As runners prepare to hit the roads of Cape Town this April, excitement is building for the 2026 Two Oceans Marathon.
The iconic event, spanning both the Ultra Marathon on 11 April and the Half Marathon on 12 April, promises personal bests, challenging climbs, and an unforgettable race-day experience.
One key factor helping participants chase their goals? A team of expert pace setters returning to guide the way.
The Official Pacing Programme and Its Leaders
The Western Province Pace Setters Group, led by Paul Murphy, has coordinated the official pacing programme since 2015.
With decades of combined experience, the team ensures runners stay on track for their target finish times, carefully adjusting pace based on terrain and the natural fatigue that sets in over long distances.
This year, 41 pace setters will guide runners in the Ultra Marathon, while 28 will take on the Half Marathon.
Among them are veterans with Blue Number Club (BNC) status, including three Ultra Marathoners aiming for their tenth race completion.
Murphy emphasizes that pacing is both an art and a science: “We use route-sensitive charts, accounting for uphill and downhill sections, and apply a slight positive fade to anticipate the second-half slowdown that most runners experience.”
Staying with Your Pace Group Is Key
For runners chasing specific times, staying with the designated pace group early in the race is critical.
Murphy explains, “The first 28km can feel deceptively easy.
But Chappies and Constantia Nek from 28km to 46km will test everyone.
Holding back early ensures you have energy for the final downhill sprint to the finish.”
Star Pacers Inspire New Generations
One highlight this year is blind South African Paralympic athlete Louzanne Coetzee, who will pace the sub-two-hour Half Marathon group on Sunday, after completing her first Ultra Marathon on Saturday.
Coetzee, guided by Sewie Sevenster, brings her inspiring story to the forefront: “We have mapped target times at key points and plan to motivate every runner.
Sewie and I complement each other perfectly.
I’m thrilled to share this experience with him.”
Ashraf Orrie, affectionately known as Mr O, will also return to pace both the Ultra and Half Marathon.
With multiple years of experience, including several doubles, Orrie embodies the race’s spirit: “There’s nothing like pacing an iconic race on home soil.
Every step taken alongside runners striving for their first finish or a personal best is pure joy.”
Impact and Consequences
The pace setters’ role is more than symbolic.
Experienced guides improve finish rates, help runners avoid injury by maintaining sustainable effort, and contribute to the overall positive experience of the event.
Their presence ensures runners of all abilities can chase personal goals confidently.
What’s Next?
Runners can look forward to a full week of events leading up to the main races: the International Friendship Run on Thursday, the Trail Run on Friday, followed by the Ultra and Half Marathons on Saturday and Sunday.
With prize purses totaling R2.6 million, the stakes are high, but guidance from the pacing team ensures participants can focus on performance and enjoyment.
Summary
The Two Oceans Marathon remains a highlight on South Africa’s sporting calendar, with pacing experts like Murphy, Coetzee, and Orrie elevating the race experience.
Their skill, preparation, and motivational support provide runners with the tools to tackle one of the world’s most scenic and challenging marathon courses.
Bulleted Takeaways
- 41 pace setters for the Ultra Marathon, 28 for the Half Marathon.
- Blue Number Club veterans bring decades of experience.
- Blind Paralympian Louzanne Coetzee returns to pace after her historic first Ultra in 2022.
- Key advice: stick with your pace group early to conserve energy for tough mid-race climbs.
- Combined prize purse of R2.6 million, with R2,177,400 for Ultra and R422,600 for Half Marathon.
