RUNNERS
SUPPORTERS
Runners
Supporters

FAQs

FAQs

TOM
NPC AGM
Click to Read

ENTRY-RELATED QUESTIONS

  • Date: 56km Saturday 11th April 2026 | 21km Sunday, 12th April 2026
  • Distance: 56km / 21km
  • Start Time: (Exact time TBC)
  • Start Venue: Main Road, Newlands
  • Finish Venue: University of Cape Town

Entries are not first-come-first-served – you must enter a ballot (a random draw).

  • The ballot system is a draw. It is like a lottery. When you apply to ‘enter’, you are applying to go into the draw. You therefore apply to have your name picked or drawn. This is what it means to ‘submit a ballot application’.
  • The ballot/draw is only applicable to local runners and those runners living in South Africa.
  • It is where you apply to stand a chance of being selected to participate in either the Ultra Marathon or Half Marathon. It is a random selection. This means it makes no difference to your chances whether you go into the ballot on the first day or the last day.
  • A South African (local) or runner living in South Africa cannot enter as a Rest-of-Africa or an International participant.
  • International and Rest-of-Africa runners cannot enter as local runners.

Not sure how to enter the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon?

Here’s how:

  1. Update your profile. If you don’t have one, create a profile using this easy step-by-step guide.
  2. After selecting ‘This is me’, fill in your ID number and one-time PIN (OTP). If you do not remember your PIN code, select ‘Forgot PIN’.
  3. Select whether we should send your OTP to either your cell number or email address.
  4. Click ‘Send PIN’ to receive your OTP, and then type in your OTP when prompted. Click ‘OK’.
  5. Follow the prompts and change your password. Follow the prompts and click ‘OK’.
  6. You’ll now be at your Runner’s Dashboard. To enter, click Applications/Entries on the left-hand side in the Dashboard column.
  7.  Click ‘New Application’ and select the event you want to enter.
  8. Fill in all the required information. If you do not yet have your updated ASA Club licence, select the following tick box, agreeing to submit your licence number by the Profile Update deadline. Don’t include any letters, only the number.
  9. If you are successful in the draw, your status will be updated to: ‘Your application is in the draw’. You’ll also be directly notified.
  • 1. The first step is to create a profile if you have not yet done so. Go to https://admin.twooceansmarathon.org.za/Identify.aspx
  • 2. Fill in your surname and date of birth in the fields provided. Click ‘Search’.
  • 3. If you do not have a profile, you will be asked to create one and to fill in all your details accurately. If you do not provide your latest email address and cellphone number, we will not be able to notify you to let you know whether you have successfully entered, or to send you any other notifications or updates.
  • 4. To update your details, go to Step 2 (above). The system will ‘find’ you and ask you to identify yourself. You can then update your details by clicking ‘This is me’. Then follow the prompts.
  • 5. To enter (once entries have opened on the date provided), come back to the Race Admin System or simply go to our homepage at www.twooceansmarathon.org.za and click ENTER NOW. Note: You will only see the ENTER NOW button once entries have actually opened. If the button is not there, entries have not yet opened.
  • The demand for entries for both the Ultra Marathon and Half Marathon by far exceeds the number of entries available. In line with international best practice, we have changed to a ‘draw’ system which is the ‘fairest’.
  • The advantage to you as a runner is that you won’t lose out just because you couldn’t get in on a first come, first served basis. You have several days to get into the draw.
  • You also have a much longer time in which to pay with the ballot system.
  • No, you have an equal chance of being drawn whether you submit your name on the first day, last day, or any day in between. Just make sure your name is in by the last day on which you can go into the draw.
  • You will receive an email / message from TOM stating that you were successful in the draw, and the payment option will be open.
  • You will receive an email / message from TOM confirming that you were unsuccessful in the draw, and the payment option will not be available to you. You will not be able to pay.
  • You will be able to pay online via debit card, credit card and instant EFT; or at any of these stores: Boxer, Builders, Cambridge Food, Game, Makro, Pep and Pick n Pay will receive an 11-digit payment reference number. Use this reference to pay at the till in-store.
  • Online Payments – If you choose to pay online and not in-store, you can pay via Mastercard or Visa. You must pay by the due date.
  • Your entry will be forfeited due to non-payment.
  • We usually have many international entrants taking part in our events. These international participants from as many as 99 countries bring even more attention to TTOM as a world-class, global sporting spectacular.

    They play an important role in promoting the City of Cape Town as a top international sporting, event and tourism destination. This plays a big role in creating the huge economic benefit TOM brings to the Western Cape economy. TOM is estimated to contribute R1,5 billion to the economy of the Western Cape annually.

