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Running beyond age at Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2026

Adnaan MohamedNews, Totalsports Two Oceans MarathonLeave a Comment on Running beyond age at Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2026
By Adnaan Mohamed

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

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.

49 and Counting

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on 49 and Counting

It takes a special type of athlete to line up year after year for the Comrades Marathon and finish this ultra-marathon challenge 40 times or more, and that’s why just 18 runners have done so in the 102 years since the Comrades was first run. Leading that list is Barry Holland, who will be aiming to become the first athlete to achieve 50 Comrades medals in June this year, and a chat with this South African ultra-running legend is guaranteed to inspire. – By Sulette Ferreira with Sean Falconer