Joseph Manyedi chasing first Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon Gold Medal

Image: Action Photo

Known for his five gold medals at the Comrades Marathon, Joseph Manyedi is excited to make an impact on the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD on Saturday 11 April 2026, with his sights firmly set on securing a maiden gold medal at the iconic race.

“I want to test something,” smiled Manyedi. “That’s why I want to run Two Oceans, which will also be part of my preparations for the Comrades Marathon.”

Acknowledging his modest Two Oceans Marathon record, where his personal best stands at 3:24:46, Manyedi - who has broken the 2:20 barrier in the standard marathon - has spent the first quarter of the 2026 season preparing to race the event competitively. In previous years, he has often used the race as a long training run ahead of the Comrades Marathon.

On 22 February, Manyedi finished fourth (2:34:50) at the notoriously hilly and very competitive Balwin Run Series Pretoria Marathon which signaled his intentions for 11 April.

“I just came here (referring to the Balwin Run Series Pretoria Marathon) to test my fitness because I haven’t done too many hills or long runs. Two Oceans is a tough race just like Balwin,” he explained.

The 43-year-old ultra marathon specialist will run The World’s Most Beautiful Ultra Marathon as part of a strong Maxed Elite Running Club team that grabbed four of the ten men’s gold medals on offer in the 56km race last year. The top runner from the North-West Province believes his Two Oceans time has come.

“My target is to get a top ten finish,” Manyedi proudly admits.

“Joseph Manyedi is a phenomenal ultramarathon athlete and one of South Africa’s most respected distance runners,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “With five gold medals at the Comrades Marathon to his name, his return to the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD adds tremendous depth to the elite field. We are excited to welcome him back to the start line and look forward to seeing him take on the challenge of chasing his first Two Oceans gold medal.”

General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD, Wade Bromfield, also expressed his enthusiasm about Manyedi lining up for the race: “Joseph is admired for his consistency and strength over the ultra distance, and his decision to return to the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon with the goal of earning a maiden gold medal speaks volumes about the prestige and competitiveness of the race. Having an athlete of his calibre on the start line will undoubtedly add to the excitement on race day and inspire runners and spectators alike.”

EVENT INFORMATION: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD

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