By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Joseph Manyedi prepares to take on the challenge of the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD on 11 April 2026 in Cape Town, aiming to secure his first gold medal at the iconic 56km race after earning five gold medals at the Comrades Marathon Photo Credit: Action Photo.
South African ultra-distance runner Joseph Manyedi is setting his sights on a maiden gold medal at the prestigious Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD, scheduled to take place on Saturday, 11 April 2026.
Widely respected in the ultra-marathon circuit, the 43-year-old athlete from North West Province is best known for his impressive record at the Comrades Marathon, where he has earned five gold medals during his career. Despite his success at the legendary race, Manyedi has yet to claim a gold medal at the iconic 56km Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, often referred to as “The World’s Most Beautiful Ultra Marathon.”
A Strategic Challenge
Manyedi says his decision to compete seriously in this year’s race is both a competitive challenge and a strategic step in his preparations for the upcoming Comrades Marathon.
“I want to test something,” Manyedi said. “That’s why I want to run Two Oceans, which will also be part of my preparations for the Comrades Marathon.”
Historically, Manyedi has treated the Two Oceans race as a long training run ahead of Comrades, which partly explains his modest record in the event. His current personal best in the race stands at 3:24:46, although he has demonstrated strong speed over the standard marathon distance, having previously broken the 2:20 barrier.
Building Form in 2026
The experienced ultra-runner began his 2026 campaign by focusing on building strength and endurance for the demanding route. On 22 February, he finished fourth at the challenging Balwin Run Series Pretoria Marathon in a time of 2:34:50, a performance he described as a useful gauge of his fitness.
“I just came here to test my fitness because I haven’t done too many hills or long runs,” he explained. “Two Oceans is a tough race just like Balwin.”
Strong Team Backing
Manyedi will line up at the start as part of a strong squad from the Maxed Elite Running Club, which made a major impact at the event last year by securing four of the ten men’s gold medals in the 56km race.
With renewed focus and improved preparation, the veteran runner believes the time has come to finally claim a top finish at the race. “My target is to get a top ten finish,” Manyedi said confidently.
Excitement from Organisers
Race organisers have welcomed Manyedi’s return, noting that his presence adds further strength to an already competitive elite field.
Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC, praised the athlete’s achievements and experience.
“Joseph Manyedi is a phenomenal ultramarathon athlete and one of South Africa’s most respected distance runners,” Goldschmidt said.
“With five gold medals at the Comrades Marathon to his name, his return to the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD adds tremendous depth to the elite field.”
Meanwhile, Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the race, said the athlete’s participation highlights the prestige of the event.
“Joseph is admired for his consistency and strength over the ultra distance, and his decision to return to the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon with the goal of earning a maiden gold medal speaks volumes about the competitiveness of the race,” Bromfield said.
Event Programme
The 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon will feature several events across four days in Cape Town:
- 9 April 2026: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon International Friendship Run
- 10 April 2026: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run (Start: 07:00)
- 11 April 2026: Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD (Start: 05:15)
- 12 April 2026: Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon (Start: 06:15)
Lucrative Prize Purse
The 2026 edition of the race offers a combined prize purse of R2.6 million, further underlining the event’s status as one of Africa’s premier road-running competitions.
The Ultra Marathon carries prize money totalling R2,177,400, while the Half Marathon offers R422,600.
As race day approaches, all eyes will be on Joseph Manyedi to see whether the seasoned ultra-runner can finally secure the gold medal that has so far eluded him at one of South Africa’s most celebrated endurance races.
