The Ultra and Half Marathon take place in Cape Town this weekend, with experienced pace setters guiding runners while elite athletes, including Gerda Steyn, headline a competitive field.
Cape Town, South Africa (10 April 2026) – Top runners ascend to the Mother City as Cape Town gears up for one of the biggest weekends on the running calendar as the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon returns, bringing together elite athletes, social runners, and a strong support crew ready to carry participants across the finish line.
While much of the spotlight will be on the front of the race, where titles and records are on the line, thousands of runners will be chasing personal goals, and that’s where the pace setters step in.
A well-established team from the Western Province Pace Setters Group will once again take to the route, guiding runners across both the Ultra Marathon on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday. With dozens of experienced pacers assigned to different finish times, runners will have support from start to finish, helping them manage their effort across one of the most challenging and scenic routes in the country.
The Two Oceans Ultra, in particular, is known for testing even the most experienced runners, with long climbs and technical sections in the second half often shaping the outcome of the day.
Among those leading from the front is South African Paralympian Louzanne Coetzee, who adds another special chapter to her Two Oceans journey this year. After making history as the race’s first blind pace setter in the half marathon, she now steps up to complete her first Ultra before returning to pace runners again the following day.
For seasoned campaigners like Ashraf Orrie, the role of a pacer goes beyond just hitting time targets. It’s about keeping runners focused, motivated, and calm when the race starts to bite.
At the sharp end of the field, the race for top honours is expected to deliver just as much excitement. Gerda Steyn returns with her sights set on a remarkable seventh title, but she faces a competitive women’s field that includes the likes of Irvette van Zyl and Neheng Khatala.
In the men’s race, defending champion Joseph Khoarahlane Seutloali will be looking to hold onto his title, but challengers including Onalenna Khonkhobe and Sibonsiso Sikhakhane are all in contention.
As always, the Two Oceans Marathon is about more than just times and results. From elite athletes chasing victory to everyday runners pushing through personal limits, the weekend promises a mix of competition and unforgettable moments along one of the most iconic routes in world running.
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