History was written at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD on April 11.
Former Risidale resident Gerda Steyn claimed a record-breaking seventh victory, while little-known Arthur Jantjies shocked the pundits with the biggest triumph of his emerging ultra marathon career.

“It’s a phenomenal step – a big step. It’s history,” said 25-year-old Jantjies from Hopetown, a small town 120km outside Kimberley, after stopping the clock in 03:09:25. “I’m just a small-town boy winning Two Oceans. That’s something really special.”

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After shaking off the attentions of Hollywood AC’s Tsepo Ramashamole, just after the marathon mark, Zimbabwe’s Blessing Waison was the first man to crest Constantia Nek. His bravery forced the leading bunch, including Onalenna Khonkhobe, defending champion Joseph Seutloali, and Jantjies, to give chase. Waison was caught at 49km as the trio hurtled towards the finish, with Khonkhobe making what he thought was the decisive move at the 51km mark. Seutloali would yield, but Jantjies showed tremendous strength to stay in touch with the 2024 champion. He then surged away from him just before Chet’s Hill to claim a famous 35 second victory over his friend and rival Khonkhobe. “I know [Khonkhobe] is faster than me, but in training we always pick up in the last 8km. I stayed close to him, and he gave up too quickly. Then I told myself I’m going to strike now.”

Running in only his second ultra marathon, after claiming sixth position at the 2025 City to City Marathon in 02:54:26, Jantjies gave credit to his coach, John Hamlett, for putting him through a tough high altitude training camp just after he joined the Pan African Resources Club at the beginning of the year.

Jantjies’ name will be emblazoned alongside that of Steyn. Ten years after she ran her first 56km race in The Mother City, the Hollywood AC star produced a polished tactical performance.

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The 36-year-old pulled away from reigning Africanbank Soweto Marathon champion Margaret Jepchumba moments after going through the marathon mark in 02:34:34. The fastest women in the history of the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon never looked back, crossing the finish line in 03:27:43 – the second fastest time of her Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD career.

Steyn said that although she didn’t break the record, she was still happy with her race time. “It’s a completely successful day for me,” she told media during the post-race press conference. “When I won my first Two Oceans, I never envisaged winning seven. I take it year for year. If I’m here next year and ready and fit, then I’ll push for sure, but I also need to accept the fact that I’m getting older. For now, I’m feeling strong and I feel that I still have a few more years left in my career. So, if seven becomes eight and eight becomes ten, then I’ll take it.”

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