In 2026, the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon will once again celebrate far more than distance and speed. At the heart of the event lies the Blue Number Club (BNC) – a remarkable collective of runners whose stories prove that passion for movement does not fade with age. With just over 3 100 BNC members set to line up for the Ultra or Half Marathon, the club continues to redefine what endurance and commitment look like across the decades.
A powerful show of longevity
What makes the 2026 BNC field truly extraordinary is its age profile. Among the runners are 16 Half Marathon BNC members in their 80s, 49 Ultra Marathon BNCs in their 70s, and 147 Half Marathon BNCs also in their 70s. Adding further depth to this inspiring picture, another 743 BNC runners aged between 60 and 69 will take on the iconic routes.
“The BNC continues to show that the spirit of running knows no age,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. His words ring true when one considers the discipline and determination required not only to train, but to return year after year to one of the world’s most challenging road races.
More than medals and milestones
For Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, the numbers tell a story far bigger than statistics. More than a third of BNC runners in 2026 are aged 60 and above, including athletes well into their 70s and 80s.
“Their commitment is a true testament to the power of endurance, resilience, and the joy of running,” he says. “They prove that age is never a barrier to chasing your goals.”
This ethos sits at the heart of the Blue Number Club, where loyalty, consistency and love for the sport are celebrated just as much as finishing times.
Faces that inspire generations
Among the inspirational runners to watch are Kaare and Marlene James, both aged 82, Sibongile Cele (81) and Willemien Smuts (85) in the Half Marathon, as well as Makgoale Magwentshu (71), Nancy Will (73) and Larence Ashworth (79) in the Ultra Marathon.
Kaare James’ story is particularly striking. With an astonishing 41 Two Oceans medals to his name, he has taken part in every event since 1980, except for the two COVID-related cancellations. Having earned his Light Blue Number in 2025, he will toe the line in 2026 wearing number 2338.
“It’s a privilege to be one of the oldest BNCs in 2026,” says James. His approach is refreshingly simple: early nights, sensible eating, and a focus on enjoyment. “On race day, my goal is simply to reach the finish in one piece and enjoy every moment.”
Running toward new dreams
For Makgoale Magwentshu, 2026 carries special significance. After earning her 19th Ultra Marathon medal in 2024 and missing the 2025 race, she returns determined to claim her 20th medal and achieve Double Blue Number status.
“I wear my number with pride,” she says. “Being part of the Blue Number Club means the world to me. It motivates me – and others – to keep going.”
In every step they take, the Blue Number Club runners remind us that inspiration has no age limit, and that the joy of movement can last a lifetime.
