Quick Read
- The 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, on April 11-12.
- First-place prize money for the 56 km Ultra Marathon has increased by R130,000 to R380,000.
- Eleven veteran runners are aiming to complete their 30th Ultra Marathon, joining the exclusive Triple Blue Number Club.
- South African star Gerda Steyn is in top form and will pursue her seventh consecutive Two Oceans Ultra Marathon title.
- The event includes an International Friendship Run, Trail Run, and Half Marathon over the weekend.
CAPE TOWN (Azat TV) – The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, acclaimed as “the world’s most beautiful race,” is gearing up for its 2026 edition in Cape Town, South Africa, scheduled for April 11-12. This year’s event is drawing significant attention not only for its scenic 56 km ultra marathon course but also for a substantial increase in prize money for elite competitors and a remarkable pursuit of a rare milestone by 11 veteran runners.
Organizers have announced a notable increase in the first-place prize money for the 56 km men’s and women’s Ultra Marathon, raising it by R130,000 to R380,000. This financial incentive is expected to intensify the elite competition, particularly as South African ultra-marathon star Gerda Steyn aims for an unprecedented seventh consecutive title.
Veteran Runners Target Triple Blue Number Club
A unique narrative unfolding at the 2026 Two Oceans Ultra Marathon involves 11 dedicated runners who are each attempting to complete their 30th race, thereby earning entry into the exclusive Triple Blue Number Club. To date, only 98 individuals—95 men and three women—have achieved this extraordinary feat.
Among these determined athletes are 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). Kim Pain stands out as the sole female runner among this group aiming for her 30th Ultra Marathon, highlighting exceptional consistency and dedication, according to Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.
Curtis Rajoo, who first ran the Ultra Marathon in 1995 at age 22, described the race as “the most beautiful race, but it’s also tough.” For Rajoo, reaching 30 finishes is a long-standing goal, deeply woven into the fabric of his life. Similarly, Ravi Govender emphasizes the camaraderie and ritual of the annual journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town with friends, finding inspiration in the shared experience and the euphoria of crossing the finish line. Denzil Abrahams, a Celtic Harriers stalwart, views his 30th Ultra as a “full circle moment,” linking it to personal reflection and family support over decades.
Gerda Steyn Eyes Seventh Consecutive Victory
Leading the charge in the elite field, Gerda Steyn, known as the “Smiling Assassin,” has demonstrated formidable form ahead of the 2026 event. Steyn recently triumphed at the Sunrise Monster 32km in Pretoria, completing the grueling course in 2:06:56, a pace mirroring her goal for the 56km event. Her victory by a margin of over 16 minutes underscored her readiness for the Two Oceans Marathon.
Steyn will be pursuing her seventh consecutive title at the Two Oceans Marathon, a testament to her sustained dominance in the sport. The increased prize money for first place, now standing at R380,000, adds another layer of competitive intensity for elite athletes like Steyn, though it remains less than the prize offerings at the Comrades Marathon. In 2025, Steyn’s earnings from Comrades, including various bonuses, totaled over R1.6 million, setting a high bar for ultra-marathon rewards.
The World’s Most Beautiful Race Prepares for Global Participation
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend is a multifaceted event, featuring more than just the iconic Ultra Marathon. Preparations are underway for the International Friendship Run on Thursday, April 9, 2026, followed by the Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run on Friday, April 10. The Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, rounding out a weekend of diverse running challenges.
The event continues to attract runners from around the world, reinforcing Cape Town’s status as a premier global sporting destination and contributing significantly to local tourism. Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Two Oceans Marathon, extended best wishes to all participants, particularly those aiming for their 30th Ultra Marathon, anticipating “an incredible milestone and another memorable race!”
The 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon exemplifies the unique blend of professional athletic ambition and profound personal endurance that defines ultra-marathons, drawing both world-class competitors seeking records and dedicated veterans pursuing deeply personal milestones.