The weekend of 10–12 April 2026 will witness thousands of runners taking on the challenge and celebrating their triumphs at the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM). Among them will be Blue Number Club (BNC) members Louis Massyn, who will be aiming for his 48th Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon finish, as well as Lucille Damon and Sharon Bosch, both set to run their 33rd Ultra Marathon.
Running in the colours of Outeniqua Harriers in George and now 75 years old, Louis Massyn (BNC 35) holds the record for completing the most Ultras in the history of this iconic event. His extraordinary running career is a testament to a relentless journey, with each year adding another remarkable chapter to his legacy.
“TTOM has shaped my life,” said Massyn. “Every year the body asks tougher questions, but the heart always knows the answer. As long as I can keep moving forward, I’ll keep coming back.”
With 50 Comrades Marathon medals to his name, Massyn is chasing an equally historic achievement at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.
Matching his legacy stride for stride are two pioneers of women’s ultra-running. Sharon Bosch (BNC 1953) and Lucille Damon (BNC 1525) jointly hold the record for the most female Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon finishes, with 32 apiece, and both are aiming for their 33rd in 2026.
Their parallel journeys have created a powerful story, further cementing their place as two of the Blue Number Club’s most dedicated and enduring ambassadors.
“For me, TTOM is a moving meditation,” said Damon (66), who will be running in the colours of Totalsports VOB Running Club in 2026. “Some years you fly, some years you grind, but every finish line feels like a victory earned honestly.”
Bosch (63), who is the chairperson of Old Selbornian Road Runners in East London, echoed the sentiment, framing the race as a personal reckoning and a powerful mirror of character. “TTOM strips you down to who you really are,” said Bosch. “It’s never been about numbers, but standing on the start line still feels like a privilege.”
Together, Massyn, Bosch, and Damon embody the true spirit of ultra-distance running – not the pursuit of minutes, but the courage to return, year after year.
As the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon approaches, their records stand like permanent course markers, reminding the global running community that true greatness is measured not in speed, but in steadfast miles accumulated over a lifetime.
“Louis, Sharon, and Lucille represent the heart of TTOM – runners who inspire everyone around them. Their dedication reminds us that this race is about resilience, passion, and the joy of returning year after year,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.
Echoing this sentiment, Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon added, “Watching these incredible athletes line up, year after year, shows that greatness isn’t just about times or records. It’s about commitment, community and the spirit of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon itself.”
EVENT INFORMATION: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon
1. Friday 10 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run
2. Saturday 11 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon
3. Sunday 12 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon
EXCITING NEWS: With a strong focus on enhancing the runner experience in 2026, the following innovative updates have been announced – with more still to come:
• All Ultra Marathon, Half Marathon and Trail Run entrants will receive an exclusive, event-specific T-shirt
• included in their entry fee.
• Every entrant will receive a limited-edition pair of TTOM-branded Versus Quarter Running Socks.
• In 2026 the TOM will offer Blue Number Club (BNC) members an exceptional range of new rewards and benefits designed to elevate their race weekend even further.
• With Cipla as the official Recovery Partner in 2026, the focus is on significantly elevating the runner experience at every critical touchpoint of the event, allowing TTOM to provide tangible and professional recovery support where it matters most. From the Cipla Prep Zone at the Expo, to the Cipla On Route Recovery Zone for the Ultra Marathon (Hout Bay), and dedicated Cipla Recovery Zones at the finish for Trail Run, Ultra Marathon and Half Marathon participants, the focus is firmly on supporting runners when they need it most.
Facebook: Two Oceans Marathon
Instagram: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon
Websites: www.twooceansmarathon.org.za
For entry and/or event related queries please email Patiswa@twooceansmarathon.org.za
CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.
Author: Jacky McClean from NEWSPORT MEDIA on behalf of Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series.
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