Renowned Zimbabwean long-distance athlete Fortunate Chidzivo is eager to add to her impressive track record when she makes her fourth appearance at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD on Sunday, 12 April 2026.
As Zimbabwe’s current half marathon record holder (1:10:50), Chidzivo will line up confident that her preparations have positioned her well to challenge her rivals and contend for another gold medal.
“So far, I don’t have any complaints. The preparations for the race have been going well. I always find the route tough, especially in the first half,” said Chidzivo, hinting at the infamous 2km climb up Southern Cross Drive where the outcome of the 21km race is often decided. “I’m lucky enough that my coach (Edwin Chimombo) has run the course so it makes it easy for me to prepare for the race.”
Chidzivo who celebrated her 39th birthday on March 16, will start as one of the most experienced and successful Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon elite female campaigners. Having competed three times, Chidzivo boasts two gold medals including a remarkable 1:14:48 victory in the 2022 edition, where she demonstrated tremendous bravery to lead the field from start to finish despite feeling ill the day before. That day four years ago remains one of her most cherished memories.
“That win came unexpectedly,” she reveals. “It was one of my biggest wins of my career. I was over the moon. The joy I experienced felt like I flew up to the sky and back to earth again. It was also a special moment to win and see my husband waiting at the finish line to welcome me,” shares Chidzivo who recently joined the Nedbank Running Club.
It’s a memory that still carries Chidzivo as she prepares to toe the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon start line for the first time since that memorable victory in 2022. Yet even after a strong start to the year, with three wins from three starts, including the 10km event at the HAC Nyaradzo Memorial Run, the Old Mutual Harare Marathon 21km, and the CBZ Marathon 21km, Chidzivo insists that recent results will count for little if she does not approach the 55th edition of the iconic South African race with a positive mindset.
“A positive mindset is crucial as winning starts with positivity. Plus having won the race before will be a driving force for me. But I’m going to the race without any expectations. I just want to enjoy being back on the start line. The stronger the competition the better the times we will run. I’ll see how my body responds on the day. Let’s see if I can rewrite history,” she concluded.
“We are excited to welcome Fortunate Chidzivo back to the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “She is an exceptional athlete whose achievements have earned her great respect in the global road running community. Having previously claimed victory here, her return adds tremendous excitement to the elite women’s field, and we look forward to seeing her compete on our iconic course once again.”
Sharing in the excitement, Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, adds: “Fortunate Chidzivo’s return to the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD is fantastic news for the event and for road running fans. She is a proven competitor with an impressive record, and athletes of her calibre always elevate the level of competition. We’re excited to see her line up in April and are confident she will once again be a strong contender.”
EVENT INFORMATION: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD
| Thursday 09 April 2026 | Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon International Friendship Run |
| Friday 10 April 2026 | Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run Start Time: 07:00 |
| Saturday 11 April 2026 | Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon Start Time: 05:15 |
| Sunday 12 April 2026 | Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon Start Time: 06:15 |
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. Read more about the Prize Purse here: https://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/2026-totalsports-two-oceans-marathon-offers-lucrative-r2-6-million-prize-purse/
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Websites: www.twooceansmarathon.org.za
For entry and/or event related queries please email Patiswa@twooceansmarathon.org.za
About the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD:
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD 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 powered by BYD 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.
