley. “I’m just a small-town boy winning Two Oceans. That’s something really special.”

The race developed into a tactical contest over the closing stages. Zimbabwe’s Blessing Waison led over Constantia Nek, forcing the chasing group into action.

Jantjies remained in contention alongside former champion Onalenna Khonkhobe and defending champion Joseph Seutloali. Waison was caught at 49km, before Khonkhobe made a move at 51km.

Seutloali dropped off the pace, though Jantjies stayed with Khonkhobe before making his decisive move near Chet’s Hill to secure victory by 35 seconds.

“I know he (Khonkhobe) is faster than me. But in training we always pick up in the last 8km. I stayed close to him, and he gave up too quickly. Then I told myself I’m going to strike now,” Jantjies said.

Running only his second ultra marathon, Jantjies credited his preparation under coach John Hamlett.

“My coach put me through the worst in Dullstroom where I die in the mountains. We often do 800m elevation on huge long runs and this was only about 600m of elevation. So, this was nothing. I was there for 8 weeks away from my family. Whatever he says, I do. No questions asked. My coach says we stay small and fly under the radar. It was better for me to come through like a cannon ball. It’s the first major title for my town in the Northern Cape. Winning this race opens doors because it puts my name somewhere.”

In the women’s race, Steyn delivered another composed performance to claim a record seventh title.

The 36-year-old broke clear shortly after the marathon mark, moving away from Margaret Jepchumba and maintaining her pace to the finish.

Steyn crossed the line in 3:27:43, her second fastest time at the race.

“I didn’t break the record but I’m still happy with my race and am really happy with my time. It’s a completely successful day for me,” she said.

“When I won my first Two Oceans, I never envisaged winning seven. I take it year for year. If I’m here next year and ready and fit, then I’ll push for sure. But I also need to accept the fact that I’m getting older. But for now, I’m feeling strong and I feel that I still have a few more years left in my career. So, if seven becomes eight and eight becomes ten, then I’ll take it.”

Jantjies’ win and Steyn’s record extended the rich history of the Two Oceans Marathon, widely regarded as one of the premier ultra-distance races in the country.

TOP 10 RESULTS: Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD

Elite Men

1 Arthur Jantjies 03:09:25, 2 Onalenna Khonkhobe 03:10:00, 3 Blessing Zvikomborero Waison 03:11:13, 4 Dennis Kipkosgei 03:11:29, 5 Tumelo Moja 03:12:07, 6 Sphamandla Nkosi 03:12:42, 7 Siboniso Sikhakhane 03:12:42, 8 Malixole Kalideni 03:12:49, 9 Mphatso Nadolo 03:13:16, 10 Msawenkosi Mthalane 03:13:32

Elite Women 

1 Gerda Steyn 03:27:43, 2 Margaret Jepchumba 03:33:31, 3 Nobukhosi Tshuma 03:38:34, 4 Shelmith Muriuki 03:39:14, 5 Rholex Jelimo Kogo 03:40:39, 6 Mildred Chepkemei Kinyanja 03:42:42, 7 Bize Beyira Negasa 03:43:00, 8 Neheng Khatala 03:43:43, 9 Courtney Olsen 03:44:40, 10 Loveness Madziva 03:48:54

SEE FULL RESULTS HERE:

Mother and Daughter Run for Meaning at Two Oceans

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Mother and Daughter Run for Meaning at Two Oceans
By Adnaan Mohamed

Every runner knows the moment when the rhythm of their stride begins to shape the road ahead. For veteran broadcaster Vaylen Kirtley, that moment arrived far from any finish line, in Athens in 2004.

“The first major event I covered at the national broadcaster was the Paralympics,” she recalls.

The experience did more than fill airtime. It set her internal compass.

“Covering disability sport at such a formative part of my career laid the foundation to understand that the power of sport to transform and unify, is truly unique.”

That early assignment became the starting gun of a philosophy that has paced her career for more than two decades. Now, it finds its most personal expression on the open road at the Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD.