    All our runners are important to us. But the other reason we can exclude international entrants from the ballot system is that their numbers are small enough. As this number grows in future, we will change how international runners have to enter should this be necessary, in order to make sure that our entry process is as fair as possible for everyone.
  • Blue Number Club members have completed 10 or more Ultra Marathons or Half Marathons, and Yellow Number holders have completed nine Ultra or Half Marathons. Giving them the first chance to enter on a first come, first served basis is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for their loyalty to TOM.
  • If you’re a Blue or Yellow number holder, you receive priority entry status. Blue and Yellow club number entries open prior to entries for the general public. We will email you your entry link and along with all the other information you may need.

    Please ensure that your TOM runner profile is up to date.

    Entries are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Your invitation to enter on this date is exclusive and non-transferable. You must make payment by midnight on the date stipulated, or by the time capacity is reached.

    If you did not manage to secure one of the priority BNC entries available, you’ll automatically be added to:

    - Ultra Marathon ballot draw 1, in which TOM Ultra Marathon runners with 7 or more medals will stand a higher chance of being selected for an entry, or
    - Half Marathon draw 1 for ASA club members.
  • If you are residing (living) in South Africa, you may enter as a local runner.
  • The criteria for being an African runner is based on your country of residence (i.e. where you live and/or work now), not on your nationality. So, if you live and/or work in an African country other than South Africa, you must enter as an African runner.

    If you have not yet created your TOM profile, do so here.

    If you already have a TOM profile, ensure that all your information is up to date.

    When entries open, you will be able to enter at www.twooceansmarathon.org.za

    Watch our official social media platforms for entry opening dates. You’ll secure your entry on a first come, first served basis. You must pay before capacity is reached, in other words, before all the African entries are sold out.
  • The criteria for being an African runner is based on your country of residence (i.e. where you are living and/or working now), not on your nationality. So, if you’re a South African living in another African country, you must enter as an African runner.
  • The criteria for being an international runner is based on your country of residence (i.e. where you are living and working now), not on your nationality. So, if you’re a South African living abroad, you must enter as an international runner.
  • No. There is no provision for group entries. We believe that individual applications make for a fair and transparent process.
  • Entries will be forfeited if;
    a. You did not update your qualifying race before closing date
    b. You did not update your ASA licence number before closing date
    c. You did not make payment before the payment deadline
    d. You did not make payment for your substitution entry before the closing date.
  • - When your qualifying race and time are submitted
    - Your Club details and current year of race ASA license number are uploaded
    - You have successfully paid for your entry
    - You have uploaded your medical waiver/clearance (if a High/Moderate High-Risk candidate)
  • You must log in to your TOM profile, and click on the Medical Questionnaire tab on the left-hand side on the Runner’s Dashboard (underneath ‘Application/Entries’). Then answer the compulsory questions.
  • After your medical questionnaire is complete, your medical status will be determined. You will either be ‘Low risk’, ‘Moderate High risk’, or ‘High risk’.

    - Low Risk – No medical issues that hinder your participation in the race
    - Moderate High Risk – You have a slight medical risk, Medical Waiver form is required
    - High Risk – Your medical status poses a high risk and might prevent you from participating in the race. Medical Clearance form is required, approval from doctors is required
  • No, your medical clearance must be submitted before Race Pack Collection.
  • In the Half Marathon, if you are not in possession of an ASA Licence (through a running club) you are required to purchase an ASA Temporary Licence through the TOM entry process.

    Please note that the Temporary Licence is not physically issued as you will receive two race bibs.

    The ASA Temporary Licence does not include any insurance. We strongly encourage all runners to join a running club and be fully licenced.

    For the Ultra Marathon, South African runners and runners who are not from South Africa but are living or working in SA must join an official Running Club and be in possession of a permanent ASA licence. Only Rest-of-Africa and International Runners not living or working in South Africa are exempted.

    If you enter the Half with a Temporary Licence and subsequently join a Running Club and receive an ASA Licence Number, the cost of the Temporary Licence will not be refunded. Please updated your TOM profile with your club and licence details.
  • Log in to your TOM profile at https://admin.twooceansmarathon.org.za/Identify.aspx

    1. Type the first two letters of your surname 2. Enter your date of birth 3.Click “Search” 4. Confirm Your Identity If the system finds your profile, click “This is me”. 5. Update Your Details You’ll be prompted to update your: - Email address
    - Cellphone number
    -Club affiliation
    -Any other personal info
    6. Ensure all your qualifying race details and personal info are accurate before the closing date
  • Charities can apply to purchase a limited number of race entries, which they on-sell at a profit. The price of such entries and the conditions of purchase are not prescribed by TOM.
  • In principle, once an entry is paid for and complete, it will not be refunded. However, the entry can be offered for substitution through the TOM entry system and the full entry fee will be reimbursed.

