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.
TheTotalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYDis 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.
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
With two kilometres remaining, George Kusche glanced at the race clock for the first time all day.
The display showed roughly 5:08.
His body felt like a battered vehicle limping home after a cross-country expedition. His left calf had been threatening mutiny for more than 30 kilometres. Every stride sent warning signals through weary muscles. The road tilted and twisted ahead like a mischievous serpent refusing to surrender its final secrets.
Yet something curious happened.
The mathematics suddenly made sense.
“I remember thinking, if I run 10 minutes in these last two kilometres, I’m still going to run 5:18.”
For most runners, that would be astonishing pace after nearly 86 kilometres.
For Kusche, it was a moment of realisation.
History was waiting at the finish line.
The remarkable part is that he still wasn’t thinking about winning.
“I thought to myself, I can’t think about anything else now. I need to focus on putting my foot in front of the other and running as fast as I can.”
That fear may have been his greatest ally.
Because while many runners arrive at Comrades armed with bravado and bold predictions, Kusche approached the race like a scientist approaching an unsolved equation.
Carefully.
Methodically.
Relentlessly.
And in doing so, he produced one of the greatest performances the race has ever witnessed.
THE UNDERDOG WHO WAS NEVER CHASING A TROPHY
When Kusche crossed the finish line at Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg, the clock stopped at 5:15:56.
The time demolished Russian Leonid Shvetsov’s 18-year-old Up Run record of 5:24:49 by almost nine minutes.
It also delivered the fastest average pace ever recorded in the history of the Comrades Marathon.
Yet the journey began not with victory but with disappointment disguised as success.
A year earlier, the former NCAA athlete had finished 12th in his Comrades debut.
Many runners would have celebrated.
Kusche analysed.
“On the day I knew that was the absolute best I could have done,” he said.
“But I know I made a lot of mistakes preparing for that Comrades because it was my first one. I was naive about what it takes to run Comrades.”
The race became a classroom.
The student paid attention.
PROJECT 2026
George Kusche at the 2026 Comrades Winners Breakfast Photo: Adnaan Mohamed
Most athletes emerging from a strong debut create a target.
Kusche created a process.
“It was Project 2026, but not to win.”
That statement sounds almost absurd after what followed.
“It was Project 2026 to focus on the process as much as I can and make sure that on June 14, 2026, I show up as the absolute best version that I could be.”
“If that means a win, then I’m happy.”
The distinction matters.
The goal was not a trophy.
The goal was optimisation.
Every kilometre became a data point.
Every session became an experiment.
Every mistake became valuable information.
THE SCIENTIST IN THE RUNNING SHOES
Away from racing, Kusche works full-time as a Data Scientist at Pepkor Lifestyle.
The numbers are woven into his DNA.
Born in Malalane in Mpumalanga, educated at Laerskool Malelane and Affies in Pretoria, he earned a Master’s degree in Statistics and passed eight Actuarial Society of South Africa examinations on his first attempt.
He coaches himself.
That revelation surprised Fordyce.
In an era overflowing with coaches, consultants and performance gurus, Kusche remains his own architect.
“I coach myself.”
His approach combines science and instinct.
“I accumulated a lot of volume, but that came over a period of a year.”
“It’s a gradual increase in both volume and intensity and elevation gain.”
“I meticulously tracked various metrics over time and ensured that they increased and peaked at the right time.“
The scientist measured everything.
The athlete listened to his body.
The combination proved potent.
THE HILL THAT BUILT A CHAMPION
Every Tuesday, a hill in Pretoria became his laboratory.
He repeatedly climbed and descended Platheus Hill.
No dramatic sprinting.
No social media heroics.
No chest-thumping workouts.
“I simply jogged up and jogged down.”
“And I just let the elevation gain do the damage it had to do.”
Slowly, the hill surrendered.
“Without increasing my effort, I could see my pace increasing and my heart rate decreasing.”
Like water carving a canyon, the work accumulated quietly until the results became impossible to ignore.
THE OVERTRAINING MYTH
As race day approached, whispers began circulating.
Some observers believed Kusche was training too much.
Even Fordyce and former champion Nick Bester had concerns.
“We said George is terribly overtrained.”
Kusche knew the rumours.
“I know about the overtraining allegations.”
His answer reflected the analytical mindset that defines him.
“You can’t look at one number and say someone’s overtraining.”
“My workouts kept improving.”
His peak week reached an eye-watering 259 kilometres.
Yet he remembers feeling restrained.
“I felt like I could have done 300.”
“I felt guilty not running more.”
The engine was humming.
The data agreed.
THE SURGES THAT BROKE THE RACE
The winning move arrived long before he took the lead.
Running within a pack, Kusche sensed comfort spreading among his rivals.
Comfort is dangerous in championship racing.
So he attacked it.
“I didn’t want the pack to be comfortable.”
Climbing Inchanga, he repeatedly surged.
Not wildly.
Not recklessly.
Simply enough to raise the temperature.
“I felt really strong.”
“I just decided to go in front of the pack and gradually increase the pace.”
The surges acted like tiny cracks in a dam wall.
Invisible at first.
