and I’ m aiming for that top spot.” Mathews Leeto, 34, from Hollywood Athletics Club also has something to prove. After a disqualification at the ASA 10km Championships in 2024 he’ s determined to redeem himself. His strong finish last year was overshadowed, but this year he’ s focused on setting the record straight.“ This race means a lot to me, especially after last year,” Leeto says.“ I’ m ready to fight for victory.”
Namakoe Nkhasi, a seasoned veteran from Nedbank Running Club Lesotho, is another name to watch. With seven previous Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Half races under his belt, and two wins, the 32-year-old brings invaluable experience to the race.“ Every time I compete in this race it feels special,” he shares.“ This year I aim to give it my all and make my supporters proud.”
Sibusiso Kubheka from Xcel Athletics is eager to prove his resilience after battling injuries. The 28-year-old from Mpumalanga is back at peak form and has an impressive 10km PB of 27:55.“ It’ s been a tough journey, but I’ m excited to see where I stand in such a competitive field,” Kubheka says.
Several local runners are also in the mix, including William Kaptein,
32, who placed 10th last year with a time of 1:10:41, and his Tymebank Langa teammate Raydon Balie, 30. Deon-Lee Hendricks, 27, from the Athlete’ s Academy in Stellenbosch is another local talent looking to make an impact. Hendricks, who won the 10km Peace Run at the Cape Town Marathon, is motivated to make his community proud.“ The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is one of the most iconic races and I’ m determined to make the most of it,” he says.
Kane Reilly, a trail running icon from Tokai, is no stranger to the event, having won the 24km trail run multiple times. The 32-year-old has already made an impact on the road running scene, winning the Bay-to-Bay 15km in January and placing second in the Balwin Sport Peninsula Marathon Half in February. Speaking from the Canary Islands where he was on a training camp with the adidas Terrex trail team, he says confidently,“ Yes, I’ m in better shape than last year and I’ m looking forward to seeing if my hard work pays off in the Half this year.”
Rising star Selwyn Matthews, 24, from Nedbank SWD, has been in excellent form this year, winning the Mandela 27 for Freedom Run, the Cango Marathon and the West Coast Marathon. With the guidance of Olympian Elroy Gelant and fellow
runner Lloyd Bosman, Matthews has his sights set on a top 10 finish.“ I’ m feeling great and ready to give my best,” he says.
In the women’ s race, 27-year-old Bianca Tarboton is a standout. She finished third last year and she’ s coming off a stunning win at the 52km Tarawera Ultra Trail in New Zealand in February.“ The Tarawera win was incredible and it’ s given me so much motivation and confidence,” Tarboton shares.“ Now, I’ m looking forward to the challenge of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.”
Busisiwe Chamane, 31, from Black Diamond Athletics Club, who finished sixth last year, will be another strong contender in the women’ s race. Mia Steytler, 27, of Tymebank Langa, and Nicola Wills, 28, of Boxer Athletics Club, who placed seventh and tenth respectively, will also be looking to challenge for top honours this year.
Whether defending titles or chasing personal bests, these athletes are ready to give it their all and inspire others along the way. The 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Half promises to be another high-speed chase on foot, unearthing new talent and potentially serving up a healthy dose of the unexpected.
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