SUBSTITUTIONS

If you are unable to participate in the event and you have successfully entered and paid for your entry, you can substitute out.

You must log in to your TOM profile, and click on Application/Entries.

Click on the ‘Substitute’ next to ‘Confirmation (email)’ in your Entry Status. You will be prompted to either ‘Confirm’ or ‘Cancel’ your substitution request.

Once you have confirmed, you will receive an email immediately with a Substitution Voucher number to give to another runner.

You must find another runner who matches the type of entry you had, i.e. South African runner substitute to a South African runner, Rest-of-Africa runner substitute to Rest-of-Africa runner, and international runner substitute to an international runner.

Once the new runner has redeemed the substitution voucher and paid for their entry, your substitution will be successful.

Once you have successfully substituted out where the new runner used and paid for their entry with the substitution voucher.

You must email your Proof of Banking Details (Confirmation Letter of your banking details) to substitutions@twooceansmarathon.org.za to receive your refund.

  • Yes, once you have substituted out, you will be permitted to substitute in to another event provided a substitution entry is available.
  • Watch our social media platforms for these dates.
  • It is a voucher generated from a runner who has successfully substituted their entry due to the inability to participate in the event.
  • No. Vouchers cannot be extended.

You will be refunded, but this refund will only happen once the runner who has taken over your entry has paid for it via the TOM entry system.

You must email your Proof of Banking Details (Confirmation Letter of your banking details) to substitutions@twooceansmarathon.org.za to receive your refund.

  • You’ll receive an email with all your Race details prior to the Race.

RACE PACK COLLECTION AND EXPO

  • No exchanges will be allowed.
  • Yes, merchandise will be sold at Expo.
  • No merchandise order collections will be facilitated at EXPO.
  • No merchandise will be sold at the Finish.
  • The confirmation barcode/SMS the original runner received with their race number must be forwarded to the person collecting on their behalf. Or print a letter of consent together with a copy of the original runner’s ID and the person collecting must present his/her ID.

QUALIFYING AND SEEDING

  • Yes, but only if the race has timing mats at the 10km or 21km points.
    A successful entrant must provide a seeding time from a completed 10km, 15km, or 21km race.
  • No. Park Runs will not be accepted as these are not official timed races and do not meet the measured route required of either 10km, 15km, or 21km.
  • No, you do not require a qualifier but to be placed in a better seeding batch you must submit a 10km, 15km or 21km time. If no seeding time is provided, you will be automatically placed in the last batch.

No problem. Please email Race Office at info@twooceansmarathon.org.za.

In the email, kindly provide the name of your qualifier so it can be added on our side. If you’re an international, you can type in the name of the race yourself. Should you still need assistance you are, of course, free to email us.

What counts as a qualifying race? We accept any local race generating an officially measured time from gun to mat, or mat to mat, and that has submitted proof of official course measurement to our Race Manager. Contact info@twooceansmarathon.org.za for more info. If your international race is not listed, also please contact info@twooceansmarathon.org.za.

  • No updates and downgrades will be facilitated under any circumstances. It is only possible to change events through the official substitution process.
  • No. It is not permitted to change your batch seeding.
  • You will be disqualified if you jump a batch or start at an earlier seeding batch.
  • Yes, we allow runners to drop down batches to start in a later batch.

ULTRA AND HALF MARATHON

  • The Route Maps will be uploaded on the website closer to the time.
  • The Ultra and Half Marathons both start on Main Road, Newlands.

    The Ultra and Half Marathons both finish at the University of Cape Town.

    The Start and Finish of the Trail Runs will be announced.
  • Mat to mat timing is used.
  • The water station locations will be uploaded to Refreshment stations on the website.
  • The medical and physiotherapy station locations will be uploaded to Medical on the website.
  • In the event of an incident that prevents the use of Chapman’s Peak Drive, the Ultra Marathon will be diverted over Ou Kaapse Weg.

    The decision to use the alternative route may be made before the Start or at any time during the race.

    The alternative route map will be placed on the website.
  • - Cut-off time at the Finish for the 56km Marathon is 7 hours from the start of the last batch.
    - Cut-off time for the 21km Half Marathon is 3 hours and 30 minutes from the start of the last batch.
    - Time-of-Day Cut-off is determined by the starting time-of-day of the last batch and the cut-off time for 56km or 21km to the finish line.