This time, she will not be narrating the race. She will be living it alongside her daughter.

“My daughter, despite my best efforts, didn’t really enjoy running,” she laughs.

Then, like a runner finding their stride mid-race, something shifted. During her first year at university, her daughter discovered a quiet passion for running. What was once unfamiliar terrain became shared ground.

“Now it’s something we can do together, and I am so excited.”

Vaylen Kirtley and her daughter will be tackling the Two Oceans Half Marathon to raise funds for Jumping Kids Photo: Andries Kruger

For a first official half marathon, the choice of race carried weight. Two Oceans is not a route you stumble into. It is a ribbon of road woven into South Africa’s sporting soul, as iconic as the climbs it demands and the views it rewards.

For Kirtley, it is also deeply personal. She has called the race from the heights of Constantia Nek, run the Ultra in 2014, and tackled the Long Trail in 2019. Yet, she marks 2026 as the year that matters most.

Their run is more than a shared milestone. It is a moving tribute to purpose.

They will take to the course in support of Jumping Kids, a non-profit dedicated to empowering children with lower limb amputations or mobility challenges.

The organisation provides prosthetics, rehabilitation, education access, and opportunities in sport. Its mission echoes the belief Kirtley has carried since Athens, that sport is not only competition, it is transformation in motion.

“We see the power of sport in the performances of our national heroes and in events like the Comrades, the Dusi, the Midmar Mile,” she says.

The Two Oceans belongs in that same breath. On race day, each kilometre will carry more than effort. It will carry memory, connection, and purpose.

Like a long-distance run, the journey stretches beyond the visible horizon, powered by something deeper than pace.

To support their run, visit www.jumpingkids.org.za
(Jumping Kids, Reg. no: 2009/018078/08)

Mosiako in top form ahead of 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans half marathon showdown

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Mosiako in top form ahead of 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans half marathon showdown
By Adnaan Mohamed

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.

Event Information

  • Thursday, 9 April: International Friendship Run
  • Friday, 10 April: Trail Run (07:00)
  • Saturday, 11 April: Ultra Marathon (05:15)
  • Sunday, 12 April: Half Marathon (06:15)

Total Prize Purse (2026): R2.6 million

  • Ultra Marathon: R2 177 400
  • Half Marathon: R422 600

Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon secures BYD as presenting sponsor

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon secures BYD as presenting sponsor
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has entered a new phase after global electric vehicle manufacturer BYD was announced as the race’s official presenting sponsor from 2026.

The partnership marks the first time in the event’s history that the Cape Town race will have a presenting sponsor. The event will now be known as the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD.

Organisers believe the agreement strengthens efforts to elevate the race and align it with sustainability initiatives.

“This is a proud and exciting moment for us as we welcome BYD as Presenting Sponsor of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon from 2026, with the event now officially known as the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD,” said Two Oceans Marathon NPC chairperson Chris Goldschmidt.

“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and community. BYD’s leadership in new energy vehicles, including advanced electric mobility solutions, aligns strongly with our vision for a more sustainable future.”

The race, widely known as the “World’s Most Beautiful Marathon”, winds through the Cape Peninsula and attracts thousands of local and international runners each year.

According to race general manager Wade Bromfield, securing a presenting sponsor represents a key milestone in the organisation’s long-term strategy.

“From the outset, our ambition has been to restore and elevate the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon to its former glory. Securing our first-ever Presenting Sponsor marks a major milestone in that journey,” said Bromfield.

“With BYD’s innovation and energy behind us, we are proud to power the next era of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.”

BYD is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of new energy vehicles, including electric cars, and develops advanced battery technology aimed at reducing emissions. The company is listed on the Hong Kong and Shenzhen stock exchanges.

The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has announced BYD as its Official Presenting Sponsor in a landmark collaboration that will see one of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers Power one of South Africa’s most iconic endurance events. PHOTO: Adnaan Mohamed

BYD South Africa marketing director for the Middle East and Africa region Nomonde Kweyi said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

“As a brand committed to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing everyday mobility, we see tremendous alignment with an event that inspires endurance, passion and progress,” said Kweyi.

