Two Oceans Ultra strikes gold with coveted IAU Golden Label status

The Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD has crossed another significant finish line. The iconic 56km race has earned the prestigious International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) Golden Label Certificate, placing South Africa’s celebrated road ultra among the world’s finest endurance events.

For a race affectionately known as the “world’s most beautiful marathon”, the accolade feels like a medal forged over many testing miles. Following a widely praised 2026 edition, the Golden Label signals that Two Oceans has found its rhythm again, striding with the confidence of an elite athlete rounding the final bend.

Awarded by the IAU, the certification recognises excellence in race organisation, athlete safety, elite competition, prize structures and regulatory compliance. It elevates the Cape Town spectacle into an exclusive club where reputation is earned kilometre by kilometre rather than handed out like finisher’s medals.

The recognition also represents a symbolic victory for an event that has weathered turbulent seasons. If races could speak, Two Oceans would be smiling beneath the shadow of Devil’s Peak, reminding critics that class, much like endurance, rarely fades forever.

“This recognition from the International Association of Ultrarunners is a powerful endorsement of the Ultra Marathon as a world-class event,” said Two Oceans Marathon NPC chairperson Chris Goldschmidt.

“Earning the IAU Golden Label Certificate confirms that we meet the highest international standards across every aspect of the race, from organisation and athlete experience to elite competition, prize money and regulatory compliance.”

Event director Wade Bromfield described the award as the product of months of meticulous preparation.

“Receiving the IAU Golden Label Certificate is a deeply rewarding moment for everyone involved. It’s a testament to the passion, commitment and attention to detail that has gone into delivering this iconic event,” he said.

The timing could hardly be better. Entries for the 2027 festival begin opening in July and August, with organisers preparing for another bumper celebration of road running. The programme features the 56km Ultra Marathon, the 21.1km Half Marathon, Trail Runs, the International Friendship Run and the popular Night Run.

The Ultra and Half Marathon will each accommodate up to 21,000 runners, underlining the event’s enormous appeal among elites chasing glory and recreational athletes pursuing personal milestones.

Golden Labels are not handed out like sweets at a school sports day. They demand sustained excellence, meticulous planning and uncompromising standards. For Two Oceans, the certificate serves as both validation and responsibility. The world’s gaze grows sharper when the gold standard hangs around your neck.

Two Oceans 2027 opens the floodgates for runners

The road ahead remains uphill in places, as every ultrarunner knows. Yet the Cape’s crown jewel has shown that even the steepest climbs can lead to breathtaking views. The latest finish line tape has been broken. Another race has already begun.

EVENT INFORMATION: 2027 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD