O n Saturday, 5 April 2025, the roads around the Cape Peninsula will play host to elite marathoners from across the world – and the stage is set for a battle of epic proportions.
The route will be as brutal as it is beautiful, weaving through the breathtaking landscapes of the Mother City, from the start on Newlands Main Road, through the notorious climbs of Chapman’ s Peak and Constantia Nek, to a finish at the University of Cape Town Rugby Fields. It’ s a path that will push the athletes to their limits – and beyond. The stakes are high: R250 000 for the male and female champions, with an additional R250 000 for anyone who shatters the course record – a generous record incentive thanks once again to title sponsor, Totalsports.
THE MEN’ S RACE
In the men’ s race, defending champion Onalenna Khonkhobe is determined to make it back-toback victories. After claiming his first title in 2024 with a time of 3:09:30, the 29-year-old from Taung( now based in Klerksdorp), has set his sights even higher this year.“ Last year was just the beginning,” says Khonkhobe confidently.“ I’ ve trained harder, pushed my limits further, and I’ m ready to defend my title. This year, I’ m coming even faster.”
However, Khonkhobe will face fierce competition. His teammate at Nedbank Running Club, Lloyd Bosman, 37, who finished second in 2024, is hungry for more.“ I’ ve been waiting for this moment,” Bosman says.“ I aim to make my Pacaltsdorp community proud. The victory is within reach.”
The 2023 winner, Givemore Mudzinganyama, 34, is also in the mix, having come in third last year. Both men will be looking to exploit any weakness Khonkhobe might show, although the defending champion’ s tactical brilliance and raw power make him a formidable opponent.“ I respect them all, but I’ m ready to take it to the next level,” Khonkhobe declares confidently.
Among the hungry challengers, the legendary Stephen Mokoka looms large. The four-time Olympian and three-time Cape Town Marathon champion boasts four Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Half titles. However, he has unfinished business with the Ultra after he experienced problems and withdrew at around the 52km mark in his first attempt at the 56km last year.“ I’ m coming for redemption,” Mokoka, 40, says with a steely resolve.“ The Ultra is a different beast, but I’ m
built for this. This year, I’ m going all the way.” With his vast experience, Mokoka is a serious threat to anyone on the start line.
Bongmusa Mthembu, 41, the 2019 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Ultra champion and Comrades Marathon 2014, 2017 and 2018 winner, is an accomplished opponent. The seasoned campaigner from Bulwer near Pietermaritzburg will always be in the mix.
Khoarahlane Seutloali, 33, has a proven track record and his steady performances make him a dark horse.
One of the standout newcomers to watch is 26-year-old Reuben Mosiane, who stunned the running world in 2024 by smashing the course record at the Tshwane North Ultra 50km. The Koster native is eager to prove himself on the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon stage.“ I know the Two Oceans is tougher, but I’ ve proven I can handle pressure,” he says with confidence.“ I’ m here to show I belong at the top.”
And then there’ s Nkosikhona‘ Pitbull’ Mhlakwana, 31, who finished second in 2022 and third in 2023 and has fully committed himself to the 2025 race.“ I’ m all in this year,” Mhlakwana states.“ My preparation has been flawless, and I’ m bringing everything I’ ve got.” Known for his explosive speed and tenacity, Mhlakwana will be a tough opponent for anyone in the field.
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