The defending champion of the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD, Bennett Seloyi is determined not to relinquish his title this year, while Stephen Mokoka – who boasts an impressive CV that includes five gold medals, four of them victories, and is one of the most decorated runners to ever compete in the event – will be looking to add to his golden collection when he lines up once again on Sunday, 12 April 2026.
“To be honest it’s going to be tough. Very, very tough,” said Seloyi. The Boxer Athletics Club top runner ran an incredible 2:13:22 at altitude to win the Diamonds and Dorings Kimberley Big Hole Marathon last November. “I know the lineup is very tough, but I’m going to defend my title. If I don’t win, I must at least finish in the top three. If you know, you know.”
Stephen Mokoka, South Africa’s second fastest half marathoner of all time (59:36), who also happens to be Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon Blue Number Club (BNC) ‘royalty’, has fond memories of the race he won on debut in 2009 in 1:03:42 after defeating the likes of Lusapho April and Tshamano Setone to lead a new generation of local distance runners onto the national stage.
Fast forward to 2026, and Mokoka has become one of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon’s most celebrated and respected BNC members – an honour reserved for those who have completed the race at least ten times, or, in Mokoka’s case, for having won the Half Marathon three times or more (an extraordinary four victories to be precise). Renowned for his consistency, competitive spirit, and dedication to the race, Mokoka has built an extraordinary legacy on the Two Oceans stage. He has firmly established himself as one of the event’s modern greats. His presence on the start line continues to inspire fellow runners and underscores the prestige and tradition of the Blue Number Club at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.
Mokoka says the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon remains close to his heart: “When I first did it, I saw how people go for their Easter Holidays and support their families on the road. The support we get from the crowd is amazing. I’ve won it four times and finished third once. The short cut to getting a Blue Number is to win it three times. So, I was very happy to realise that I have a Blue Number. It’s historic as well. It means a lot.”
Now 41 years old, the Hollywood Athletics Club legend returns to the half marathon for the first time since 2019 when he claimed third position. The former 50km World Record holder’s decision to take part in the 21km after running the 56km race in 2024 and 2025, is based on a need to test his fitness before racing the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on 24 May.
“It’s part of preparation but every time you go to a race you must give your A-Game. The Two Oceans Half Marathon is not pancake flat. In fact, the elevation gain of the entire 21km is more or less the same as that of the Cape Town Marathon. So for me it’s a test to see if my body is strong yet. If it’s not strong then I can come back to training and push a bit of work.”
“All I’m going to try and do is get a better position. I finished third last time I ran, so I’m hopeful that this time around I’ll finish in a better position.”
Lining up against the likes of defending champion Bennett Seloyi, 59:52 half marathoner Thabang Mosiako, the in-form George Kusche, and local hero Anthony Timotheus, Mokoka is correct in his assertion that he will need his full A-game to extend his streak to five podium finishes from as many starts. Seloyi in particular who clocked 1:04:42 on his Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon debut last year, will be difficult to break given his determination to defend his title.
Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC: “Defending champion Bennett Seloyi has shown that he is determined not to relinquish his title this year. At the same time, Stephen Mokoka’s record at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD speaks for itself. To achieve five gold medals, including four victories, is a remarkable feat and a testament to his class, consistency, and competitive spirit. With athletes of this calibre on the start line, we are set for an exciting and highly competitive race. We are honoured to welcome Mokoka back in 2026 and look forward to seeing him once again challenge for top honours on one of the world’s most iconic half marathon stages.”
Sharing in the excitement of Mokoka’s return, Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD General Manager Wade Bromfield added: “Stephen Mokoka is without doubt one of the most decorated athletes to grace the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD. His performances over the years have played a major role in elevating the quality of elite racing at the event. At the same time, defending champion Bennett Seloyi will arrive on the start line determined to defend his title, which adds another exciting dimension to the elite contest. Having athletes of this calibre in the field ensures a nail-biting race and is something that both runners and spectators can look forward to.”
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
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/
Facebook: Two Oceans Marathon
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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 powered by BYD.
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