Dominic Wills (Newlands) will be aiming for lucky number 13 when he lines up for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run Long Route (24km) on Friday, 10 April 2026. Meanwhile, Shirley Whitmore (Bergvliet) has her sights set on an important milestone as she takes on the Trail Run Short Route (16km), hoping to complete her 10th event and secure her permanent number status.
Trail runners who finish their 10th event are awarded a prestigious Khaki Permanent Number – an honour equivalent to the coveted Blue Numbers presented to runners in the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon and Two Oceans Half Marathon upon completion of their 10th race.
Holder of trail permanent number 3, Dominic Wills has run every trail race since its inception in 2010. In his last two races, he placed 2nd in his category and finished 10th and 6th overall in the men’s race.
“I love that the trail run is part of the weekend. 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. My sister Caroline is running her 20th Two Oceans this year,” Wills said when explaining why he enters the Trail Run each year.
Wills has also run six Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathons and three Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathons. On one occasion, he even completed both the Trail Run and the Ultra Marathon in the same year.
“Thankfully, the Trail Run has changed very little over the years. It’s always been an ‘experience the best of Devil’s Peak’ event, and those trails are highly underrated and not used for any other trail runs during the year.”
When asked about one of his most memorable moments, Wills laughed: “The first year was interesting because the route wasn’t formally published and most people thought we’d be running jeep tracks in Newlands Forest. Trevor Ball had other ideas and sent the field up Mowbray Ridge and the knife edge. For those who thought trail running was running around golf courses in Houghton, this was a shock. I saw grown men crying while eating jelly babies on a rock.”
“It means a lot to me to be lining up again in 2026 and it’s a huge honour to have my permanent number in the Trail Run. I’ve got a long way to go – some people have run more than 40 ultra marathons. I’m a big fan of Versus Socks and am very excited to hear that they’re a partner this year and that we’ll all be receiving a limited-edition pair of TTOM-branded Versus running socks as part of our entry. My Versus socks are awesome.”
“I always have the race button pressed, but I must admit that I’m looking forward to having a beer at the finish line. My message to first-time entrants would be that every great trail run requires a bit of walking and taking in the views – and the Two Oceans Trail Run is no different.”
Shirley Whitmore also boasts a competitive spirit, having podiumed in her last five Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Runs (Short Route).
“I have played sport my entire life, starting with skating, then tennis (I represented the junior South African squads back in the day). I’ve also cycled 11 Argus Cycle Tours and played squash for KwaZulu-Natal, Western Province and South Africa in my later years. I enjoy the trail runs so much and am keen to participate in all the events as it helps to keep my fitness up for squash,” says Whitmore.
“I am so excited to be lining up in 2026 and looking forward to crossing the finish line for my tenth medal.”
For Whitmore, obtaining her permanent number is extra special because it means that she’ll be able to join her sister, Wendy, who is already a Blue Number Club member, having completed the 56km Ultra 11 times.
“I run to keep fit and healthy – it is my lifetime goal,” she admits. “If the body permits, I am very competitive – always have been and always will be. I’m just hoping that my recent arthroscopy will not let me down on race day, as I know that I will need to take it easy since I have a squash tournament in Knysna two weeks after the Two Oceans Trail Run.”
“It’s very exciting to have the Trail Run as part of the Totalsports Two Oceans weekend. I am looking forward to a visit from my sister, who is coming from Durban, with both of us enjoying the weekend together.”
“Dominic Wills and Shirley Whitmore perfectly embody the spirit of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “Dominic’s pursuit of his 13th finish and Shirley’s milestone of her 10th event finish highlight the dedication, consistency, and passion that make this weekend so special for our trail running community.”
Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD, echoed Chris’ sentiments, emphasising the excitement and tradition of the Trail Run: “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. Their achievements remind us why the Trail Run is such a unique and cherished part of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend.”
EVENT INFORMATION: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD
1. Thursday 09 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon International Friendship Run
2. Friday 10 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run
Start Time: 07:00
3. Saturday 11 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon
Start Time: 05:15
4. Sunday 12 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon
Start Time: 06:15
EXCITING NEWS: With a strong focus on enhancing the runner experience in 2026, the following innovative updates have been announced.
• 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 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 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 the
event 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 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.
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