“This partnership gives us a unique platform to showcase how clean, efficient and future-focused mobility can enhance major events.”

Kweyi added that runners and spectators will see the brand’s vehicles integrated into the race experience.

“Runners and spectators can look forward to experiencing our vehicles up close from lead and support cars on race day to interactive displays and engagements in the lead-up to the event. We are excited to bring our technology, energy and innovation to the running community.”

The 2026 event programme will include the International Friendship Run on 9 April, the Trail Run on 10 April, the Ultra Marathon on 11 April and the Half Marathon on 12 April.

In-form Kusche returns to Two Oceans Half with confidence

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on In-form Kusche returns to Two Oceans Half with confidence
By Adnaan Mohamed

George Kusche’s recent results place him among the runners to watch at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon on 12 April, though the Nedbank Running Club athlete prefers to keep his attention on the work rather than the predictions.

The 27-year-old heads into the Cape Town race on the back of a strong stretch of form over the past year. He finished fourth at the African Bank Soweto Marathon in November in 2:20:48, claimed victory and set a course record at the hilly Biogen 21km in Johannesburg in January in 1:05:32, and delivered a breakthrough marathon performance with a 2:15:02 win at the Balwin Run Series Peninsula Marathon in February. The result trimmed more than five minutes off his previous personal best.

Kusche believes the improvement has come through steady consistency.

“I’ve been slowly getting better. I haven’t changed anything in my training, I’ve been doing what I’ve been doing and it’s compounding. So I’ve been feeling stronger,” he said.

His running journey began at Die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria where he established himself as a leading middle-distance athlete. His performances attracted attention from American college scouts and he moved to the United States to compete for Northern Arizona University in the NCAA system.

Kusche returned to South Africa as a sub four minute miler with a 5000m personal best of 13:28.95. The experience still influences the way he approaches the sport.

“I’m very grateful for my experience in the US. I enjoyed it a lot and had some good experiences with some great coaches and athletes. I’m coaching myself now, so it certainly helps me to look back at the training I did and try and recreate those circumstances.”

After returning home, Kusche stepped away from competition during 2023 before returning to racing in 2024. He shifted his focus to road running and quickly made an impact.

His debut at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon that year produced an immediate result. Kusche led the race until the halfway point before being passed by eventual winner Thabang Mosiako. He finished second in 1:05:31 after edging Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo in a sprint to the line.

The experience left a strong impression.

“I actually wasn’t a big road running fan because I’d never done it before, though as I’m getting into it I’m starting to enjoy it now,” said Kusche.

“Two Oceans is one of those races that everybody wants to run. It’s a big race and everybody has a family member or a friend competing in either the 21km or the 56km. When I ran it for the first time I was excited because I knew there would be a lot of people competing. It’s always fun when a lot of people compete. Two Oceans is one of the races you have to run.”

Kusche’s primary target this season remains the Comrades Marathon. His approach reflects the same philosophy that has guided his steady rise.

“I want to do my best at Comrades. There’s no point in talking about the outcome. All I need to do is focus on the process. If I start talking about the outcome that’s when things start going wrong. So I keep my back against the wall and keep on working hard.”

Two Oceans Marathon NPC chairperson Chris Goldschmidt said Kusche’s presence strengthens the field for the half marathon.

“George Kusche’s entry adds real depth and excitement to this year’s field. His performances over the past 12 months have been exceptional and we are thrilled to welcome an athlete of his calibre to the start line of the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon.”

Race general manager Wade Bromfield said Kusche has established himself among the country’s leading road runners.

“His recent results including a record breaking victory at the Biogen 21km and a dominant performance at the Balwin Run Series Peninsula Marathon underline his potential. We are excited to have him back at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon where his passion for the event and competitive spirit will undoubtedly make for an exciting race.”

