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INTERVIEW
Getting the fundamentals right, notably the start, formed the foundation of a successful 2026 event
TTOM is committed to continuing to build its elite programme
Images: Two Oceans Marathon organised. Even when I’ m not working, I’ m still kind of on the job because I have such an interest in different sporting events, and always feel that I can learn from them.
In terms of running, it began for me when I started school and took part in sports days, and I can also remember running my first 5km race when I was about seven years old. I loved the vibe of running, the sense of community, and always felt that running was my sport. I also grew up watching the Comrades Marathon on TV, and that is where my dream of running Comrades one day was born. I even did an oral presentation about Comrades during my school years, which included playing a video of the start of the race and handing out photocopies of a beginner’ s training programme from Tim Noakes’ Lore of Running to my classmates. My speech ended with me telling them that they could all run Comrades one day!
I always said I wanted to run an ultramarathon by the time I turned 40, so in 2014 I started training seriously to achieve that goal. Unfortunately, I overdid it a bit, because soon after I qualified at the 2015 Peninsula Marathon, I developed severe ITB, and couldn’ t run the Two Oceans. So, I rested, did rehab, and then ran Comrades that June. I actually got as far as the top of Polly Shortts, around the 80km mark, but then I was cut off. I was absolutely devastated!
Q: Did that experience have an effect on your approach to organising events?
RJ: Yes, absolutely. It made me a better event organiser, because I will never forget what it felt like to be cut off so close to the finish. Having gone through that experience myself, I understand the immense amount of time, effort and sacrifice that many runners invest just to make it to the start line.
It has given me a much stronger appreciation for the athlete journey and the importance of every touchpoint along the way. I want to make sure that everything is as seamless as possible, from the start of the race right through to the finish experience. That perspective influences almost every decision I make. It reminds me that while we focus on logistics and operations, the event is ultimately about the runners, and the experience they take away from it.
Q: Do you get a feeling of‘ FOMO’ when watching all the runners streaming out from the start line of a race you’ re helping to organise?
RJ: I think it’ s probably more in the build-up to the event, because it can sometimes feel like you’ re doing all this work to put on an amazing event, yet you don’ t get to experience it from an athlete’ s perspective. By race day, it’ s more a feeling of relief that the event is finally here. I always get a little teary-eyed watching thousands of runners cross the start line and begin their race. It definitely touches your heart when you see that moment unfold and realise what it means to so many people.
Q: Returning to the topic of personal experience, what do you consider the most important lessons you have learnt in two decades in mass participation sporting events, and which you are now implementing at TTOM?
RJ: What sets a great event apart is the attention to detail, particularly when it comes to the athlete journey. That is the golden thread I have seen across all the major events I have been involved in over the years. Every touchpoint matters, from the moment someone enters to the moment they cross the finish line. If athletes have a positive and memorable experience, they will want to come back for more.
Q: As GM of an event that has been run for more than 50 years, what are your thoughts
What stands out even more is the
passion that Blue Number Club members have, and they are some of the event’ s greatest ambassadors. on balancing traditions with innovation, improvements and modernisation of the event, as well as today’ s mandatory requirements, such as stricter health and safety provisions?
RJ: The traditions and history of the event are what make it so unique, so I believe they are absolutely critical to preserve. While it is important to embrace world-class best practices, innovation and evolving requirements such as health and safety standards, there must always be a special place for the history and traditions that define the event’ s identity.
In the case of TTOM, it is the fish horn being blown at the start( something we are working to reintroduce for 2027), the iconic route, the climbs up Chapman’ s Peak and Constantia Nek, the Blue Number Club, and so many other traditions that make the event special. Those are the elements that create an emotional connection with runners and should be protected.
At the same time, I believe there is plenty of scope for innovation. Whether it is enhancing the entry process, introducing new technology and digital platforms, improving the app experience, or creating exciting sound and audiovisual activations, there are many opportunities to modernise and improve the experience for both athletes and spectators. The key is to innovate in a way that enhances the event, while respecting and preserving the heritage that has made the event an iconic race.
Q: Speaking of the Blue Number Club, it is one of the key elements of the event, whose members have shown their commitment to the event over many years …
RJ: Absolutely! I think what the Blue Number Club members have achieved is incredibly special. I have enormous respect for the commitment, discipline and perseverance required to keep coming back year after year. Earning a permanent number through 10 finishes is a remarkable achievement and a testament to a runner’ s dedication to the event. What stands out even more is the passion that Blue Number Club members have, and they are some of the event’ s greatest ambassadors.
Q: This year saw the return of the Blue Number Club dinner, which appeared to be quite a popular decision with the BNC members...
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