Devastating later.
“After about four of those surges, I decided it’s now time to go for gold.”
The race had changed.
The field simply had not realised it yet.
FEAR ON POLLY SHORTTS
For television viewers, Kusche looked magnificent.
Fordyce remembers watching him move through Harrison Flats and immediately predicting victory.
“George is going to win.”
The reality unfolding inside Kusche’s body was far less glamorous.
“My left calf was cramping.”
“My legs were sore.”
“I kind of felt tired.”
Then came Polly Shortts.
The notorious climb often acts like a final judge standing between contenders and champions.
Fortunately, Kusche had studied every metre.
“I knew exactly how long that hill would be.“
That knowledge became a psychological weapon.
“I knew it’s two kilometres.”
“I knew that if I could get to the top in the lead and feeling strong and maintain my pace, then the odds are good of winning.”
What happened next was pure courage.
“I didn’t feel good.”
“But I went up that hill giving it everything I had.”
Defending championGerda Steyn believes every Comrades Marathonrunner reaches a point where determination matters more than physical strength, with the 2026 edition set to celebrate the 50th official Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.
Steyn’s message comes as thousands prepare for one of South Africa’s most iconic sporting events, a race renowned for its unforgiving climbs and emotional finish-line drama.
“Comrades will always humble you at some point in the journey,” said the South African Olympian and ultra-marathon star. “The hardest moments are often where the race truly begins mentally. Sometimes all it takes is one reminder to keep moving forward.”
The 2026 race also embraces the theme“Ska Fela Moya”, meaning “Don’t Give Up”, a message that reflects the resilience associated with the Comrades Marathon and the mental battle Steyn believes defines the event.
Another highlight will be the celebration of the Green Number Club, reserved for athletes who have completed 10 or more Comrades Marathons, earned five gold medals or claimed three victories. Their permanent race numbers remain among the event’s most respected symbols of consistency and endurance.
The 50th official Up Runadds further significance to this year’s race, with competitors facing famous climbs including Cowies Hill, Fields Hill and Polly Shortts before reaching Pietermaritzburg.
OMO, now in its second year of involvement with the ultra-marathon, says its Stay Unbeatable campaign aligns closely with the resilience displayed by runners and supporters throughout the event.
“At OMO, we celebrate the people who keep going when life gets tough, whether it’s runners pushing through pain, families supporting from the sidelines, or everyday South Africans overcoming stains in their own lives. That’s why Comrades is such a powerful platform for our Stay Unbeatable message. It reflects the determination, heart, and refusal to give up that inspire the nation every year.”
The race’s emotional climax will once again arrive at the 12-hour cut-off, where exhausted runners chase the finish line against the clock in scenes that have become synonymous with the Comrades Marathon.
For Steyn, that spirit defines the event more than medals or records. The road eventually tests every athlete, and the greatest challenge often begins long after the legs have started to fade.
The 99th edition of theComrades Marathon has all the ingredients of a classic.
Defending champions Tete Dijana and Gerda Steyn return to lead a star-studded elite field on Sunday as 21,677 runners tackle the 85.777km Up Run from Durban City Hall to Hollywoodbets Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg.
With nearly all of last year’s top-10 finishers back on the start line and a record prize purse on offer, the race is poised to deliver another compelling chapter in the history of South Africa’s most iconic ultra-marathon.
The only absentee among the top 20 men and women from the 2025 race is women’s runner-up Alexandra Morozova, leaving an elite field packed with proven performers and ambitious challengers.
Race director Sue Forge expects another fiercely contested battle.
“All the signs are that this should be another thrilling race, not just in terms of proven gold medallists, but also with the addition of a number of very fast marathoners and ultra-marathoners from both South Africa and abroad, including world-class 100km competitors. We’re looking forward to seeing who claims the podium spots and a share of the biggest prize purse in the history of the Comrades Marathon.”
The elite athletes will compete for a share of R8.21 million, including incentives and bonuses, with both the men’s and women’s winners earning R925,000.
“We have made sure that the top contenders in the 2026 edition of the Comrades Marathon have 8.2 million reasons to give everything they have on the route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg,” Forge said.
“This race has always produced world-class performances, and this considerable prize purse reflects the status of both the race and the elite field we have running this year.”
The three-time champion claimed victories in 2022, 2023 and 2025, yet has never won an Up Run. A victory on Sunday would not only complete that collection, it would move him level with four-time winner Alan Robb and into a tie for third on the all-time men’s winners list.
Standing in his way is Dutch rival Piet Wiersma, winner of the most recent Up Run in 2024 and runner-up to Dijana in both 2023 and 2025.
Their rivalry has become one of the defining storylines of modern Comrades racing and could once again shape the outcome.
Three-time champion Bongmusa Mthembu also has history within reach. The veteran owns 11 gold medals and sits level with Bruce Fordyce on that list. Another gold medal would move him alongside Alan Robb with a record 12.
The men’s field is strengthened further by former winners Edward Mothibi and David Gatebe, while Nikolai Volkov, Joseph Manyedi, Alex Milne, Gordon Lesetedi and Vasilii Korytkin all return after gold-medal performances in 2025.
