The Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon 2025 promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle of speed, strategy and heart – and with a R250 000 record incentive from Title Sponsor Totalsports on the table once again, anything could happen
The stage is set for a battle of epic proportions at the 54th Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, one of the world’s most iconic tests of endurance.
The stakes are high: R250,000 for the male and female champions, with an additional R250,000 for anyone who shatters the course record, with this generous record incentive being thanks once again to the title sponsor, Totalsports.
In the men’s race, defending champion Onalenna Khonkhobe is determined to make it back-to-back victories. After claiming his first title in 2024 with a time of 3:09:30, 29-year-old Khonkhobe has set his sights even higher this year. “Last year was just the beginning,” says Khonkhobe confidently. “…I’m ready to defend my title”.
But Khonkhobe will face fierce competition. His teammate at Nedbank, Lloyd Bosman, 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, is also in the mix, having come in third last year. Both men will be looking to exploit any weakness Khonkhobe might show. But 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 seasoned marathon winner boasts four Two Oceans Half Marathon titles. However, he has unfinished business with the Ultra Marathon 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. “This year, I’m going all the way.”
Bongmusa Mthembu, 41, will also be in the top contender mix. The 2019 Two Oceans Ultra champion and Comrades Marathon 2014, 2017 and 2018 winner, is an accomplished South African ultra-marathoner and should never be discounted.
Then there’s Khoarahlane ‘Joseph’ Seutloali, whose steady performances make him a dark horse.
One of the standout newcomers to watch is 26-year-old Rueben Mosiane, who stunned the running world in 2024 by smashing the course record at the Tshwane North Ultra 50km. “I know the Two Oceans is tougher, but I’ve proven I can handle pressure,” he says with confidence.
And then there’s Nkosikhona “Pitbull” Mhlakwana, 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. “I’m bringing everything I’ve got.”
As the men’s race heats up, the women’s competition promises to be just as fierce. Gerda Steyn, South Africa’s ultra-marathon queen, is once again the overwhelming favourite. A record five-time winner, teyn is the embodiment of endurance, tactical brilliance, and raw determination.
The 35-year-old Olympian has redefined the limits of ultra-running, setting a new course record each year for the past three years. The ever-calm Steyn takes the pressure of performing all in her stride. “I treat every race as a new challenge. I’m ready to give everything I have.”
Her biggest threat will likely come from her Hollywood AC teammate, Irvette van Zyl, who will be poised to capitalise on any opportunity. “I know what I’m up against,” van Zyl says. “But I’ve trained hard, and I’m ready to go all the way.”
The race also features Loveness Madziva, who placed third last year, as well as a host of other talented women who are likely to make strong pushes for top 10 finishes.
This includes Jenna Challenor, who looks primed for a strong performance after finishing as the first woman at the Balwin Sport Peninsula Marathon in 2:51:24 in February, and Landie Greyling, a trail-running icon who recently transitioned to road running. Greyling captured the ASA Marathon Championship title representing Western Province with a strong 2:55:01 performance and looks prepared for a solid ultra.
Then there’s Jenet Mbhele, Carla Molinaro, and Meseret Mengistu who will all be eyeing the top spots, each bringing a unique set of skills to the table. And don’t count out 44-year-old Kenyan Margaret Jepchumba, who finished second at the Soweto Marathon last year.
The 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in recent memory. With the men’s and women’s fields stacked with talent, it promises to be a thrilling spectacle of speed, strategy, and heart.
