Renowned for her versatility across a wide range of distances, Neheng Khatala has started the 2026 season in impressive form and is determined to secure a top-two finish at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon on Saturday, 11 April 2026.
As she ramps up her preparations for the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon, Khatala, Lesotho’s fastest female 10km runner of all time, used the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on 1 March as a key fitness test. The Olympian was pleased with her progress, crossing the finish line in fourth place in a time of 32:43.
“I really ran well to be honest and I’m grateful about the work I did that day especially because the last 3km were quite windy. I’m particularly happy with my performance because I didn’t taper. The week of the race I did a 45km long run so I went into the race with heavy legs,” said the North-West University student.
That ability to race strongly over middle-distance events such as the 5000m on the track, while consistently finishing on the podium in marathon and ultra-marathon races, has been a hallmark of Neheng Khatala’s success over the past twelve months. The Hollywood Athletics Club ace, who bested ultra-marathon queen Gerda Steyn to win the very hilly Pirates 21K Powered by Medshield on 15 February, directs the plaudits to her coach, Andrew Booyens, saying he has put together a training regime that brings out the best in her.
“I think my training is balanced and structured in such a way that it allows me to run hilly routes as well as fast and flat courses all at the same time. It’s all about the effort I put in. Whether it’s a tough course or a flat course I always put in effort to ensure that I remain consistent even if I don’t always win.”
This process-led approach coupled with the third-place finish (3:40:38) she attained in 2025, makes Khatala one of the pre-race podium favourites when she lines up in ‘The Mother City’ to take on her second Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.
“My aim is to improve. Last year I finished in third position, so this year I must target a win or second position. The point is to improve last year’s performance and if I can achieve that, it would be a huge blessing.”
Speaking on Khatala’s entry and impressive form, Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC, said: “Neheng Khatala is a remarkable athlete whose versatility and dedication make her a standout entrant for the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. Her performances over the last twelve months, from track races to ultra marathons, demonstrate not only her talent but also the discipline and focus required to excel at this level. With her eyes on a top-two finish in 2026, she is set to deliver an exciting race for all to watch.”
Adding to this, Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, commented: “Khatala’s approach to training and racing is what makes her a true contender at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. Her structured preparation, combined with a third-place finish last year, positions her as one of the pre-race favourites. We’re looking forward to seeing her strategy and resilience on display as she takes on the challenging course in The Mother City.”
EVENT INFORMATION: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2026
1. Thursday 09 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon International Friendship Run
2. Friday 10 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run
3. Saturday 11 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon
4. Sunday 12 April 2026 / Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon
2026 PRIZE PURSE: The iconic Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon boasts an impressive, combined prize purse of R2.6 million in 2026. Both the Ultra Marathon and the Half Marathon will enjoy a boost in prize money, with the Ultra Marathon offering R2 177 400 and the Half Marathon a substantial R422 600. Read more about the Prize Purse here: https://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/2026-totalsports-two-oceans-marathon-offers-lucrative-r2-6-million-prize-purse/
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Websites: www.twooceansmarathon.org.za
For entry and/or event related queries please email Patiswa@twooceansmarathon.org.za
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Author: Jacky McClean from NEWSPORT MEDIA on behalf of Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.
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