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

Entries Open for 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run

By Adnaan Mohamed

Entries for the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run will open at 12:00 on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, offering runners the chance to tackle ±16km or ±24km of iconic Table Mountain trails.

Celebrating its 13th edition, the Trail Run has become a highlight of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend, with participation limited to 500 runners per distance to preserve an intimate trail-running experience.

Trail Runners enjoying the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run route. PHOTO CREDIT: Tobias Ginsberg

“We’re excited to kick off 2026 with the opening of entries for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run,” said Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

“The ±16km and ±24km trail runs offer participants a rare opportunity to explore the stunning and challenging trails of Table Mountain during the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend. With each distance limited to just 500 runners, this is an intimate and exclusive experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking natural settings.”

Starting from the historic steps of the University of Cape Town, runners climb through the Newlands Forest before navigating the rugged lower slopes of Devil’s Peak, with sweeping views of Table Bay, Robben Island and the Cape Peninsula.

According to Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, the Trail Run enhances the broader event programme.

“The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run adds another exciting dimension to an already action-packed Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend, allowing even more runners to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere and vibrant energy of this iconic celebration of running,” said Bromfield.

“The Trail Run routes showcase some of the most breathtaking scenery and authentic trail-running terrain on Table Mountain, offering a challenge that is as achievable as it is exhilarating.”

Trail Runners enjoying the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run route. PHOTO CREDIT: Tobias Ginsberg

Bromfield confirmed that demand is expected to be high.

“Entries open at 12:00 on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. With limited spots available, we encourage runners to enter early for the opportunity to be part of this unforgettable trail-running experience.”

The entry fee includes an exclusive event-specific T-shirt, a limited-edition pair of TTOM-branded Versus Quarter Running Socks, and SANParks access, which supports conservation efforts and trail maintenance.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, 10 April 2026
  • Venue: University of Cape Town
  • Distances & Fees: ±16km (R750) | ±24km (R950)
  • Entries Open: Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 12:00
  • Entries: First-come, first-served

For full details, route information and compulsory kit requirements, visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za.

What to Expect as the Totalsports Two Oceans Trail Run Returns in 2026

The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run returns on 10 April 2026, offering ±16km and ±24km routes starting from the University of Cape Town calling runners back to the mountain where every climb feels like a conversation with the Cape’s ancient, wind-worn ridges.

“We’re proud to celebrate the 13th running… selling out within minutes and reigniting the enthusiasm of runners across the country,” says Chairperson Chris Goldschmidt, reflecting on a race restored after its pandemic pause.

From the historic UCT steps, runners slip into the cool hush of Newlands Forest where pine needles soften the footfall and the air smells like beginnings. Then comes the stern, stone-backed ascent of Devil’s Peak, a reminder that beauty on the trail is earned, never given.

“Every runner will face a challenge that’s as achievable as it is exhilarating,” says General Manager Wade Bromfield, promising an adventure framed by panoramic views of Table Bay, Robben Island and the Peninsula’s blue sweep.

Limited to 500 runners per distance, the event remains an intimate pilgrimage more than a mass movement.

Trail Running enthusiasts enjoying the beauty of the Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run route in 2025 by Devin Paisley

Exclusive T-shirts and TTOM-branded Versus socks adding touches of ceremony to the climb.

When entries open, the rush will be as fierce as a downhill sprint. For those who secure a spot, the mountain waits steady ready to write another chapter under Cape Town’s autumn light.

Entries Open: Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 12:00 (first-come, first-served)

Date: Friday 10 April 2026

Venue: University of Cape Town

Distance & Entry Fee: +- 16km / R750.00 +- 24km / R950.00

Trail Running enthusiasts enjoying the beauty of the Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run route in 2025 by Tobias Ginsberg

A Five-Year Stride: Totalsports and Two Oceans Chart a Bold New Road

By Adnaan Mohamed

Totalsports has extended its title sponsorship of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM) for a further five years, and will also sponsor the Trail Run from 2026 securing long-term backing for one of South Africa’s premier road-running events

Totalsports’ decision to extend their Title Sponsorship for another five years is a powerful endorsement of the direction in which the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is heading,” said Chairperson Chris Goldschmidt, describing a partnership that has become as familiar as the sea breeze that greets runners along the coastline.

TTOM General Manager Wade Bromfield echoed that sense of renewed momentum.

This unprecedented five-year commitment demonstrates Totalsports’ belief in the event, the team, the runners, and the sport itself… we are committed to ensuring every touchpoint provides a seamless, joyful, and unforgettable experience.

Runners enjoying the on-route beauty of the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon in 2025 Photo Credit: Luigi Bennett

It was the kind of promise that lands softly but carries far, like the light, confident footfall of a runner cresting Constantia Nek.

From 2026, Totalsports will also become title sponsor of the Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run, a move that expands the event’s footprint into the rugged, untamed terrain where trail runners find their heartbeat.

We are excited… the Trail Run embodies the same spirit of adventure, community, and love for the sport that defines Totalsports,” said Totalsport’s Jonathan Stein.

The 2026 weekend will unfold across three days, the trail, ultra and half making it a festival of endurance stitched into Cape Town’s autumn glow.

Entrants across all distances will receive an exclusive race T-shirt and limited-edition Versus socks, small souvenirs of a journey far bigger than the garments themselves.

The World’s Most Beautiful Marathon now steps into its next chapter with a long, confident stride buoyed by partnership, driven by purpose, and carried forward by the thousands who chase its winding, ocean-kissed kilometres each year.