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Two Oceans Ultra strikes gold with IAU honour

Adnaan MohamedComrades Marathon, Features, NewsLeave a Comment on Two Oceans Ultra strikes gold with IAU honour

By Adnaan Mohamed

The Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD’s resurgence has found global recognition.

Months after delivering a widely acclaimed 2026 edition, South Africa’s flagship 56km race has been awarded the prestigious International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) Golden Label Certificate, confirming its place among the world’s premier ultramarathons.

Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD photo by Tobias Ginsberg

For an event that has spent recent years rebuilding its reputation, the accolade is more than another trophy for the cabinet. It is a global vote of confidence that places the Cape Town spectacle back among the sport’s benchmark races.

The IAU Golden Label is reserved for events that satisfy stringent international standards covering race organisation, athlete safety, elite competition, prize structures and governance.

It also reflects the transformation behind the scenes, where the Two Oceans Marathon NPC and event partner Stillwater Sports have worked to restore the shine to one of the country’s most recognisable sporting brands.

“This recognition from the International Association of Ultrarunners is a powerful endorsement of the Ultra Marathon as a world-class event,” said Two Oceans Marathon NPC chairperson Chris Goldschmidt.

“Earning the IAU Golden Label Certificate confirms that we meet the highest international standards across every aspect of the race, from organisation and athlete experience to elite competition, prize money and regulatory compliance.”

Event director Wade Bromfield credited months of meticulous planning for the achievement.

“This achievement is incredibly special for our team. After months of hard work behind the scenes, receiving the IAU Golden Label Certificate is a deeply rewarding moment for everyone involved.

“It’s a testament to the passion, commitment and attention to detail that has gone into delivering this iconic event.”

Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD photo by Mark Sampson

The timing is significant.

Entries for the 2027 festival open from July and August, with organisers preparing for another bumper weekend of racing that includes the Ultra Marathon, Half Marathon, Trail Runs, Night Run and International Friendship Run.

Both the 56km Ultra and the 21.1km Half Marathon will accommodate up to 21,000 runners, reinforcing the race’s standing as one of the biggest participation events on the African calendar.

The Golden Label may be the latest finish-line ribbon for Two Oceans to break, although it also raises the bar. World-class status demands world-class delivery every year.

For now, the Cape classic has earned the right to wear gold.

EVENT INFORMATION: 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD

Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD photo credit Chris Hitchcock
Wednesday 31 March 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD / Night Run 
Capacity: 5000
Distance: 8km
Entry Fee: R320.00
Entries Open: Monday 03 August 2026
Thursday 01 April 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD / International Friendship Run
Capacity: 1500
Distance: 4.5km
Entry Fee: R 250.00
Entries Open: Monday 03 August 2026
Friday 02 April 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD / Trail Run
Capacity: 1500
Start & Finish Venue: UCT Rugby Fields
Distance & Entry Fee: 24km / R 950.0016km / R750.00
Entries Open: Monday 03 August 2026
Saturday 03 April 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS HALF MARATHON powered by BYD
Capacity: 21 000
Finish Venue: UCT Rugby Fields
Distance: 21,1km
Entry Fees: Licensed SA Athletes: R450.00Unlicensed SA Athletes: R450.00 plus temp license
Entries Open: Blue Number Club (BNC): Wednesday 15 – Wednesday 22 July 2026
Ballot: Wednesday 05 August 2026
Sunday 04 April 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON powered by BYD
Capacity: 21 000
Finish Venue: UCT Rugby Fields
Distance: 56km
Entry Fees: Licensed SA Athletes: R840.00
Entries Open: Blue Number Club (BNC): Wednesday 15 – Wednesday 22 July 2026
Ballot: Wednesday 05 August 2026

Two Oceans Marathon 2027 gets a turbo boost

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Two Oceans Marathon 2027 gets a turbo boost
By Adnaan Mohamed

The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD is preparing to stretch its stride in 2027, unveiling a revamped Event Week and a dramatic increase in entry capacity that could turn Cape Town into an even bigger running carnival.

From 31 March to 4 April 2027, the race dubbed the “World’s Most Beautiful Marathon” will feature a five-day festival of footfalls, including an 8km Night Run, International Friendship Run, Trail Run, Half Marathon and the iconic 56km Ultra Marathon.

In a significant shift, the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, 3 April, while the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon returns to its traditional Sunday slot on 4 April as the grand finale.

Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON powered by BYD by Devin Paisley

The biggest headline is the swelling field sizes. The Half Marathon will grow from 17,000 to 21,000 runners, while the Ultra Marathon will leap from 14,000 to 21,000 participants. Like a river breaking through a narrow gorge after heavy rain, the expansion opens the gates for thousands more athletes to chase the ocean breeze and the coveted medal.

“We are excited to unveil a revitalised Event Week format for 2027 that will transform the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon into an even bigger celebration of running, community and camaraderie,” said Chris Goldschmidt, chairperson of the TWO OCEANS MARATHON NPC.

Goldschmidt said the new schedule gives each event “its own moment to shine” while preserving the race’s rich traditions and legacy.

Event director Wade Bromfield described the 2027 edition as “a major milestone”, adding that the increased capacity reflects the event’s continued growth and its commitment to making the experience accessible to more runners.

The University of Cape Town campus will remain the race’s home in 2027 and 2028, providing what organisers called a “supreme backdrop” with world-class facilities and easy accessibility.

Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON Trail Run powered by BYD photo by David Sullivan

For runners, the announcement is likely to land like the ringing of a starting gun. The Ultra Marathon has long been one of South Africa’s most sought-after road races, with ballot systems and qualifying standards often leaving hopeful entrants pounding the pavement of disappointment.

There is also a touch of irony in the expansion. While many major races around the world wrestle with congestion and logistical headaches, Two Oceans is effectively adding another small town’s worth of runners to its start lines. It is a controlled stampede, a carefully choreographed avalanche of ambition.

The 2027 programme begins with the Night Run on 31 March, followed by the International Friendship Run on 1 April and the Trail Run on 2 April. Entries for the Night Run, Friendship Run and Trail Run open on 3 August 2026. Blue Number Club entries for the Half and Ultra open from 15 to 22 July 2026, with the public ballot opening on 5 August 2026.

If Cape Town’s roads could speak, they would probably be lacing up their shoes already.

Totalsports TWO OCEANS ULTRA MARATHON powered by BYD by Tobias Ginsberg

Sikhakhane seeks redemption at Two Oceans Ultra after 2025 heartbreak

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Sikhakhane seeks redemption at Two Oceans Ultra after 2025 heartbreak
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

Khatala chasing another podium at Two Oceans Ultra

Adnaan MohamedFeatures, News, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Khatala chasing another podium at Two Oceans Ultra
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 by Action Photo

“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.