Steyn earns seventh victory and Jantjies springs a surprise at Two Oceans

Gerda Steyn extended her absolute dominance of South African women’s ultra-distance running, earning a record seventh successive victory, and debutant Arthur Jantjies stunned the elite men’s field to secure his maiden win at the Totalsports Two Oceans ultra-marathon in Cape Town on Saturday.

Steyn was not really challenged in the women’s 56km contest, opening a big gap and storming over the line in 3:27:43, less than a minute outside her own race record of 3:26:54 set in 2024.

Veteran Kenyan athlete Pamela Jepchumba, who won the City 2 City ultra-marathon and the Soweto Marathon in Gauteng last year, finished second on her Two Oceans debut in 3:33:31 after running so hard she was stretchered to the medical tent when she completed the race.

Nobukhosi Tshuma of Zimbabwe rounded off the podium, grabbing third spot in 3:38:34 despite collapsing down the finishing straight and crawling to the line.

“It’s a team effort. I have so much support behind me and belief in me from an entire country, and today I ran with that in my heart, so I want to thank everyone for their support,” said Steyn, who was the only South African woman in the top 10.

Men’s race

Jantjies, competing over the 56km distance for the first time, chased down former winner Onalenna Khonkhobe and broke away in the closing stages to take an impressive victory in 3:09:25.

Khonkhobe faded on the hills in the chase for the line, but he held on for second place in 3:10:00, and Zimbabwean athlete Blessing Waison was third in 3:11:13.

“In my head I thought ‘let them do the work and run right behind them’ because I didn’t want to use too much energy before the finish and wanted to come through at the end,” Jantjies said.

“It worked out for me and it feels glorious… it was a great competition and I’m just happy.”

Two Oceans Marathon results

Men

1 Arthur Jantjies (RSA) 3:09:25

2 Onalenna Khonkhobe (RSA) 3:10:00

3 Blessing Waison (ZIM) 3:11:13

4 Dennis Kipkosgei (KEN) 3:11:29

5 Tumelo Moja (RSA) 3:12:07

6 Sphamandla Nkosi (RSA) 3:12:42

7 Siboniso Sikhakhane (RSA) 3:12:42

8 Kalideni Malixole (RSA) 3:12:49

9 Nadolo Mphatso (MAW) 3:13:16

10 Musawenkosi Mthalane (RSA) 3:13:32

Women

1 Gerda Steyn (RSA) 3:27:43

2 Margaret Jepchumba (KEN) 3:33:31

3 Nobukhosi Tshuma (ZIM) 3:38:34

4 Shelmith Muriuki (KEN) 3:39:14

5 Rholex Jelimo (KEN) 3:40:39

6 Mildred Chepkemei (KEN) 3:42:42

7 Bize Beyira Negasa (ETH) 3:43:00

8 Neheng Khatala (LES) 3:43:43

9 Courtney Olsen (USA) 3:44:40

10 Loveness Madziva (ZIM) 3:48:54