Several newcomers add intrigue.
South African hopeful George Kusche has attracted considerable support after finishing 12th last year, while Onalenna Khonkhobe’s impressive performances over the past 12 months have elevated him into podium discussions.
Internationally, much attention will focus on World 100km champion Aleksandr Sorokin, American record-holder Charles Lawrence and French 100km specialist Guillaume Ruel.
If Dijana is chasing history, Steyn is pursuing legacy.
The South African star has dominated women’s ultra-distance running in recent years and arrives full of confidence after securing a seventh consecutive Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon title.
Having won Comrades in 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025, Steyn stands one victory away from becoming only the second woman in history to reach five wins.
Only eight-time champion Elena Nurgalieva has won more.
Yet the women’s race appears deeper than ever.
Kenyan Shelmith Muriuki impressed with third place on debut last year and is widely viewed as a serious contender. Irvette van Zyl enters the race after breaking the Loskop 50km course record, while Dominika Stelmach, Carla Molinaro, Caitriona Jennings, Courtney Olsen, Jenet Mbhele and Melissah Gibson all return after earning gold medals in 2025.
Adele Broodryk’s return adds further quality after she missed last year’s race, while Galaletsang Mekgoe and Jenna Challenor will be eager to force their way back into the gold-medal positions.
Zimbabwean debutant Nobukhosi Tshuma is another athlete generating interest after finishing third at this year’s Two Oceans Marathon.
Strongest field in years
The elite men’s field consists of 97 athletes, while 34 women have earned elite status.
Together they form one of the strongest line-ups assembled for the race in recent years.
For Dijana and Steyn, Sunday offers an opportunity to strengthen already impressive legacies. For the chasing pack, it presents a chance to alter the narrative.
By late afternoon in Pietermaritzburg, the 99th Comrades Marathon will have produced new heroes, fresh storylines and perhaps another piece of history on South Africa’s most famous road.
Four-time Comrades MarathonchampionGerda Steyn says her preparations for this year’s race are on track as she targets a fifth title and potentially another record-breaking performance in the iconic ultra-marathon on 14 June.
The South African star is currently completing her final training block in the French Alps ahead of the 99th edition of the race, where she will once again start as the overwhelming favourite in the women’s field.
Steyn has dominated ultra-distance running in South Africa over the past decade, building a remarkable record that includes four Comrades victories and an unprecedented seven consecutiveTotalsports Two Oceans Marathontitles.
The Hollywood Athletics Clubathlete arrives at Comrades fresh from another commanding display at Two Oceans in April, where she claimed her seventh straight crown in 3:27:43.
Her achievements at Comrades have been equally impressive.
Steyn won her first title in 2019 in an Up Run record of 5:58:53, becoming the first woman to break the six-hour barrier on the route. She added victories in 2023, 2024 and 2025 and currently holds both the Down Run record of 5:44:54, set in 2023, and the Up Run record of 5:49:46, established a year later.
This year’s race could present another opportunity for a fast time.
The official distance for the 2026 Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg is 85.777km, making it the shortest Up Run in recent history and potentially opening the door for new records.
Steyn, however, remains focused on preparation rather than predictions.
“I’m really excited to line up for the Comrades Marathon again this year,” she said.
“My training so far has gone really, really well. Of course, it’s still ongoing, but all is going according to plan, especially after the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon earlier in April.”
With the route heading inland to Pietermaritzburg, Steyn has tailored her training to meet the specific demands of the Up Run.
“This year with it being an uprun, my training is also specifically tailored in making sure that I am strong on the uphills but also of course it’s a fast race.
“Even though it’s almost 90 kilometres, the pace is still fast, so I’m trying to work on all areas to be 100% ready for race day.”
Nine-time Comrades winner Bruce Fordycebelieves Steyn’s accomplishments have already secured her place among the greats of South African distance running.
“Gerda has redefined what women can achieve at Comrades and Two Oceans. Her records, consistency and professionalism place her among the greatest ultra-distance runners South Africa has ever produced,” Fordyce said.
“To hold both Comrades records and dominate Two Oceans year after year is extraordinary. She has raised the standard for everybody.”
Fordyce also highlighted Steyn’s ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stages.
“What stands out is the way she races with confidence and composure. She makes world-class performances look effortless, and that’s the mark of a truly exceptional athlete.”
This year’s race will also be Steyn’s second Comrades appearance in Hollywood Athletics Club colours.
“I’m really excited to line up for my second Comrades Marathon in the Hollywood Athletics purple colors,” she said.
“So that will also be really exciting to share the roads with so many other teammates and club mates. It’s going to be a very special day, so all the best from my side to everyone lining up this year.”
Having already rewritten large sections of the Comrades record book, Steyn heads into the 2026 race with another opportunity to strengthen her legacy. The title remains the primary target, though on a shortened Up Run route, the clock may once again become her biggest rival.
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.
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.”
After a milestone achievement in the 2024 Comrades Marathon, Jenet Mbhele has her sights set on an even bigger goal in the next few years, and she’s shown she has the drive to do it! – By Tathe Msimango
