By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Action Photo
Seen Here: Sandiswa Ndlebein action during the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in 2025. Photo Credit: Action Photo
Cape Town, South Africa — In a powerful show of leadership through action, five board members of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon will trade strategy sessions for starting blocks as they prepare to tackle the gruelling 56km Ultra Marathon on Saturday, 11 April 2026.
Sandiswa Ndlebe, Caroline Newbert, Glenn Muller, Stuart Mann, and Wietse van der Westhuizen are not just organisers of “The World’s Most Beautiful Marathon” — they are seasoned runners who will once again join thousands of participants from across the globe on one of the sport’s most celebrated stages.
Seen Here: At the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in 2025, Joe Newbert, Caroline Newbert and Tania Neethling pushing Oliver Bettendorf – who was born with cerebral palsy, is non‑verbal and unable to walk independently – in a running wheelchair. Photo Credit: Action Photo
Leadership Through Participation
Their presence on the course underscores a deeper philosophy: that stewardship of a world-class sporting event begins with understanding the runner’s journey firsthand.
“It’s incredibly inspiring to see our board members not just guiding the event behind the scenes, but also challenging themselves on race day,” said Chairperson Chris Goldschmidt. “Their commitment reflects a genuine connection to the spirit of the marathon.”
Race General Manager Wade Bromfield echoed this sentiment, noting that their participation brings authenticity and relatability to the event experience.
Seen Here: Glenn Muller in action during the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in 2025. Photo Credit: Action Photo
Stories of Passion, Purpose and Perseverance
For Sandiswa Ndlebe, the 2026 Ultra will mark her seventh finish — a journey that blends personal growth with purpose.
“The marathon is deeply personal to me,” Ndlebe said. “As a runner, it’s where I meet my strength. As a mother, it’s where I lead by example. And as a board member, it’s about protecting and growing something that inspires and unites people.”
Her story reflects the broader ethos of the event — one rooted in inclusion, resilience, and community.
Seen Here: Stuart Mann in action during the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in 2024. Photo Credit: Action Photo
Milestones and Family Legacy
Caroline Newbert is chasing a remarkable milestone: completing her 20th Ultra Marathon before turning 50 later this month. She will also take on the Half Marathon the following day, continuing a tradition deeply embedded in family participation.
“Fourteen members of my family will be taking part across the weekend,” she shared. “It’s incredibly special to experience this together.”
Her journey also intersects with one of the event’s most inspiring inclusion stories — the “Warriors on Wheels” initiative, where runners like Gillian and Oliver Bettendorf redefine endurance through courage and advocacy.
Seen Here: (from left to right): Annelize Botma, Wietse van der Westhuizen, Naomi Janse van Rensburg and Louise van der Westhuizen at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in 2025. Photo Credit: Action Photo
A Lifetime Connection to the Race
Veteran runner Glenn Muller will line up for his 19th Ultra, drawing on more than two decades of experience.
“Being both a runner and a board member gives me a unique perspective,” Muller said. “It allows me to understand the full journey — from preparation to execution — and to help shape an event that meets the highest standards.”
His reflections highlight the importance of continuity and evolution in maintaining the race’s global reputation.
The Spirit of the Route
For Stuart Mann, who is targeting his 21st Ultra finish, the appeal lies in the character of the course itself.
“Two Oceans is the perfect step up into ultra-distance running,” he said. “It has everything — from the breathtaking beauty of Chapman’s Peak to the sheer challenge of Constantia Nek. It’s a race that tests you, but also rewards you.”
Mann’s connection to the event is deeply personal, with memories spanning generations — including running alongside his father and inheriting his Blue Number, a symbol of long-standing achievement in the race.
A Legacy of Endurance
Few embody the legacy of the event quite like Wietse van der Westhuizen, who will take on his 36th Ultra Marathon in 2026.
“This was my first ultra marathon back in 1978,” he recalled. “To still be part of it, and to share the experience with my family, is something truly special.”
His story captures the enduring appeal of the race — a tradition that spans generations and continues to inspire new ones.
More Than a Race
As the 2026 edition approaches, the participation of these board members serves as a reminder that the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is more than just a sporting event. It is a living community — one shaped by those who run it, organise it, and believe in its purpose.
From elite athletes to first-time participants, the race remains a celebration of human endurance, unity, and the shared pursuit of the finish line.
And this year, those leading the event will once again be running it — step for step, alongside the very community they serve.
