By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Devin Paisley
Seen Here: Runners enjoying the action of the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has significantly strengthened its medical and emergency response framework ahead of the 2026 edition, appointing Mediclinic and ER24 as official medical service providers in a decisive move to elevate athlete welfare at what is widely known as the “World’s Most Beautiful Marathon.”
With tens of thousands of runners, volunteers and spectators expected across race weekend, organisers have adopted a more integrated, high-capacity medical model designed to deliver rapid intervention, advanced trauma care and seamless on-route support from start line to finish chute.
A Strategic Upgrade in Event Medicine
The 2026 medical operations plan reflects a substantial investment in preventative and responsive healthcare infrastructure. By partnering with two of South Africa’s most established healthcare and emergency response organisations, the marathon enhances its operational depth across all three race days:
- Friday, 10 April 2026 – Totalsports Two Oceans Trail Run
- Saturday, 11 April 2026 – Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon
- Sunday, 12 April 2026 – Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon
Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC, describes the appointment as a strategic commitment to world-class health and safety standards.
“The 2026 edition reflects a significant investment in runner health and safety through the appointment of Mediclinic and ER24 as its Medical Service Providers. This enhances start, on-route and finish-line capabilities and underscores our dedication to world-class care.”
Seen Here: Mediclinic’s Chief Medical Director for the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, Dr Darren Green will oversee all aspect of medical care throughout the event, from routine treatments to critical medical emergencies along the route.
Comprehensive On-Route Coverage
The operational blueprint for 2026 includes:
- 10 medical points along the Ultra Marathon route
- 5 medical points along the Half Marathon route
- A fully equipped medical facility at the Finish, including ICU and trauma services
- Dedicated pre-hospital emergency care and hospital transfers managed by ER24
This layered medical deployment ensures coverage across high-risk segments, including climbs, heat-exposed sections and peak fatigue zones where medical incidents are statistically more likely to occur.
Dr Darren Green, Mediclinic’s Chief Medical Director for the 2026 event, will oversee all medical operations — from routine dehydration cases to critical emergencies. “We are excited to bring our state-of-the-art medical offering to this iconic event,” says Dr Green. “Our teams of medics, doctors and nurses will be strategically positioned along both routes, supported by a fully equipped finish-line hospital facility and ER24’s pre-hospital response capability. Our goal is to allow every participant to focus on their race, knowing expert care is immediately available.”
Seen Here: Members of Mediclinic’s Team.
Confidence for Runners, Excellence for the Event
For General Manager Wade Bromfield, the partnership strengthens not only safety standards but also runner confidence.
“The role of Mediclinic and ER24 reflects our commitment to participant safety and event excellence. Their expertise ensures world-class medical support from start to finish, allowing runners to compete with confidence while we deliver an exceptional race experience.”
The announcement signals a broader evolution in endurance event management in South Africa — where medical strategy is no longer reactive but deeply integrated into event design and logistics.
As the countdown to April 2026 continues, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is positioning itself not only as a scenic global showpiece, but as a benchmark for large-scale endurance event safety on the African continent.
For entry and event-related queries, participants may contact: Patiswa@twooceansmarathon.org.za
