Lesotho distance-running star Neheng Khatala is building momentum like a runner climbing a long mountain pass as she prepares for the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in Cape Town on Saturday, 11 April.
Renowned for her rare versatility across distances, Khatala has opened her season in encouraging form and is aiming for a top-two finish at the iconic race often described as the world’s most beautiful marathon.
The Olympian sharpened her speed at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on 1 March, crossing the line fourth in 32:43. The performance offered an important checkpoint in her build-up to the ultra challenge.
“I really ran well to be honest and I’m grateful about the work I did that day especially because the last 3km were quite windy,” Khatala said. “I’m particularly happy with my performance because I didn’t taper. The week of the race I did a 45km long run so I went into the race with heavy legs.”
That ability to move fluidly between the demands of shorter races and the endurance grind of ultras has become a defining feature of the Hollywood Athletics Club athlete’s recent rise.
The North-West University student stunned many earlier this year when she surged to victory at the hilly Pirates 21K Powered by Medshield, finishing ahead of South African ultra queen Gerda Steyn.
Khatala credits her consistent performances to the careful planning of coach Andrew Booyens, whose training programme blends speed, strength and endurance like a perfectly paced long run.
“I think my training is balanced and structured in such a way that it allows me to run hilly routes as well as fast and flat courses all at the same time,” she explained.
“It’s all about the effort I put in. Whether it’s a tough course or a flat course I always put in effort to ensure that I remain consistent even if I don’t always win.”
Her process-driven mindset delivered a third-place finish in 3:40:38 at last year’s Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, a result that has positioned her among the leading contenders for 2026.
“My aim is to improve. Last year I finished in third position, so this year I must target a win or second position. The point is to improve last year’s performance and if I can achieve that, it would be a huge blessing.”
Race organisers believe the Lesotho runner could play a major role when the field tackles the demanding Cape Peninsula route.
“Neheng Khatala is a remarkable athlete whose versatility and dedication make her a standout entrant,” said Chris Goldschmidt, chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.
“Her performances over the last twelve months, from track races to ultra marathons, demonstrate the discipline and focus required to excel at this level.”
Event general manager Wade Bromfield echoed that sentiment.
“Khatala’s approach to training and racing is what makes her a true contender at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon,” he said.
“Her structured preparation, combined with a third-place finish last year, positions her as one of the pre-race favourites.”
With rhythm in her stride and confidence building kilometre by kilometre, Khatala now sets her sights on the long coastal road that winds through Cape Town. If her current form continues to flow like a perfectly paced marathon, another podium finish may well be within reach.
