Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – Community Newsroom Photo Credit: Tobia Ginsberg, Devin Paisley
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run returns on Friday, 10 April 2026, giving runners the choice between two exhilarating distances: ±16km and ±24km. Seen here: Trail Running enthusiasts enjoying the beauty of the Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run route in 2025.
Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain trails will once again take centre stage as the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM) Trail Run returns on Friday, 10 April 2026 — promising a rejuvenated, elevated experience for both seasoned trail athletes and novice adventurers.
After roaring back to life in 2025 following a pandemic-induced hiatus, the TTOM Trail Run is gearing up for its 13th edition with two crowd-favourite distances: approximately 16km and 24km. If last year’s near-instant sell-out is any indication, demand will be fierce.
A CELEBRATION OF ENDURANCE, HERITAGE AND NATURAL GRANDEUR
“2026 marks the 13th running of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run, and the excitement is stronger than ever,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “The return of the trail races in 2025 reignited national enthusiasm. Since their debut in 2010, these routes have captivated elite athletes and weekend warriors alike. They offer a rare, intimate encounter with the technical beauty and rugged challenge of Table Mountain. We are delighted to welcome runners back for another unforgettable year.”
The trail run forms part of South Africa’s most celebrated running festival, complementing the Half and Ultra Marathon with a uniquely untamed test of endurance and elevation. Starting from the historic steps of the University of Cape Town, runners quickly ascend into the deep greens of Newlands Forest before tackling the uneven, rocky lower slopes of Devil’s Peak. The effort is rewarded with sweeping, cinematic views of Table Bay, Robben Island and the Cape Peninsula — a visual reminder of why Cape Town is hailed as one of the world’s trail-running capitals.
THE 2026 EXPERIENCE: BIGGER FEATURES, PREMIUM PERKS
Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, says 2026 introduces enhanced runner-centric features designed to elevate the overall experience.
“We’re thrilled to confirm our 2026 trail race date. These routes offer the perfect blend of attainability and exhilaration. Whether you choose 16km or 24km, a memorable adventure awaits,” he explains.
New for 2026 is a unified premium-gear experience across all TTOM race categories — Trail, Half Marathon and Ultra Marathon entrants alike.
“Every trail runner will receive an exclusive event-specific T-shirt and a limited-edition pair of TTOM-branded Versus Quarter Running Socks,” says Bromfield. “With only 500 entries per distance, we expect the races to fill rapidly. Runners should be ready when entries open on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.”
KEY EVENT DETAILS
Date: Friday, 10 April 2026
Venue: University of Cape Town
Distances & Entry Fees:
• ±16km — R750
• ±24km — R950
Entries Open: Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 12:00
Entry Policy: First-come, first-served
A TRAIL TRADITION THAT DEFINES CAPE TOWN
More than a race, the TTOM Trail Run continues to represent South Africa’s thriving off-road running culture — attracting athletes who relish the fusion of community, challenge and world-class terrain.
From its atmospheric forest climbs to its rugged mountain paths and horizon-wide views, the event remains one of the country’s most anticipated trail dates on the calendar. The 2026 edition promises to build on a legacy that began in 2010, honouring the spirit of exploration and resilience that defines the country’s trail-running community.
Runners and enthusiasts can follow event updates via the official Two Oceans Marathon social platforms or visit the event website for details. Queries can be directed to Patiswa@twooceansmarathon.org.za.
TOTALSPORTS TWO OCEANS MARATHON
Facebook: Two Oceans Marathon
Instagram: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon
Website: twooceansmarathon.org.za