The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon takes place in Cape Town from 9 to 12 April and carries a combined prize purse of R2.6 million across the ultra marathon and half marathon events.

Road to 30: Eleven runners chase Triple Blue at Two Oceans 2026

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Road to 30: Eleven runners chase Triple Blue at Two Oceans 2026
By Adnaan Mohamed

Longevity will take centre stage at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon on 11 April 2026 when eleven seasoned campaigners line up with one goal in mind: a 30th finish and entry into the race’s prestigious Triple Blue Number Club.

To date, only 98 runners have completed 30 or more Two Oceans ultras, 95 men and three women. This year’s intake could grow by eleven if Robert Button (66), Lawrence Ashworth (69), David Beard (62), Denzil Abrahams (66), Ravi Govender (54), Christiaan Steyn (65), Arthur Valasis (74), Deon Pienaar (69), Mark Carlson (55), Curtis Rajoo (53) and Kim Pain (59) successfully navigate the 56km route.

Among them, Rajoo and Govender are the youngest men chasing the milestone.

Rajoo, who made his Two Oceans debut in 1995 at 22, says the race has become inseparable from his life.

“As they say, TTOM is the most beautiful race, but it’s also tough,” says Rajoo. “Reaching 30 is big for me. It was always a goal. After so many years, I can’t imagine not running TTOM. If I’m not on that start line, what would I even be doing that day?”

Govender’s relationship with the race stretches beyond the clock. For more than three decades, he and two close friends have driven from Johannesburg to Cape Town for race weekend, turning the annual trip into tradition.

Ravi Govender by Action Photo

“It’s the people and that feeling of crossing the line,” says Govender. “That euphoria when you’ve beaten the clock, when you’ve conquered the mountains and conquered yourself.”

He credits longtime friend George Tadden, 75 and already a 30-time finisher, for ongoing motivation. “We travel together every year. Seeing what’s possible keeps you motivated.”

For Celtic Harriers stalwart Abrahams, the 30th start carries deep personal meaning. In 1993 his father, Edward Abrahams, died suddenly at the age of 54.

“The year I finished my first Two Oceans Ultra; I started asking questions about my eternal destiny,” says Abrahams. “I immediately drew a parallel with my love for endurance in running and as a believer. My love for TTOM just grew and grew.”

Denzil Abrahams by Action Photo

Family support has been central to his journey.

“I am now married for 40 years, and I am very thankful that for 30 years my wife Debbie has been part of my Two Oceans journey,” he says.

After failing to qualify for the ultra in 2025, Abrahams ran the Half Marathon alongside his daughter, Linzi Coller. He returns in 2026 determined to secure his place in the Triple Blue ranks.

Pain will be the only woman on the 2026 start list aiming for a 30th ultra finish. In a club where women remain underrepresented, her consistency over decades stands out as a marker of durability and commitment.

“Reaching 30 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathons is a rare mark of durability and commitment. Best of luck to Robert, Lawrence, David, Denzil, Ravi, Christiaan, Arthur, Deon, Mark, Curtis and especially Kim Pain, an athlete whose consistency over the years embodies the spirit of this race,” says Chris Goldschmidt, chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

General manager Wade Bromfield added: “We wish Robert, Lawrence, David, Denzil, Ravi, Christiaan, Arthur, Deon, Mark, Curtis and Kim Pain all the best as they attempt to complete their 30th Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. Here’s to an incredible milestone and another memorable race!”

The 2026 Two Oceans weekend programme:

  • Thursday 9 April: International Friendship Run
  • Friday 10 April: Trail Run
  • Saturday 11 April: Ultra Marathon
  • Sunday 12 April: Half Marathon

For eleven runners, Saturday’s ultra is more than another medal chase. It is the culmination of three decades of discipline, sacrifice and loyalty to a race widely regarded as the world’s most beautiful marathon.

Why these legends still line-up at Two Oceans 2026

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Why these legends still line-up at Two Oceans 2026
By Adnaan Mohamed

When the fish horn sounds over Newlands on 11 April 2026, thousands will surge forward at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, chasing a medal, a personal best, a promise made to themselves in the dark of an April morning.

