powered by
INSPIRATION
Leading BY EXAMPLE
Board Members are elected to help run the show, but this year, some of the Two Oceans NPC Board Members will be doing a whole lot more running when they tackle the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD.
When the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon sets off in the early hours of Saturday 11 April, amongst the 14,000 runners will be five members of the Two Oceans NPC Board. Sandiswa Ndlebe, Caroline Newbert, Glenn Muller, Stuart Mann and Wietse van der Westhuizen will swap the boardroom for the start line as they join the throngs of runners on another 56km voyage around the Cape Peninsula. Making the feat even more impressive is the fact that this will not be their first time tackling the race, and once again shows the passion, perseverance and spirit that define the World’ s Most Beautiful Marathon.
Deeply Personal Ties
Sandiswa Ndlebe will be going for her seventh Ultra Marathon finish in 2026, and has also completed three Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathons.“ The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is deeply personal to me,” she says.“ As a runner, it’ s where I meet my strength. As a mum, it’ s where I lead by example, showing my children what courage and commitment look like. Running alongside other women reminds me of the power of sisterhood … because we rise together.”
“ It also embodies inclusion, because running is never about status; it’ s about carrying each other to the finish. As a Board member, it becomes a responsibility to protect and grow something bigger than myself – an event that inspires, unites, and transforms lives. It’ s not just a race. Its purpose,” adds Ndlebe.
Caroline Newbert taking a turn to push Oliver Bettendorf in his Warriors on wheels chair in 2025
Oceans Half Marathon the day after the Ultra, and she says it really is a family affair.
“ Fourteen of my family members will be taking part over the weekend – all my siblings, their spouses, and our cousins – lining up for the Trail Run, Ultra, or Half Marathon. It is very special to have us all coming together to share this experience,” she says.“ I have so many wonderful Two Oceans memories, but last year stands out, as I was part of the Warriors on Wheels team in the Ultra, pushing Oliver Bettendorf in his wheelchair. It was a huge commitment, both in training and on race day, but he was a champion – as was his mum, Gilly.”
Real Family Affair
Fellow female Board member Caroline Newbert has set her sights on an inspiring milestone: Completing her 20th Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon by the time she turns 50 on 28 April 2026. With 19 Ultra medals to her name, as well as four in the Half, she is on course to achieve that goal. Newbert will also be running the Totalsports Two
Gillian( Gilly) and Oliver Bettendorf are a mother and son duo known for taking part in endurance events together. Gillian is an experienced runner who has completed numerous half marathons, full marathons, ultra marathons and other endurance events. She regularly runs while pushing Oliver in a wheelchair, as he was born with cerebral palsy, is non verbal, and unable to walk independently. Together, they participate in races to raise awareness about inclusion for people with physical disabilities in the running community, and to inspire others with their courage and resilience.
Runner’ s Perspective
Lacing up for his 19th Ultra will be Glenn Muller, who also has an additional four Half Marathons under his belt, and he says that running the race each year is very much a core part of his work on the event.“ Having run this race for over 20 years, I have a deep connection to the Two Oceans Marathon,” he says.“ Being a runner gives me a unique perspective, while my Board role helps me understand the full runner journey. I’ m committed to bridging the gaps in recent years, working closely with Stillwater Sports and the City of Cape Town to deliver a seamless, world-class event.”
“ As a member of the Blue Number Club, I hold the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon to the highest standards. One of my fondest memories is
Images: Action Photo SA
24 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD | 2026