There’s a moment, somewhere in that final stretch, where it all starts to catch up with you. The emotional floodgates open. The early alarms. The long runs. The days you showed up when it would’ve been easier to stay in bed. The sacrifices. EVERYTHING plays out in your head at once. As you run over that finish line, look back at your name on the board and feel that medal go around your neck, it really is a full-circle moment. It isn’t just another accolade or a #MedalMonday photo op; it’s a physical reminder of the months – sometimes years – of grit it took to get here. To do what many can’t or won’t: finishing the iconic Two Oceans Marathon.
Veteran or newbie, around 14 000 people line up for the same course – it’s just the path to get there that looks different. Watching the finish line, you can see it play out in real time. Tears breaking through. Laughter that felt almost unexpected. Runners folding into the arms of strangers who, in that moment, felt like so much more. No two finishes looked the same, but every single one meant something.
That’s why WH spoke to 17 women who showed up, pushed through and finished the Two Oceans Marathon. We asked them to share their “why” and find three words to summarise their experience. From seasoned runners to those taking it on for the first time, each story carries its own reason for starting and everything it took to keep going.
Who knows? This could be exactly what you need to hear if you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I could do this too.”
Here’s what they said…
Was there a moment you’ll never forget?
Painful. Powerful. Worth it.
“Somewhere along Chapman’s Peak… hurting, overwhelmed and completely in awe, all at once.
They call it ‘The world’s most beautiful marathon’ – and it truly is. Not just because of the views, but because of the people. Strangers cheering like they’ve known you forever, runners lifting each other through the hardest moments, the TTOM crew bringing hype every step of the way and an energy you can’t really explain unless you’ve felt it. That’s the magic of Two Oceans.
It was my first ultra, and I went in unsure. This one meant more than I expected… and I know it won’t be my last!” – Alexandra Hoffman
Empowering. Humbling. Victorious.
“Running the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon was a deeply humbling and empowering experience, one that left me filled with gratitude for an able body and a strong, determined mind. I felt incredibly thankful for the opportunity to push beyond my own limits and discover just how much resilience I carry within me. As a mom and a business owner, showing up to that start line was already a victory and crossing the finish line made me immensely proud… not just of the distance covered, but of the commitment, discipline and courage it took to get there.
When I was approaching Little Chappies (the first of the big three climbs), I was reminded by a friend of my ‘why’. Running in honour of my daughter, who passed away in 2020. I run for her because she never learned to run.” – Fabienne Krusekopf
Challenging. Grit. Acceptance.
“I had friends supporting at the 42km mark at Constantia Nek. I wanted to look strong – because I always want to look strong and capable. But at that moment, I felt weak and broken. I then saw my friend, Janet and a few other friends and I started to ugly cry. There were no tears, though. I don’t think I had any liquid in my body to spare. Jan saw me and immediately saw that I was not okay. I choked out ‘I’m tired. I’m just so tired.’ She put her arm around me, told me to keep walking and she gently reminded me that I AM strong, that I CAN and WILL do this. She told me that she loves me and that I needed to GO. She was heaven-sent.” – Carmelita Africa
Grit. Awe. Unity.
Running up Chapman’s Peak for the first time is something I will never forget. Looking up at the mountain and winding road, then across at the endless ocean, I felt so small – yet part of something so much bigger. Seeing the runners below like tiny ants, it really hit me how incredible it was to be there.
At one point, I choked on a gel and a young boy and his family immediately stepped in with water and made sure I was okay. That moment stayed with me – the kindness on the route is unreal. A race I will never forget! – Ebenice Goosen
Beautiful. Therapeutic. Tough.
“The cheer of the crowd when you finally arrive at UCT and make your way to the finish line. It’s a moment I’ll never forget and always look forward to.” – Cathy Monyela
READ MORE: I Experienced Running Burnout From Chasing PBs – Here’s How I Recovered
What did this medal mean to you beyond the race?
Ngicishe nga yeka (“I almost quit”)
“This medal showed me that I can do hard things…. TWICE. Over and over again. I honestly thought my first year of ultra running was a one-hit wonder. Funny enough, this year was way tougher than last year, but it made me realise that I’m getting stronger as well.