But for three Blue Number Club runners in that sea of bodies, this isn’t about one more finish.

It’s about a lifetime of them.

The Man Who Made the Ultra a Ritual

At 75, Louis Massyn doesn’t talk about legacy much. He talks about rhythm. About showing up. About forward motion.

In 2026, he will aim for his 48th Two Oceans Ultra finish. That’s more than any runner in the race’s history. That number doesn’t shout. It hums. It carries the quiet authority of someone who has outlasted trends, injuries, weather systems and entire generations of runners.

Massyn’s résumé includes 50 finishes at the Comrades Marathon, but at Two Oceans, he feels at home. The route that sweeping arc past Muizenberg, over Chapman’s Peak, up Constantia Nekthat has become more like a companion.

“Every year the body asks tougher questions,” he says. “But the heart always knows the answer.”

If you’ve ever stood on a start line wondering whether you still belong, you understand that sentence. The longer you run, the less it’s about proving yourself, and the more it’s about honouring the relationship you’ve built with the road.

Massyn doesn’t defy age. He negotiates with it. He trains smart, listens hard, and respects recovery. Longevity, he proves, isn’t luck. It’s discipline stacked over decades.

The Women who redefined the distance

If Massyn’s 47 is a monument, the shared 32 of Sharon Bosch and Lucille Damon is a revolution written in miles.

Both will line up in 2026 chasing their 33rd Two Oceans Ultra finish. It’s the most by any women in the event’s history.

They came through eras when women’s ultra fields were thinner, support structures smaller, and recognition slower to arrive. They stayed anyway.

Lucille Damon (right) by Action Photo

Damon, 66, who will be running in the colours of Totalsports VOB Running Club in 2026, describes the race as “a moving meditation.”

Some years the legs turn over effortlessly, like you’ve found the perfect cadence. Other years it’s attritional – a long negotiation with fatigue. But she keeps returning because the Ultra offers something rare: clarity.

“Some years you fly, some years you grind, but every finish line feels like a victory earned honestly.”

There’s no pretending over 56 kilometres. No shortcuts. The race pares you back to essentials, breath, stride, resolve.

Bosch, 63, sees it similarly. Two Oceans, she says, is a privilege. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard. Because every year you must earn your place on that start line again.

 “TTOM strips you down to who you really are,” said Bosch. “It’s never been about numbers, but standing on the start line still feels like a privilege.”

In a sport increasingly obsessed with splits, carbon plates and data dashboards, Bosch and Damon represent something more elemental: durability. Not the flash of one extraordinary run, but the steadiness of three decades of them.

Sharon Bosch by Action Photo

Why Longevity Matters

In ultra distance running terms these three are case studies in sustainable excellence.

They remind us that endurance isn’t built in a single training block. It’s layered. It’s patient. It’s forged in unremarkable Tuesday runs and winter mornings when no one is watching.

Sports science will tell you that aerobic capacity peaks and declines. That recovery slows. That muscle mass shifts. And yet, here they are.

Still training.
Still adapting.
Still competing.

What sets them apart isn’t superhuman physiology. It’s commitment to the process: consistency over intensity, community over ego, gratitude over entitlement.

Race organisers have introduced enhanced runner perks for 2026, exclusive event shirts, limited-edition socks, expanded Blue Number Club rewards, and comprehensive recovery zones supported by Cipla from Expo to finish line. The infrastructure evolves. The sport modernises.

But the heart of the Ultra? That remains unchanged.

It beats in runners like these.

The Courage to Return

The most remarkable statistic isn’t 48. Or 33.

It’s the number of times they chose to come back.

They’ve all had years when the training felt heavier. When niggles lingered. When motivation flickered. But they returned, not because it was easy, but because it mattered.

In endurance sport, we talk about breakthrough performances. But perhaps the truest measure of a runner is repetition and the willingness to continue after the applause fades.

