Taking place on Friday, 10 April 2026, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run offers trail running enthusiasts a rare chance to experience the beauty and challenge of Table Mountain’s iconic trails.
Celebrating its 13th edition, the 2026 event features two action-packed distances- +-16 km and +-24 km – weaving through some of Table Mountain’s most breathtaking terrain.
“Both distances invite runners to experience the magic of Table Mountain in a truly special way during the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon weekend,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “With only 500 runners per distance, participants can look forward to an exclusive, immersive trail adventure, surrounded by some of the most iconic scenery in the world. Entries are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so runners are encouraged to secure their spot early.”
With each route offering a distinct trail running experience on Table Mountain, runners are encouraged to carefully consider which distance best suits their ability and expectations.
“Both the 16km and 24km routes of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run offer runners true trail running at its finest, complete with spectacular views across Table Mountain,” says Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. “The 16km route is ideally suited to newcomers to trail running, providing an authentic yet accessible introduction to the sport. The 24km route, however, is designed for more experienced trail runners and requires a solid level of fitness and regular time spent training on technical trails. Selecting the correct route based on your fitness and trail experience is the key to getting the most out of these iconic trails.”
Advice from the Course Designer: Trevor Ball/Energy Events
- Keep your expectations realistic – mountain running times are much slower than road running.
- Don’t go out too hard on the first hill.
- Walking is OK.
- Good hydration is often the key to enjoying a trail run.
- If possible, train in the forest to get used to the ground underfoot.
- Always look good – there are cameras everywhere!
- Plan your nutrition carefully and stick to it. You’ll be on the trail for a few hours and need energy to keep going.
- At the hydration stations, don’t just charge past – fill up with water and enjoy the fruit.
- Be lekker! If you’re passing someone, be polite – karma moves fast in the mountains!
- Compulsory gear is not optional. Herewith a link to what you need: https://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/trail-runs/#compulsory-safety-kit
EVENT INFORMATION: TotalsportsTwo Oceans Marathon Trail Run
Date: Friday 10 April 2026
Venue: University of Cape Town
Distance & Entry Fee:
- 16km / R750.00
- 24km / R950.00
Route Information: +-16 km Route / +-960m – 1000m ascent
Ideal for newcomers to trail running, the 16 km route is mildly challenging, featuring two steep climbs (on foot, no rock climbing) and some speedy downhills where caution is advised. There’s plenty of time to complete the distance, so runners are encouraged to start slow and maintain an easy pace. Iconic sections include Newlands Forest, a dream trail running venue with cool, scenic, green, leafy surroundings. The Devil’s Peak section offers wide, sweeping views of the City and Ocean, including Robben Island and the Harbour. The trail features a mix of surfaces, including mostly gravel single track, two short sections of tar, jeep track, and grassy fields – treating runners to a bit of everything.
Route Information: +-24 km Route / +-1790m – 1800m ascent
The 24 km route is designed for experienced trail runners, with several tough uphill climbs, including the technical and exposed Mowbray Ridge above the Blockhouse. Downhills require caution, as some sections are loose or rocky. This classic 24km trail run offers incredible variety and unforgettable views. Highlights include the magical Newlands Forest and sweeping vistas from Devil’s Peak, making every moment picture-worthy. The route consists mostly of gravel single track and jeep track, with one short section of tar. Sections of Woodcutters Trail and the Contour Path are very rocky, and steep downhills can be loose underfoot, so runners should take care. Above the forest, the scenery is magical, and while the Mowbray Ridge climb may feel intimidating, the reward is priceless.
Please Note: The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run entry fee includes an exclusive, event-specific T-shirt and a limited-edition pair of TTOM-branded Versus Quarter Running Socks. The fee also includes SANParks access, which is vital in supporting conservation efforts, trail maintenance and the responsible management of this protected environment. Runners are encouraged to visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za for full details on routes and compulsory kit requirements.
Facebook: Two Oceans Marathon
Instagram: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon
Websites: www.twooceansmarathon.org.za
For entry and/or event related queries please email Patiswa@twooceansmarathon.org.za
About the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon:
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is one of South Africa’s most iconic running events, widely celebrated as “the world’s most beautiful marathon.” It features two flagship events – the renowned 56km Ultra Marathon and the hugely popular 21.1km Half Marathon – both offering runners unforgettable coastal and mountain scenery around the Cape Peninsula.
About the Two Oceans Marathon NPC:
The Two Oceans Marathon NPC is the owner and custodian of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, responsible for the event’s heritage, brand identity, public-benefit mandate, overseeing the delivery of world-class experiences for its entrants, and long-term strategic direction. The TOM NPC ensures the event will continue to positively impact local communities and promote Cape Town and South Africa, on the global stage.
About Stillwater Sports:
Stillwater Sports is the appointed Staging and Commercial Partner of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon under a long-term licensing and staging agreement, concluded with the TOM NPC. In terms of the agreement, Stillwater Sports is responsible for delivering world-class event operations, enhancing the runner experience, driving commercial growth, all while expanding the event’s reach and runner value. Stillwater Sports is a leading Sports Marketing and Event Management Agency, based in South Africa, and active across Southern Africa.
About Energy Events:
Trevor Ball and Energy Events have been designing and delivering trail running experiences on Table Mountain for more than 25 years. Their portfolio includes iconic, bucket-list races such as the Cederberg Traverse and the Bastille Day Trail Run. For Trevor, it’s always about the adventure. “Every runner experiences the trails and the mountain in their own unique way, and our aim is to ensure that each journey is truly unforgettable.”
