ELITES
A maximum of 120 athletes will be accepted to compete in the elite fields each of the Ultra and Half
CALLING THE Elites!
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon( TTOM) attracts a large elite field from around the world each year, and these elite athletes must meet set criteria for inclusion in the Elite Athlete Programme, and in order to receive a seeding in Batch A.
Over the last few months, the TTOM team has been working hard behind the scenes to elevate and refine the elite athlete offering, and to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all our elites. As part of this, the TTOM Elite Athlete Manager is working closely with the elite athletes to ensure a smooth entry and race day experience. This includes facilitating a pre-race elite athlete workshop to ensure all elites have managed to enter and are familiar with the finish field layout, SAIDS testing requirements, drinks protocols and the postrace press conference and prize-giving procedure.
A maximum of 120 athletes will be accepted to compete in the Elite Field in each of the Half and Ultra Marathon. All athletes need to apply to be accepted into the Elite Field, and need to meet the set qualifying criteria – see below. Note that applications opened on 15 November 2025, and will close on 23 January 2026. No applications will be considered after this date, and the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon reserves the right to accept or reject any application for participation at its sole discretion.
1
APPLICATIONS & ENTRIES
• Applications are done via club managers, agents or by individual athletes.
• Club managers must complete the spreadsheet and send it back to the Elite Athlete Manager before the applications closing date.
• Individual athletes must apply via the form available on the Totalsports Two Ocean Marathon website before the closing date.
• Athletes must meet the qualifying criteria( see below).
• In the event that qualifying criteria are not met, motivation needs to be given to the Elite Athlete Manager for consideration.
• Applications must be sent to the Elite Athlete Manager by the application deadline. No late applications will be accepted.
• If athletes are accepted into the Elite Field, they will be informed via written confirmation.
• Payment must be made before the payment deadline in order to successfully enter.
• Athletes must enter via the online entry system, using a voucher that will be issued after payment has been received.
• No late entries after the entry deadline will be accommodated
2
QUALIFYING CRITERIA
The following qualifying times will apply, and must be run within the official qualifying period, beginning on 1 July 2025.
Half Marathon Qualifying Times
Male
Female
10km
Sub 30:00( Sub 32:00 at altitude)
Sub 37:00( Sub 40:00 at altitude)
21.1km
Sub 65:00( Sub 68:00 at altitude)
Sub 81:00( Sub 84:00 at altitude)
Ultra Marathon Qualifying Times
42.2km 50km 56km 80km 89km 100km Male Sub 2:30 Sub 3:10 Sub 3:55 Sub 5:30 Sub 6:10 Sub 7:00 Female Sub 3:00 Sub 3:55 Sub 4:10 Sub 6:45 Sub 7:30 Sub 8:30
The following criteria will also apply for consideration to be included in the 2026 Elite Field:
• Top 10 athletes from the previous 2 years in both the TTOM Half Marathon and the Ultra Marathon.
• Top 10 athletes from the previous 2 years in the Comrades Marathon.
• Athletes who have earned the status of National Athlete.
• Athletes ranked on the ASA Top 10 Senior Ranking Lists.
• 10 Fastest South Africans in each distance( top 5 male and top 5 female) in the current year.
• Other circumstances, achievements, etc., can be discussed with Elite Athlete Manager.
3
SUBSTITUTIONS
• There will be an Elite Athlete substitution window.
• Athletes must meet the qualifying criteria and be accepted into the Elite Field before substitutions can be made.
• No substitutions will be facilitated after the substitution window closes.
4
TIMELINES
• Applications open: 15 November 2025
• Applications close: 23 January 2026
• Payment deadline: 6 February 2026
• Substitution window: 20-27 February 2026
• Elite list finalised: 1 March 2026
• Club accreditation applications: 2-10 March 2026
5
ELITE ATHLETE PROGRAMME OFFERING
Athletes accepted into the Elite Athlete Programme will enjoy certain privileges in the build-up to and at the event, including:
• Exclusive Race Pack Collection and Race Office.
• Pre-event massage at the Race Office venue.
• Dedicated warm-up area near the race start.
• Tog bag facility from the start to the finish.
• Dedicated start area.
• Elite Athlete feeding zones along the route, including the‘ stand and hand’ rule.
• Elite Athlete Hospitality area at the finish.
6
ELITE ATHLETE OBLIGATIONS
As part of the Elite Athlete Programme, athletes are requested to be available to fulfill certain obligations, which will include:
• Be willing to have your photos and credentials shared via media channels.
• Be available for media or radio / TV interviews.
• Be available to attend event press conferences in the lead-up to the event.
The full Elite Athlete Guidelines are available here. For queries, please contact elite @ twooceansmarathon. org. za
Image: Two Oceans Marathon
12 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2026