By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Action Photo.
Seen Here: Shirley Whitmore in action at a previous year’s Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run. Photo Credit: Action Photo.
Cape Town – Trail running enthusiasts will have plenty to watch when the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run returns on Friday, 10 April 2026, with seasoned athletes Dominic Wills and Shirley Whitmore both chasing significant milestones on the slopes of Devil’s Peak.
For Newlands-based runner Dominic Wills, the upcoming race will mark his 13th appearance in the event’s Long Route (24km), continuing a remarkable record that stretches back to the trail run’s inception in 2010.
Meanwhile, Bergvliet athlete Shirley Whitmore is preparing for an equally meaningful moment as she lines up for the Short Route (16km) with the goal of completing her 10th race and securing the coveted Khaki Permanent Number.
A Prestigious Milestone
Within the trail running community, finishing ten events earns runners a Khaki Permanent Number, a status widely regarded as the trail equivalent of the prestigious Blue Number Club recognition awarded to runners who complete ten races in the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon or Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon.
For Dominic Wills, who already holds trail permanent number 3, the race has become an annual tradition. Having participated in every trail run since its launch, Wills has consistently delivered strong performances, including second place in his category in the past two editions and top-10 overall finishes in the men’s race.
“I love that the trail run is part of the weekend,” Wills said. “There’s a smaller vibe and you get it done first so that you can focus on supporting the others for the rest of the weekend.”
The experienced runner has also competed widely across the broader event programme, completing six Two Oceans Half Marathons and three Ultra Marathons. On one occasion, he even tackled both the Trail Run and the Ultra Marathon in the same year.
Seen Here: Dominic Wills in action at a previous year’s Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run. Photo Credit: Action Photo.
Celebrating the Trails of Devil’s Peak
Wills believes the course remains one of the most underrated trail running experiences in South Africa.
“Thankfully the Trail Run has changed very little over the years. It’s always been an experience of the best of Devil’s Peak,” he said.
Recalling the inaugural race, he joked about the unexpected challenge runners faced when the route included demanding sections such as Mowbray Ridge.
“For those who thought trail running meant running around golf courses, it was a shock,” he laughed.
Despite maintaining a competitive mindset, Wills admits that enjoying the experience remains part of the appeal.
“I always have the race button pressed, but I’m also looking forward to having a beer at the finish line.”
Whitmore’s Pursuit of Permanent Status
For Shirley Whitmore, the 2026 race represents a milestone moment in a lifetime of sporting achievement.
Whitmore has excelled in several disciplines over the years, including tennis, squash and cycling. She represented South African junior tennis squads, completed 11 editions of the Argus Cycle Tour, and later represented KwaZulu-Natal, Western Province and South Africa in squash.
Her competitive spirit has also translated to trail running success. Whitmore has finished on the podium in her last five Totalsports Two Oceans Trail Run Short Route races, underlining her consistency and determination.
“I have played sport my entire life,” Whitmore said. “I run to keep fit and healthy – it’s my lifetime goal.”
Completing her tenth race will allow Whitmore to join her sister Wendy, who is already a Blue Number Club member after finishing the Ultra Marathon eleven times.
“I am so excited to be lining up in 2026 and looking forward to crossing the finish line for my tenth medal,” she said.
Organisers Celebrate Athlete Dedication
Race organisers say the dedication shown by runners such as Wills and Whitmore highlights the unique spirit of the event.
Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC, praised both athletes for their commitment.
“Dominic’s pursuit of his 13th finish and Shirley’s milestone of her tenth event highlight the dedication, consistency and passion that make this weekend so special for our trail running community,” he said.
Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD, added that returning athletes play a vital role in the race’s enduring appeal.
“It’s inspiring to see athletes like Dominic and Shirley return year after year, chasing personal milestones while celebrating the trails of Devil’s Peak,” Bromfield said.
A Packed Race Weekend
The trail run forms part of the four-day Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD programme 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 (Start: 05:15)
- 12 April 2026: Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon (Start: 06:15)
With thousands of runners expected to take part, organisers have also introduced enhanced runner benefits for 2026, including exclusive event T-shirts, limited-edition running socks and expanded recovery zones supported by Cipla.
As the race weekend approaches, athletes like Dominic Wills and Shirley Whitmore will be chasing personal milestones while celebrating one of South Africa’s most iconic endurance events.