TRAIL RUNS

  • Trail running is definitely harder than running a similar distance on the road. The Two Oceans Trail runs are “proper trail runs” and take place over hilly and uneven routes.
  • Trail shoes are not compulsory but are advised, particularly if the weather is wet.
  • Compulsory kit is prescribed for both trail distances. Details will be announced.
  • Yes, to reduce congestion, the trail runs are started in batches.
  • Yes, there is prize money for the trail runs. Consult the TOM website.
  • Yes, blue numbers can be earned for running ten trail races (of either distance).

RUNNERS’ QUESTIONS

  • Yes, licenced runners should wear their Club colours. Full club colours must be worn to count towards a team prize.

    International athletes are welcome to wear their club colours or a shirt depicting their nationality.

    If you are a Temporary Licence runner, you must wear a plain, non-branded shirt or vest or the current year event T-shirt.
  • You can become a Blue Number Club member by:

    - Officially completing 10 (ten) of any one of the following events: Two Oceans ultra-marathon, Two Oceans Half Marathon, Two Oceans Trail run (any distance).
    - Winning any one of the events listed above 3 (three) times.
    - Earning a gold medal in the Two Oceans ultra-marathon 5 (five) times.
  • The races unfortunately cannot accommodate push-rim racing wheelchairs.

    Duo/Assisted (pushed) chairs are welcome as defined in the relevant ASA rules. Wheelchair athletes and their assistants must apply to the race office for the appropriate seeding.
  • No. Entrants with strollers/prams will not be permitted.
  • You are welcome to run with a hydration pack but please ensure that it does not cover the race bib on your front or back as that will interfere with the timing chip.
  • This will be determined by Stillwater and the TOM Board.
  • No, for safety reasons you are not allowed to run with earphones or headphones. This includes the use of out-of-ear bone conducting headphones. Persons using such devices may be disqualified.
  • It is when a runner completes either marathon after the cut-off time for your start batch.

    For the Ultra Marathon, to be an Official Finisher, you must finish the race in under 7 hours from the gun time of your start batch.

    For the Half Marathon, to be an Official Finisher, you must finish the race under 3 hours and 30 minutes from the gun time of your start batch.

    Unofficial Finishers may receive a medal for completing the course, but their result will not be included in the official race results or count for the Ship’s log.
  • All training run dates and venues will be on the website before the training run programme starts each year. See Training Runs.

– You can sign up for each Training Run once bookings open, by logging in to your profile, https://admin.twooceansmarathon.org.za/identify.aspx

– Click on the Event Bookings tab on your dashboard.

  • Runners who have successfully entered and paid for their entry may participate in the Training Runs as it is preparation for the big event.
  • The Two Oceans Marathon Initiative (TOMI) is the social impact arm of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. TOMI operates a variety of programmes.
    - Charity fundraising through the event
    - Assisting underprivileged runners
    - Elite Athlete development
    - Grassroots athlete development
    - Skills development
    - Club event assistance
  • Athletes are invited to donate money to the TOMI beneficiaries when they enter the race. Athletes can purchase charity entries from participating charities. Athletes can raise money for participating charities on the GivenGain platform.
  • Details of parking plans will be posted on the TOM website. Tickets for reserved parking will be available through the TOM entry system and at Race Pack Collection.

For queries with recent results contact info@finishtime.co.za.
For queries regarding historical results or your TOM profile contact info@twooceansmarathon.org.za.

  • Finishers Certificates can be printed from the results on your TOM profile.

A link to the photo service provider is available against your result on https://results.finishtime.co.za.

  • Yes. Details regarding medal engraving will be announced.
  • No. Anyone caught giving their race number to someone else will result in a two- year ban for both persons. Race numbers can only be transferred using the official entry substitution process.

SUPPORTER QUESTIONS

  • Consult the website to see the schedule of road closures applicable on race day.
  • Yes, spectators and supporters are a key part of the atmosphere of Two Oceans.

    However, the race route is closed for traffic. Consult the website for details of road closures and the best access points.
  • The well stocked refreshment stations should be adequate; however, supporter points will be allowed. Please do not leave a mess!
  • No. Non-entrants are not permitted to run on the route.
  • Please consult the Spectator Points section of the website.
  • Please consult the Track Your Runner section of the TOM website.
  • Access to UCT is restricted. Arrange for your runner to walk to a meeting point away from the UCT campus.

Runners

Profile Login

Differently Abled Athletes

Results

Supporters