Wills chases lucky number 13 as Whitmore targets permanent number status
Dominic Wills (Newlands) will be aiming for lucky number 13 when he lines up for the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run Long Route (24km) on Friday, 10 April 2026. Meanwhile, Shirley Whitmore (Bergvliet) has her sights set on an important milestone as she takes on the Trail Run Short Route (16km), hoping to complete her 10th event and secure her permanent number status.
Trail runners who finish their 10th event are awarded a prestigious Khaki Permanent Number – an honour equivalent to the coveted Blue Numbers presented to runners in the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon and Two Oceans Half Marathon upon completion of their 10th race.
Wills: A Trail Run Ever-Present
Holder of trail permanent number 3, Dominic Wills has run every trail race since its inception in 2010. In his last two races he placed second in his category and finished 10th and sixth overall in the men’s race.
“I love that the trail run is part of the weekend. There’s a smaller vibe and you get it done first so that you can focus on supporting the others for the rest of the weekend. My sister Caroline is running her 20th Two Oceans this year,” says Wills.
Wills has also completed six Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathons and three Ultra Marathons. On one occasion, he even completed both the Trail Run and the Ultra in the same year.
“Thankfully, the Trail Run has changed very little over the years. It’s always been an ‘experience the best of Devil’s Peak’ event, and those trails are highly underrated.”
Reflecting on the inaugural race, he laughs: “Most people thought we’d be running jeep tracks in Newlands Forest, but Trevor Ball sent the field up Mowbray Ridge and the knife edge. I saw grown men crying while eating jelly babies on a rock.”
Whitmore’s Sporting Drive
Whitmore brings her own competitive spirit to the event, having podiumed in her last five Totalsports Two Oceans Trail Runs (Short Route).
“I’ve played sport my whole life, from skating and tennis to cycling and squash,” she says. “I’ve cycled 11 Argus Cycle Tours and represented KwaZulu-Natal, Western Province and South Africa in squash.”
She says she is excited about reaching her milestone.
“I am so excited to be lining up in 2026 and looking forward to crossing the finish line for my tenth medal.”
Earning a permanent number will also allow Whitmore to join her sister Wendy, a Blue Number Club member who has completed the 56km Ultra Marathon 11 times.
“I run to keep fit and healthy – it is my lifetime goal,” she says. “I’m hoping my recent arthroscopy won’t let me down, especially with a squash tournament in Knysna two weeks later.”
Embodying the Spirit of the Trail Run
“Dominic Wills and Shirley Whitmore perfectly embody the spirit of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.
Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon powered by BYD, agrees: “It’s inspiring to see athletes like Dominic and Shirley return year after year, chasing milestones while celebrating the trails of Devil’s Peak.
