Van Zyl eager to return to the winners’ circle at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon

Image: Action Photo

Four-time Olympian Irvette van Zyl will return to the start line of the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon on Saturday, 11 April, determined to turn last year’s heartbreak into triumph at the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon.

After illness cruelly denied her a finish in 2025, Irvette van Zyl is determined to set the record straight in 2026. Van Zyl travelled to Cape Town last year with her husband and two children, only to contract a virus on the eve of the iconic 56km journey around the Cape Peninsula. Though she bravely took her place at the start, Van Zyl was ultimately forced to withdraw before the 42km mark - a disappointment that has since sharpened her focus and shaped her preparations for this year’s race.

“Last year my Two Oceans didn’t end up the way I wanted it to. This year I’ll be leaving the kids at home - just to make sure there are no last-minute bugs to derail my race plans,” jokes Van Zyl. “I had a talk with them and they understand. So this time I’m going into the race a bit more confident that I’ll be healthy and ready to race a bit better than last year.”

That meticulous planning for race weekend is underpinned by a tough training regime drawn up to ensure that the Hollywood Athletics Club top runner is in her best shape when she takes to that start line. Van Zyl has been hard at work, and the results are already beginning to show.

On 22 February the 38-year-old clocked 2:49:05 to win the very hilly Balwin Run Series Pretoria Marathon which formed part of her 50km long run. A week later the former SA 10 000m and Half Marathon champion claimed an encouraging ninth position at the windy Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K (on Sunday 01 March) where she crossed the finish line in 33:57.

“So far so good. This shows that my preparation towards Two Oceans is going well. At least this time I think I had my mishaps a little earlier in the year, so hopefully it’s just smooth running from now on,” she said hinting at one or two niggles she had earlier this season. “I’m just glad to be back. I’m feeling better. I’m excited about that.”

Excited about the prospect of returning to the podium at a race where she has earned three runner-up finishes from four starts, Van Zyl also applauded organisers for increasing the Totalsports Two Oceans total prize purse, which will see the first man and woman across the finish line pocket R380 000 - up from R250 000 in previous years.

“I’m glad they’ve increased it. Two Oceans is such a big part of South African running that with more prize money it’s just going to build the overall profile of the race resulting in more interest in it and have more ladies running it. It’s always good when they push up the prize money because Two Oceans is such a hard route and you want to be rewarded.”

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Irvette back to the start line of the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. She is one of South Africa’s most respected marathoners, and her professionalism and resilience embody everything this race stands for. We have no doubt that she’ll be a strong contender on race day, and we look forward to seeing her compete at her very best on 11 April,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, said Van Zyl’s return underscores the competitiveness of this year’s elite field as anticipation builds for race day: “Irvette’s return adds tremendous quality to an already competitive women’s field. She has a proven record at Two Oceans and understands exactly what it takes to perform on this challenging course. Athletes of her calibre elevate the event, and we’re proud to see the growth of the women’s race - especially with the increased prize purse further reinforcing our commitment to rewarding excellence.”

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.