Gerda Steyn of South Africa retained her title in the women's 56km ultra-marathon at the 2026 Two Oceans Marathon, clocking 3:27:43 for a record seventh straight win. Arthur Jantjies from the Northern Cape claimed a shock victory in the men's race in 3:09:25 on only his second ultra-marathon. Thousands of runners tackled the iconic Cape Town route on Saturday.
The 55th edition of the Two Oceans Marathon ultra saw Gerda Steyn defend her crown with ease, finishing at the University of Cape Town's rugby fields amid cheering crowds. The 36-year-old South African, known as the 'Smiling Assassin', completed the 56km course through the Southern Suburbs, False Bay coastline, Chapman's Peak and Constantia in 3:27:43. Kenya's Margaret Jepchumba placed second, over six minutes behind, with Zimbabwe's Nobukhosi Tshuma third.
Steyn fell short of her own 2024 record of 3:26:54 but expressed satisfaction post-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 told media. Marking a decade since her debut—where she placed 14th—she has won every edition since her first victory two years later, barring Covid cancellations in 2020 and 2021.
In the men's race, Arthur Jantjies upended pre-race favourite Onalenna Khonkhobe, overtaking him around the 50km mark. The Hopetown runner, in his first Two Oceans ultra after half-marathon top-10s, credited coach John Hamlett's high-altitude training in Dullstroom. "I know he (Khonkhobe) is faster than me. But in training we always pick up in the last 8km," Jantjies said.
Two Oceans general manager Wayne Bramfeild highlighted the event's legacy, part of a five-day festival attracting over 30,000 athletes. Over 1,500 belong to the Blue Number Club for 10-plus finishes.
Men's top 10:
1. Arthur Jantjies (SA) – 3:09:25
2. Onalenna Khonkhobe (SA) – 3:10:00
3. Blessing Waison (Zimbabwe) – 3:11:13
Women's top 10:
1. Gerda Steyn (SA) – 3:27:43
2. Margaret Jepchumba (Kenya) – 3:33:31
3. Nobukhosi Tshuma (Zimbabwe) – 3:38:34
