By: Lonwabo Mtyeku – Community Newsroom Pictures: Tobias Ginsberg, Devin Paisley
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Team, together with the event’s incredible sponsors and partners, is rolling out six official TTOM Training Runs in the build-up to the 2026 event. We kick off in style in Cape Town on 25 January, before heading to Joburg on 1 February, Durban on 8 February, Cape Town again on 22 February, Pretoria on 8 March, and Stellenbosch on 22 March. Seen here: Runners in action during the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.
Cape Town, South Africa — As anticipation builds toward the 2026 edition of “the world’s most beautiful marathon,” the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM) has unveiled a nationwide programme of official training runs designed to unite, inspire, and prepare runners for one of the country’s most iconic sporting events.
In collaboration with its sponsors, partners, and selected running clubs, the TTOM team will host six official Training Runs across South Africa in the lead-up to race weekend. The series begins in Cape Town on Sunday, 25 January 2026, before moving to Johannesburg (1 February), Durban (8 February), Cape Town again (22 February), Pretoria (8 March), and concluding in Stellenbosch on 22 March 2026.
More than a warm-up for race day, the training runs are positioned as a celebration of the camaraderie, discipline, and shared passion that define the Two Oceans Marathon community.
“We’re excited to introduce six official TTOM Training Runs as we build toward the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “By partnering with running clubs across the country, we aim to create experiences that celebrate connection and commitment. These runs are not just about preparation — they are about bringing runners together to grow, motivate one another, and share in the spirit that makes this event so special.”
Training With Purpose, Community, and Momentum
Open exclusively to 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon entrants, each training run will offer two distance options — 21km and 12km — allowing runners of varying experience levels to build endurance, refine pacing, and gain confidence as race weekend approaches.
According to Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, the early announcement is intentional.
“We’re proud to launch the official TTOM Training Runs for 2026 and announce the dates well in advance so runners can plan properly and lock these sessions into their calendars,” says Bromfield. “The exact start venues will be revealed closer to each event, as we work closely with our partner running clubs to identify the best possible locations. These runs are about energy, community, and shared passion — the perfect ignition point for the countdown to race day.”
Participation in the training runs will be free of charge, although capacity will be limited. Runners will be required to register in advance, with full details communicated via TTOM’s official social media platforms.
2026 Official TTOM Training Run Dates
- Sunday, 25 January 2026 – Cape Town
- Sunday, 01 February 2026 – Johannesburg
- Sunday, 08 February 2026 – Durban
- Sunday, 22 February 2026 – Cape Town
- Sunday, 08 March 2026 – Pretoria
- Sunday, 22 March 2026 – Stellenbosch
A Build-Up to an Enhanced Race Experience
The training run announcement comes amid a broader commitment to elevating the runner experience in 2026. All Ultra Marathon, Half Marathon, and Trail Run entrants will receive an exclusive, event-specific T-shirt, along with a limited-edition pair of TTOM-branded Versus Quarter Running Socks, included in their entry fee.
In addition, Blue Number Club (BNC) members will benefit from an expanded suite of premium rewards and recognition, further reinforcing the event’s respect for loyalty, legacy, and achievement.
Looking Ahead to Race Weekend
The 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend will take place from 10 to 12 April 2026, featuring:
- Friday, 10 April – Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run
- Saturday, 11 April – Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon (56km)
- Sunday, 12 April – Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon (21.1km)
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic and meaningful road races, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon continues to stand as a celebration of human endurance, natural beauty, and collective spirit.
With the introduction of the 2026 Training Run Series, the organisers have reaffirmed a powerful truth at the heart of the event: the journey to race day is as important as the finish line itself — and it is best travelled together.