As the 2026 Ultra unfolds along the Cape Peninsula, thousands will discover something about themselves between sunrise and the final stretch.

Massyn, Bosch and Damon already know what’s waiting there.

Not glory.

Not validation.

Just the simple, profound satisfaction of another honest run.

And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

Two Oceans Marathon turns up the pace with R2.6m prize purse for 2026

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Two Oceans Marathon turns up the pace with R2.6m prize purse for 2026
By Adnaan Mohamed

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.”

The 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend will take place from 10 to 12 April, with the Trail Run on Friday, the Ultra Marathon on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday.

The 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Journey begins on the Training Run Circuit

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on The 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Journey begins on the Training Run Circuit
By Adnaan Mohamed

For runners eyeing the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM), the first chapters are already written with six official TTOM Training Runs preparing athletes for one of the most iconic weekends on the global running calendar.

From January to March 2026, these guided training runs will crisscross South Africa with steady climbs, rewarding flats, and plenty of shared momentum along the way.

Six Stops on the Road to the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon

Hosted in collaboration with running clubs nationwide, the TTOM Training Runs kick off in Cape Town on 25 January, before moving through Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, and Stellenbosch, with a second Cape Town run keeping the coastal heartbeat strong.

Each run offers a 21km or 12km option, giving runners the chance to test fitness, build confidence, and rehearse race-day rhythm in a supportive, high-energy environment.

“This series is about more than fitness,” explains Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

“It’s about bringing runners together and celebrating the passion that defines the Two Oceans community.”

Built for Momentum, Powered by Community

Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run by Devin Paisley

These official training runs are exclusive to 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon entrants and are free of charge, though capacity is limited and advance registration is required.

According to Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, early date announcements allow runners to plan with purpose. Start venues will be revealed closer to each run via social media, ensuring routes that reflect local flavour, safety, and crowd energy.

2026 TTOM Training Run Schedule

Free | Limited capacity | Pre-registration required

  • Sunday, 25 January 2026 – Cape Town
  • Sunday, 1 February 2026 – Johannesburg
  • Sunday, 8 February 2026 – Durban
  • Sunday, 22 February 2026 – Cape Town
  • Sunday, 8 March 2026 – Pretoria
  • Sunday, 22 March 2026 – Stellenbosch

Further details and sign-up links will be shared on official TTOM social platforms closer to each date.

The Finish Line Awaits: 2026 Race Weekend

All roads lead to April, when runners toe the line across three unforgettable days:

  • 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

What’s New for 2026: Extra Miles of Value

The runner experience in 2026 gets a boost with the following:

  • Exclusive event-specific T-shirt included for all Ultra, Half, and Trail Run entrants
  • Limited-edition TTOM Versus Quarter Running Socks for every participant
  • Upgraded Blue Number Club benefits, delivering premium rewards throughout race weekend

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SA Sport 2025: A Year-in-Review

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, Cricket, Features, Hockey, News, Rugby, Springboks, Swimming, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on SA Sport 2025: A Year-in-Review
By Adnaan Mohamed

In South Africa, sport has always been more than results. It is identity, catharsis and connection. In 2025, that truth surged again, from the collective power of the Springboks to the solitary courage of ultra-marathoners chasing dawn. This special edition captures a year when excellence became habit and belief became currency.

RUGBY: THE SPRINGBOKS – A STANDARD THE WORLD STILL CHASES

If global rugby were measured in tectonic plates, the Springboks spent 2025 shifting them.

South Africa’s national side operated with the assurance of champions who know their system is both unforgiving and evolving. They defended trophies, dominated tours and suffocated opponents with a brand of rugby that blended brute force with surgical intelligence.

The crowning individual honour came when Malcolm Marx was named World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year. It was well deserved recognition for a player who plays the game like a controlled demolition. Around him, the emergence of creative talents such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu ensured the Bok blueprint remained future-proof.

“The Springboks didn’t just win in 2025, they imposed a rhythm the rest of the world struggled to breathe in.”

