With several former champions set to take to the start line, the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD on Sunday, 12 April 2026 promises exciting racing. In the men’s race, the likes of Stephen Mokoka and Thabang Mosiako are expected to go head-to-head, while Emma Pallant-Browne and Fortunate Chidzivo are set to renew their rivalry in what should be a captivating women’s 21km showdown.
After a successful three months of preparation that featured a 60:44 clocking at the Hoka Paris Half Marathon on 8 March, 2024 champion Mosiako believes he is ready to right the wrongs of 2025. Speaking during today’s (9 April) pre-race press conference at the Southern Sun Cape Sun, the Nedbank Running Club star drew gasps from the members of the media when he assessed his fitness.
“Everything that needs to be in is in! I’m ready,” warned Mosiako. “Running the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon seven times shows deep commitment. Last year wasn’t the best year for me because I started the year with an injury after running my first marathon at the end of 2024. I went back to the drawing board to correct the mistakes I made. So, if the weather is good and my body is good I can take it.”
Mosiako, who is the third fastest south African half marathoner of all time (59:52) will battle it out against local hero Anthony Timotheus who has shown encouraging form after clocking 1:03:05 to finish as the runner-up at the Outsurance Gun Run last September. Like both Mosiako and Mokoka, Timotheus will use the race as an important benchmark ahead of his 42.2km debut at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on 24 May.
While Mokoka also intends to use the race on Sunday 12 April to gauge his marathon fitness, the Hollywood Athletics Club top runner who first won the highly competitive 21km race in 2009, left his opponents guessing when he refused to rule out the possibility of collecting a sixth podium finish and record fifth victory.
“I just want to put pressure on the young guys,” said the 41-year-old. “I have an advantage because if I run with them in the bunch then people will say I inspire them because I’m ageing like a fine wine. If they beat me people tell me not to worry because I’ve had a long career. So, I’m just enjoying it and I’ll try to push as hard as I can. It would be great if I can medal. We’ll be chasing that BYD lead car together.”
In the women’s race 2022 champion Fortunate Chidzivo returns to the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon for the first time since her triumph four years ago, while 2023 winner Emma Pallant-Browne is also in the elite women’s field. But with Browne returning to the sport after giving birth just seven months ago, all eyes will be on 39-year-old Chidzivo in her bid to add to her tally of two gold medals and claim a second career victory at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD.
“I just want to enjoy being back on the start line. The stronger the competition the better the times we will run. I’ll see how my body responds on the day. Let’s see if I can rewrite history.”
Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC: “The 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD has attracted an exceptional elite field, with top athletes ready to push the pace and challenge themselves on one of the country’s most iconic courses. The mix of seasoned champions and rising talent promises an exhilarating race and highlights the growing depth and competitiveness of this event. We’re excited to see these athletes showcase their skills while inspiring the wider running community.”
Reflecting on the talent set to line up for the Half Marathon, Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD General Manager Wade Bromfield added: “This year’s Half Marathon elite field reflects both experience and ambition, and it sets the stage for an exciting day of racing. With athletes chasing personal bests, podium finishes, and milestone achievements, the race promises to be fast, competitive, and highly entertaining. Events like this highlight the quality of South Africa’s running talent and the excitement that makes the Two Oceans Marathon weekend so special.”
EVENT INFORMATION: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD
1. Thursday 09 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon International Friendship Run
2. Friday 10 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run
Start Time: 07:00
3. Saturday 11 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon
Start Time: 05:15
4. Sunday 12 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon
Start Time: 06:15
2026 PRIZE PURSE: The iconic Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon boasts an impressive, combined prize purse of R2.6 million in 2026. Both the Ultra Marathon and the Half Marathon will enjoy a boost in prize money, with the Ultra Marathon offering R2 177 400 and the Half Marathon a substantial R422 600. Read more about the Prize Purse here: https://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/2026-totalsports-two-oceans-marathon-offers-lucrative-r2-6-million-prize-purse/
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Websites: www.twooceansmarathon.org.za
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Author: Jacky McClean from NEWSPORT MEDIA on behalf of Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD.
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