Runners Prove That Age Is Just a Number at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon

In 2026 the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon’s (TTOM) Blue Number Club (BNC) will continue to inspire, with just over 3100 members set to take on the Ultra or Half Marathon.

Even more noteworthy, this number includes 16 Half Marathon BNCs in their 80s, 49 Ultra BNCs in their 70s, and 147 Half Marathon BNCs in their 70s. A further 743 BNC runners aged 60–69 will also be seen in action.

“The BNC continues to show that the spirit of running knows no age,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “With members in their 60s, 70s and even 80s taking on the Ultra and Half Marathon, it’s incredible to see such dedication, perseverance, and passion inspiring runners of all generations.”

Echoing Chris’ admiration for the dedication of the BNC runners, Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, said: “This year, more than a third of our BNC runners are aged 60 and above, including remarkable athletes in their 70s and 80s. Their commitment is a true testament to the power of endurance, resilience, and the joy of running, proving that age is never a barrier to chasing your goals.”

Inspirational BNC runners to watch include (but are not limited to): Kaare and Marlene James (both 82), Sibongile Cele (81) and Willemien Smuts (85) in the Half Marathon and Makgoale Magwentshu (71), Nancy Will (73) and Larence Ashworth (79) in the Ultra Marathon.

Kaare James boasts a remarkable TTOM record of 41 medals and has lined up in an unbroken sequence of TTOM events since 1980, except for the two years when the event was cancelled due to COVID. He earned his Light Blue Number (Half Marathon Number) in 2025 and will be running in number 2338 in 2026.

“It’s a privilege to be one of the oldest BNCs in 2026,” admits James. “I have so many standout memories and it’s great to know that the BNC is being looked after. I don’t have any secret to staying strong – I just make sure to get an early night and don’t eat too much before a race, that sort of thing. Plus, my wife looks after me really well. On race day, my goal is simply to reach the finish in one piece and enjoy every moment. No rushing, no stress – just soaking it all in.”

Makgoale Magwentshu earned her 19th medal in the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in 2024, but missed the 2025 race, as a result she’ll be going into the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon with her sites set firmly on her 20th medal, and Double Blue Number status.

“I can’t wait to be a Double Blue Number member after this race,” says a very excited Magwentshu. “It means the world to me to be part of the Blue Number Club, and I wear my number with pride. The special treatment we receive is the real bonus, it shows that we are appreciated and valued, and it also motivates more runners to become Blue Number members.”

Read more about these inspirational runners in the Blue Number Club DigiMag #2:
• The Ships Log: https://joom.ag/bnEd/p16
• The BNC Elders: https://joom.ag/bnEd/p20

EVENT INFORMATION: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2026

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

HOW TO JOIN THE TTOM BLUE NUMBER CLUB:
Achieving coveted Blue Number Club (BNC) status at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon (TTOM) is a remarkable feat. A Blue Number is awarded to any runner who has completed 10 Ultra or Half Marathons, or Trail Runs; or who has earned a gold medal in the Ultra Marathon five times; or who has won the Half Marathon, Ultra Marathon, or any distance in the Trail Run three times. There is no joining fee and no annual membership fee. Runners with nine medals receive yellow race numbers to signify that they are chasing their 10th finish and, ultimately, entry into the BNC. Members who are awarded a permanent race number enjoy priority pre-entry, preferential seeding and post-race hospitality, among other benefits in accordance with their status as titans of the race.

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.