It also taught me to trust myself; there’s NOTHING my mind can’t achieve.
Will I do it again? I told social media that I won’t, but I’m already awaiting next year’s date announcement.” – Tammi Ragebult
Challenging. Emotional. Unforgettable.
“This medal is a reminder that we are stronger than our doubts and limitations. Running through injury tested me in every way, but it also showed me the power of mindset, purpose and commitment to myself.
I didn’t run alone, I carried the support of my husband, daughter, friends and family, that was with me every km. This medal represents resilience, gratitude and the courage to keep going, no matter what.” – Pame Jacobs
Strong. Present. Fulfilled.
“In my wildest dreams, I never imagined I’d run 56km. But somewhere along the way, I became the person who could. I was honouring how far I’ve come. Every step carried the weight of discipline, sacrifice and belief. I didn’t just run this race… I felt it. And somewhere between the start and the struggle, I met a version of myself I didn’t know I needed. And that’s the version of me I’m carrying forward.” – Mantsha Maponya
“Most humbling yet beautiful race. I will be back.” – Tamrin Holliday
READ MORE: What Is The Run/Walk Method? Running Coaches Explain How It Works For Beginners And Beyond
What surprised you most about this race?
Humbling. Fulfilling. Rewarding.
“This was my second Two Oceans Ultra and what stood out was how different this year’s journey felt compared to last year. I also improved my time on the course, which made it even more meaningful. Even though I was running with my friend (which I rarely do), there were still moments where it felt like it was just me out there, listening to my body, my thoughts and pushing through. It reminded me how personal this race is for every runner.
What also stood out was the selflessness within the running community. Even though running is an individual sport, the way runners support, encourage and show up for each other makes it feel like a shared journey and that’s what makes it so special.” – Azukile Nzuzo
Gorgeous. Beautiful. Challenging.
“Being my first ultra, I didn’t know what to expect, except for what I was hearing from other runners. Chapman’s Peak was just so amazingly beautiful, with Constatia Nek unrelentingly long, challenging my mental strength, and I had to dig deeper to find it in me to finish the race. It was an absolutely awesome experience. Would love to come back again next year.” – Lindiwe Shayi
Scenic. Gruelling. Glorious.
“What surprised me most about this race is the fame of its breathtaking coastal views. I slowed down there to capture the moment and the brutal hills at Constantia Nek, but my endurance kept me going” – Yolula Gxagxiso
Beautiful. Tough. Worthwhile.
“How well put together it was compared to previous years. They really pulled out all the stops for 2026.” – Evangelique
READ MORE: From Running-phobe To Marathon Finisher – With A Prosthetic Blade
What got you to the start line in the first place?
Resilient. Relentless. Rewarding.
“After missing my goal last year by just 26 seconds, I stood at a crossroads. I could let that moment define me, or I could rise from it stronger, hungrier and more determined than ever. I chose the comeback. Every early morning alarm, every exhausting training run and every moment where quitting would have been easier was a step back toward that start line. Not just to chase a medal – but to prove something to myself, and hopefully to anyone else out there chasing a dream that feels just out of reach. Because failure is never the end of your story. It’s the moment your comeback begins. And sometimes, the setback that almost breaks you becomes the very thing that shows you just how powerful you truly are.” – Caitlin Nothnagel
Grateful. Overwhelmed. Blessed.
“Making a decision to change my life. To better myself. And above all, to show my kids, especially my daughters, we can do brave things even when we are scared. Years ago, women weren’t even allowed to run marathons, so now I run to show my girls that you are capable of so much even when people tell you it’s impossible.” – Arlene Verschoor
Beautiful. Scenic. Unforgettable.
“What got me to the start line is that it’s known as the most beautiful race, and running through such a scenic route is what makes this run worth it.” – Shimone Coetzee Pretorius
Resilience. Electricifying. Rewarding.
“To honour the journey and get closer to blue number status.” – Phuti Mojela
