Defending champion Matlakala Bennett Seloyi is determined to hold onto his Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon title this year, while Stephen Mokoka, one of the event’s most decorated athletes with five gold medals, including four victories, will be aiming to add another when he lines up this Sunday 12 April 2026.

“I know the lineup is very tough, but I’m going to defend my title…”

“To be honest, it’s going to be tough. Very, very tough,” said Seloyi. The Boxer Athletics Club’s top runner ran an incredible 2:13:22 at altitude to win a marathon in Kimberley this past November. “I know the lineup is very tough, but I’m going to defend my title. If I don’t win, I must at least finish in the top three. If you know, you know.”

Stephen Mokoka, South Africa’s second fastest half marathoner of all time (59:36), and Blue Number Club (BNC) royalty, has fond memories of the race he won on debut in 2009 in 1:03:42 after defeating the likes of Lusapho April and Tshamano Setone to lead a new generation of local distance runners onto the national stage.

Fast forward to 2026, and Stephen Mokoka has become one of the most celebrated and respected BNC members, an honour reserved for runners who have completed the race at least ten times, or, in Mokoka’s case, won the Half Marathon three or more times – he has an extraordinary four victories.

Renowned for his consistency, competitive spirit, and unwavering dedication, Mokoka has built a remarkable legacy on the Two Oceans stage. He stands firmly among the event’s modern greats, with his presence on the start line continuing to inspire runners and highlight the prestige and tradition of the Blue Number Club.

Mokoka says the race remains close to his heart: “When I first did it, I saw how people go for their Easter Holidays and support their families on the road. The support we get from the crowd is amazing. I’ve won it four times and finished third once. The shortcut to getting a Blue Number is to win it three times. So, I was very happy to realise that I have a Blue Number. It’s historic as well. It means a lot.”

Now 41, Stephen Mokoka returns to the race for the first time since 2019, when he finished third. The former 50km world record holder shifts back to the 21km after tackling the ultra in 2024 and 2025, using the race as a key fitness test ahead of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on 24 May.

“It’s part of the build-up, but whenever you race, you have to bring your A-game,” says Mokoka. “The Two Oceans Half isn’t flat – the elevation gain is similar to the Cape Town Marathon. For me, it’s a test to see if my body is strong enough. If not, I go back and put in more work.”

His goal is simple: improve on that last result. “I finished third the last time I ran it, so I’m aiming for a better position this time.”

He’ll need to be at his best. The field includes defending champion Bennett Seloyi, 59:52 half marathoner Thabang Mosiako, in-form George Kusche, and local favourite Anthony Timotheus. Seloyi, in particular, will be tough to beat after a standout debut victory and clear intent to defend his title, meaning Mokoka will need a full A-game to extend his streak to five podium finishes from five starts.

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