Seutloali welcomes Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon increase in Prize Purse

Joseph Seutloali, Image: Action Photo

Joseph Seutloali, the 2025 ultra marathon winner of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, is more excited than ever to return for the iconic race in 2026. After pocketing R250 000 for his 2025 victory, Seutloali now has his sights set on the R380 000 prize should he successfully defend his title on Saturday, 11 April 2026.

The organisers of the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon recently announced that the earnings on offer for elite athletes at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon and Half Marathon have been boosted to a combined purse of R2,6 million.

Welcoming the move to increase the winnings, Joseph Seutloali, who represented Lesotho at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, praised the organisers of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon for demonstrating forward-thinking leadership.

“I’m very pleased that Two Oceans has increased the prize money, which has remained at R250 000 for several years,” said Seutloali.

“This is positive not only for the top athletes competing for the prize money, but also for up-and-coming athletes who will now be motivated to perform at a higher level. It shows that the race is growing. As events grow, the competition becomes stronger - and that is what elite sport is about. This is an important step forward for Two Oceans in 2026.”

“Greater prize incentives naturally elevate the level of competition, motivating elite athletes to push boundaries and deliver exceptional performances. That is what makes events like the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon so special -  constant growth and an unwavering pursuit of excellence,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

Echoing this sentiment, Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, added: “We are pleased that Joseph Seutloali will return in 2026 and look forward to welcoming more elite contenders to the starting line of the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon to ensure he faces strong competition and an exciting challenge in defending his title. The increase in prize money reflects our commitment to growing the event and rewarding world-class performances. As the race evolves, so too does the calibre of competition, ensuring an even more exciting spectacle for runners and fans alike.”

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.