Little-known Arthur Jantjies rewrote the script and shocked the pundits with the biggest triumph of his emerging career after he won the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town yesterday.
In the ladies’ race, Gerda Steyn continues to shatter records as she powered to her record-breaking, seventh consecutive victory, finishing at 3:27:43.
“It’s a phenomenal step; a big step. It’s history,” said 25-year-old Jantjies from Hopetown, a small town 120km outside Kimberley, after stopping the clock in 3:09:25. “I’m just a small-town boy winning Two Oceans. That’s something really special.”
Jantjies gave credit to his coach John Hamlett for putting him through a tough high altitude training camp just after he joined the Pan African Resources Club this year.
“Whatever he says, I do. No questions asked. It’s the first major title for my town in the Northern Cape. Winning this race opens doors.”
After shaking off the attentions of Hollywood AC’s Tsepo Ramashamole just after the marathon mark, Zimbabwe’s Blessing Waison was the first man to crest Constantia Nek.
His bravery forced the leading bunch including Onalenna Khonkhobe, defending champion Joseph Seutloali and Jantjies to give chase. Jantjies surged away from the champion just before Chet’s Hill to claim a famous 35 second victory.
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- Arthur Jantjies, a relatively unknown athlete, won the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town.
- His victory was unexpected and defied expert predictions.
- This win marks the biggest success of Jantjies' emerging athletic career.
- The race took place yesterday.
- Full details of the story are available in the Sunday World e-edition.
