The road between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans just got a whole lot richer. The iconic Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, widely hailed as the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon, has stretched its competitive legs for 2026, unveiling a combined R2.6 million prize purse that places it firmly among the world’s most lucrative and prestigious road races.
Gerda Steyn in action at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon in 2025 by Tobias Ginsberg
Like a perfectly timed surge at the base of Chapman’s Peak, both flagship events, the Ultra Marathon and the Half Marathon, receive a meaningful prize-money lift.
The Ultra Marathon commands R2 177 400, while the Half Marathon’s enhanced pot of R422 600 reflects a renewed commitment to depth, inclusivity and elite performance across distances.
“The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has always been about more than just finishing the race – it’s about celebrating the spirit of running, pushing boundaries, and inspiring excellence,” said Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.
“By increasing the prize purse for 2026, we’re not only recognising the dedication and talent of elite athletes but also raising the profile of the event on the global stage.
“It’s a clear statement that the Two Oceans Marathon is committed to fostering world-class competition while honouring our rich heritage in road running.”
For elite athletes, the message is clear: this is no longer just a bucket-list run, but a race where ambition can be rewarded as richly as endurance. Winners of the Ultra Marathon will stride away with R380 000 each, while the runners-up earn R220 000 and third place R100 000, ensuring the front pack is racing not only for honour, but for serious reward.
Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, believes the increased purse is a long-term investment rather than a short sprint.
“Increasing the prize purse is more than just a financial boost, it’s an investment in the athletes and the integrity of the race itself,” said Bromfield.
“It shows our commitment to supporting both local and international elite runners, while also elevating the prestige of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. This step reinforces our mission to create a race experience that inspires ambition, celebrates achievement, and upholds our position as a world-class event.”
Prize money breakdown: depth beyond the podium
In the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon, R298 000 is allocated to the Open Category, shared among the top 10 finishers. Male and female winners each pocket R50 000, followed by R30 000 for second and R18 000 for third.
Like a well-paced negative split, rewards extend deep into the field, with prize money also available across age categories, from 16–19 right through to 70+.
The Ultra Marathon mirrors this philosophy at scale. Its R1 794 000 Open Category purse rewards the top 10 finishers, while age-category athletes in the 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70+ brackets also share in the spoils.
Additional allocations for Top WPA Athletes, Top South African Athletes (Ultra only) and Teams further underline the race’s inclusive competitive structure.
In closing, Bromfield emphasised the significance of the Half Marathon upgrade:
“We are especially proud to introduce a significantly enhanced prize purse in the 2026 Half Marathon, an increase that has been long overdue.
“By investing in both the Ultra and Half Marathon, we are rewarding excellence, while reinforcing our dedication to the running community.
“We are proudly celebrating elite performance while ensuring the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon continues to be one of the most prestigious and exhilarating races on the global calendar.”
With bigger rewards, deeper fields and global eyes fixed on Cape Town, the 2026 Two Oceans Marathon promises racing that will be as fierce as the climbs and as unforgettable as the views. It will be true test of legs, lungs and legacy.
The start of the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. PHOTO CREDIT: Luigi Bennett / Tobias Ginsberg
Event information: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2026
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Friday, 10 April 2026: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run
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Saturday, 11 April 2026: Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon
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Sunday, 12 April 2026: Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon
