History was made at the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon but not just because of Gerda Steyn’s dominance. While Steyn secured a remarkable seventh title, it was 25-year-old Arthur Jantjies who delivered the most unexpected and electrifying performance of the day.
In a field stacked with seasoned ultra runners, Jantjies, who hails from the small Northern Cape town of Hopetown, stormed to victory in 3:09:25 and announced himself as one of South Africa’s most exciting endurance prospects. “I’m just a small-town boy winning Two Oceans,” he said post-race. “That’s something really special.”
From Unknown to Unstoppable
Coming into the race, Jantjies was far from the favourite. This was only his second ultra marathon. His previous best was a sixth-place finish at the 2025 City to City Marathon.
What he lacked in experience, he made up for in discipline and a brutal training block that quietly built the engine needed to conquer 56km. Under coach John Hamlett, Jantjies spent eight weeks in high-altitude conditions in Dullstroom, grinding through long runs with up to 800 metres of elevation.
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“My coach put me through the worst,” Jantjies admitted. “We did huge climbs in training. Compared to that, this course felt manageable.”
The Decisive Move That Won the Race
The race unfolded at a relentless pace. Zimbabwe’s Blessing Zvikomborero Waison pushed hard over Constantia Nek, forcing the chasing pack to respond. By the 49km mark, the front group had narrowed, with Jantjies running alongside Onalenna Khonkhobe and defending champion Joseph Seutloali.
Khonkhobe made his move at 51km. Seutloali dropped off. Jantjies stayed calm and stuck to his plan. “I know he’s faster than me,” Jantjies said of Khonkhobe. “But in training we always push in the last 8km. I stayed close and when I saw my chance, I went.”
That surge came just before Chet’s Hill. Within moments, Jantjies had broken away, opening a gap he would not relinquish. He crossed the line 35 seconds ahead of Khonkhobe.
Built in the Mountains, Backed by Belief
Jantjies’ performance was no accident. It was the result of a clear strategy to stay under the radar, build quietly and strike late.
“My coach always says we must stay small and fly under the radar,” he explained. “It was better for me to come through like a cannonball.” That mindset and his willingness to fully commit to the process set him apart. No shortcuts. No ego. Just execution. “Whatever he says, I do. No questions asked.”
What This Win Means
Beyond the title, this victory is bigger than one race. “It’s the first major title for my town,” Jantjies said. “Winning this race opens doors. It puts my name somewhere.” It also signals the arrival of a new force in South African distance running, one forged far from the spotlight.
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For a sport often dominated by established names, Jantjies’ win is a reminder that talent can come from anywhere and that the next champion might already be putting in the work far from the cameras.
The Other Historic Performance
While Jantjies stole the headlines, Gerda Steyn continued to build her legacy, claiming her seventh Two Oceans Ultra Marathon title in 3:27:43. A decade after her debut, she remains the benchmark in women’s ultra running. She is still competitive, still evolving and still winning.
