Upped!
ELITES
PRIZE MONEY
The prize purse for the 2026 TTOM has been significantly boosted
The iconic Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is set to raise the bar even higher in 2026, unveiling an impressive, combined prize purse of R2.6 million and reaffirming its place among the world’ s most prestigious road running events.
Both the internationally celebrated Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon( TTOM) Ultra and the ever-popular Half Marathon will enjoy a significant boost in prize money for 2026, with the Ultra Marathon offering at total prize purse of R2,177,400, and the Half Marathon adding a substantial R422,600. This generous prize purse highlights the TTOM’ s ongoing commitment to attracting top-tier talent, celebrating elite performance, and delivering world-class racing excitement.
“ The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon has always been about more than just finishing the race – it’ s about celebrating the spirit of running, pushing boundaries, and inspiring excellence,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.“ By increasing the prize purse for 2026, we’ re not only recognising the dedication and talent of elite athletes, but also raising the profile of the event on the global stage. It’ s a clear statement that the Two Oceans Marathon is committed to fostering world-class competition while honouring our rich heritage in road running.”
Building on this vision, Wade Bromfield, TTOM General Manager, highlights the broader impact of the increased prize purse:“ Increasing the prize purse is more than just a financial boost – it’ s an investment in the athletes and the integrity of the race itself. It shows our commitment to supporting both local and international elite runners, while also elevating the prestige of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon. This step reinforces our mission to create a race experience that inspires ambition, celebrates achievement, and upholds our position as a world-class event.”
Unpacking the Prize Purse
In the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, a total of R1,794,000 has been allocated to the Open Category, with the top 10 finishers sharing in this prize purse. The male and female winners will each take home a staggering R380,000, while the runners-up will receive R220,000 and third-place finishers R100,000. Prize money will also be awarded across the age categories, with the top five finishers in the 40-49 and 50- 59 brackets, and the top three finishers in the 60-69 and 70 + categories, all securing a share of the rewards.
In the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon, a total of R298,000 has been allocated to the
Open Category, with the top 10 finishers once again sharing in the prize purse. The male and female winners will each take home R50,000, while the runners-up will receive R30,000 and third-place finishers R18,000. Prize money will also be awarded across age categories, with the top five finishers in the 40-49 and 50-59 brackets, and the top three finishers in the 60- 69, 70 + as well as 16-19 age groups, all receiving a share of the rewards.
Prize money has also been allocated to Top South African Athletes( Ultra only), Top Western Province( WPA) Athletes, and Teams – again across both genders.
In closing, Bromfield adds:“ We are especially proud to introduce a significantly enhanced prize purse in the 2026 Half Marathon, an increase that has been long overdue. By investing in both the Ultra and Half Marathon, we are rewarding excellence, while reinforcing our dedication to the running community. We are proudly celebrating elite performance while ensuring the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon continues to be one of the most prestigious and exhilarating races on the global calendar.”
Images: Two Oceans Marathon
16 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2026