TRAIL RUN
T rail Entries
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The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run offers runners another chance to be part of the 2026 event, but don’ t wait too long to enter, as the limited entries will be snapped up soon!
Taking place at the University of Cape Town on Friday 10 April, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run offers trail running enthusiasts a chance to experience the beauty and challenge of Table Mountain’ s iconic trails. Celebrating its 13th edition, the 2026 event features two actionpacked distances – approximately 16km and 24km – weaving through some of the Mother City’ s most breathtaking and demanding 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.”
Trail Considerations
With each route offering a different trail running experience on Table Mountain, runners are encouraged to carefully consider which distance best suits their ability and expectations.
• The 16km Route: 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, while the Devil’ s Peak section offers wide, sweeping views of the City and Ocean, including Robben Island and the Harbour. The route 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.
• The 24km Route: 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. 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.
The 24km race will start at 7am, with batches going off at five-minute intervals until 7h25, while the 16km start at 8am, with batches going off at five-minute intervals until 8h25. There will be hydration stations for the 16km runners at 4.2km, 8.8km. 10.6km and 12.5km. The 24km route will offer hydration stations at 5.2km, 9.7km. 16.6km and 20.5km.
Cut-off times will be enforced on race-day, with a route cut-off at the Block House at 12h00, and an overall final cut-off at the finish at 14h00. Runners who do not meet the designated cutoff times on race-day will either be directed to the finish along a shorter route or transported back to the finish venue, depending on the location of the cut-off point. Additional cut-offs may be implemented on race day, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
“ Both the 16km and 24km routes of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run offer runners trail running at its finest, complete with spectacular views across Table Mountain,” says Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.“ The shorter 16km route is ideally suited to newcomers to trail running, providing an authentic yet accessible introduction to the sport. The longer 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.”
SIGN UP TODAY
Entries can be done via the Race Admin Entry System and will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, with entries for the 16km shorter trail costing R750.00, while entries for the 24km longer trail cost R950.00. Please note that 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 your permit fee for 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, including compulsory kit requirements.
24 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2026