At the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, the road does not discriminate by birth year. It only responds to rhythm, resolve and the steady drumbeat of feet that refuse to stop. In 2026, nowhere is this more evident than in the Blue Number Club (BNC), where experience counts for more than speed and age is measured not in years, but in miles conquered.
More than 3 100 Blue Number Club members will line up for the Ultra or Half Marathon, forming a rolling archive of endurance history.
Among them are 16 Half Marathon runners in their 80s, 49 Ultra runners in their 70s, and 147 Half Marathoners also in their 70s. Add a further 743 runners aged 60–69, and the message is unmistakable: longevity is the ultimate endurance discipline.
“The BNC continues to show that the spirit of running knows no age,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “
With members in their 60s, 70s and even 80s taking on the Ultra and Half Marathon, it’s incredible to see such dedication, perseverance, and passion inspiring runners of all generations.”
These athletes run like metronomes set by decades of discipline. They know when to push, when to ease, and when patience is the fastest strategy of all.
Lawrence Ashworth by Action Photo
Echoing that sentiment, Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon General Manager Wade Bromfield highlights just how powerful the club’s demographic has become:
“This year, more than a third of our BNC runners are aged 60 and above, including remarkable athletes in their 70s and 80s. Their commitment is a true testament to the power of endurance, resilience, and the joy of running, proving that age is never a barrier to chasing your goals.”
Among the inspirational names to watch are Half Marathon standouts Kaare and Marlene James (both 82), Sibongile Cele (81) and Willemien Smuts (85), alongside Ultra Marathon stalwarts Makgoale Magwentshu (71), Nancy Will (73) and Larence Ashworth (79).
Sibongile Cele by Action Photo
Kaare James, in particular, embodies the long-distance relationship between runner and race. He owns an astonishing 41 Two Oceans medals and has started every edition since 1980, bar the two COVID-cancelled years. After earning his Light Blue Number in 2025, James will toe the line in 2026 wearing number 2338.
Kaare James by Action Photo
“It’s a privilege to be one of the oldest BNCs in 2026,” admits James.
“I have so many standout memories and it’s great to know that the BNC is being looked after. I don’t have any secret to staying strong. I just make sure to get an early night and don’t eat too much before a race, that sort of thing.
“Plus, my wife looks after me really well. On race day, my goal is simply to reach the finish in one piece and enjoy every moment. No rushing, no stress, just soaking it all in.”
Marlene James by Action Photo
For Ultra runner Makgoale Magwentshu, 2026 represents an unfinished chapter. After earning her 19th medal in 2024 and missing the 2025 race, she returns with her sights firmly set on medal number 20 and coveted Double Blue Number status.
Makgoale Magwentshu by Action Photo
“I can’t wait to be a Double Blue Number member after this race,” says an excited Magwentshu.
“It means the world to me to be part of the Blue Number Club, and I wear my number with pride. The special treatment we receive is the real bonus, it shows that we are appreciated and valued, and it also motivates more runners to become Blue Number members.”
Willemien Smuts by Action Photo
At Two Oceans, these runners are proof that endurance deepens with age. While others chase PBs, they chase moments, memories and milestones measured over decades. Long after the crowds thin out, they keep running, steady, smiling, and still moving forward.
Read more about these inspirational runners in the Blue Number Club DigiMag #2:
The Ships Log: https://joom.ag/bnEd/p16
The BNC Elders: https://joom.ag/bnEd/p20