CRICKET: PROTEAS REWRITE THEIR HISTORY

At Lord’s, cricket’s most sacred address, South Africa finally confronted its past and walked beyond it.

The Proteas’ World Test Championship triumph was more than silverware. It was a release. Decades of near-misses dissolved as a team led by coach Shukri Conrad and led by Temba Bavuma played with clarity, courage and conviction.

Where previous Proteas sides carried scars, this one carried belief. The victory announced South Africa’s return to cricket’s highest table, not as guests, but as equals.

Proteas Women mirrored that excellence, reaching global finals and reinforcing the depth and durability of South African cricket across genders.

ATHLETICS: SPEED, SCIENCE AND STAYING POWER
Akani Simbine : The Constant

In an era of fleeting sprint dominance, Akani Simbine remained the constant, anchoring relay success and delivering world-class performances with metronomic consistency. His longevity at elite speed became its own form of greatness.

ROAD RUNNING: A YEAR THE CLOCK COULDN’T CONTAIN

South Africa’s roads became theatres of defiance in 2025, places where age, expectation and perceived limits were dismantled.

Elroy Gelant : The Marathon Reset

At 38, Elroy Gelant shattered Gert Thys 26-year-old South African marathon record, slicing through time with the precision of a veteran who understood patience as power. His run didn’t just reset a record, it reset belief.

Glenrose Xaba : Queen of the Circuit

Glenrose Xaba ruled the SPAR Grand Prix like royalty, sweeping the series with relentless cadence and tactical control. Her dominance elevated women’s road running into mainstream conversation.

Maxime Chaumeton : Breaking the Mental Barrier

By dipping under 27 minutes for 10km, Maxime Chaumeton didn’t just break a record, he broke a psychological ceiling. The ripple effect will be felt for years.

The Wildschutt Brothers : From Ceres to the World

Adriaan and Nadeel Wildschutt continued to anchor South Africa’s distance legacy. Their performances reinforced a simple truth: endurance excellence is forged through environment, discipline and humility.

ULTRA-DISTANCE RUNNING: WHERE LEGENDS WALK TOWARDS PAIN
Gerda Steyn – The Golden Girl of Endless Roads

In the brutal, beautiful realm of ultra-marathons, Gerda Steyn remained peerless. Victories at both the Totalsports Two Oceans 56km and the Comrades Marathon confirmed her status as South Africa’s undisputed queen of endurance.

Steyn doesn’t race opponents, she negotiates with terrain, climbs mountains with calm authority and descends with fearless precision.

Tete Dijana : Defender of the Down Run

The Comrades Marathon came alive as Tete Dijana successfully defended his Down Run title. His aggressive, fearless approach reminded everyone that Comrades champions are not merely runners, they are architects of suffering and triumph.
“In 2025, South Africa didn’t just win Comrades, it owned the road.”

FOOTBALL: FOUNDATIONS OVER FIREWORKS

For Bafana Bafana, 2025 was about structure and progression rather than spectacle. Key wins, disciplined performances and youth-level success hinted at a system slowly learning consistency, laying bricks rather than chasing shortcuts.

BEYOND THE BIG CODES: DEPTH ACROSS THE BOARD

From hockey triumphs to netball growth, swimming, rowing and youth multisport success, Team South Africa’s broader sporting ecosystem thrived. Medal tables and qualification campaigns confirmed a vital truth: the base of South African sport is wider than ever.

THE BIG PICTURE: WHAT 2025 REALLY MEANT

What unified South Africa’s sporting year was not just success, but sustainability.

  • Rugby showed depth and evolution
  • Cricket conquered its mental frontier
  • Athletics blended speed with staying power
  • Road and ultra-running delivered global relevance
FINAL WHISTLE

If sport is a language, then South Africa spoke it fluently in 2025, sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly, but always with intent. From scrums that bent spines to runners who bent time, this was a year where the nation didn’t wait for greatness. It ran towards it and crossed the line together.