Haitope wins Two Oceans Half Marathon title
Namibian long-distance runner Lavinia Haitope produced a composed and commanding display to win the women’s title at the 2026 Two Oceans Half Marathon in Cape Town.
Haitope clocked an outstanding time of 1:14:36 over the 21.1km distance, finishing 39th overall while comfortably leading the women’s field in one of Africa’s most prestigious road races. Her performance was built on discipline and control, as she gradually distanced herself from her closest challengers to secure victory by nearly two minutes.
Zimbabwe’s Fortunate Chidzivo, the champion in 2022, took second place in 1:16:29, with the UK's Emma Pallant-Browne (2023 winner) finishing third in 1:18:09.
The result marks a major achievement for Haitope, strengthening her standing among the continent’s elite distance runners. Against a competitive international field, she demonstrated tactical awareness and endurance, managing her pace effectively before asserting her dominance in the latter stages of the race.
Her victory is also a significant boost for Namibian athletics, reflecting the country’s growing influence in long-distance running.
Haitope’s success has extended Namibia’s proud record after Helalia Johannes won the Two Oceans women’s half-marathon five times – in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2019 – and with her last victory also set the event’s record at one hour 10 minutes 26 seconds, which still stands to this day.
The 36-year-old Haitope's track record includes a seventh place at the 2018 Commonwealth Games marathon in Australia, won by her compatriot Johannes.
The 21.1 km male and female winners at the Two Oceans each took home R50 000, while the runners-up received R30 000 and the third-place finishers R18 000.
56 km ultra-race
While Haitope stole the spotlight in the half marathon, the ultra-marathon also delivered memorable performances.
South Africa’s Gerda Steyn continued her remarkable reign by claiming a seventh consecutive Two Oceans ultra-marathon title. She completed the gruelling 56km race in 3:27:43, once again showcasing her dominance in Cape Town. Kenya’s Margaret Jepchumba finished second, followed by Zimbabwe’s Nobukhosi Tshuma in third.
In the men’s ultra race, South Africa’s Arthur Jantjies emerged as a surprise winner on debut, clocking 3:09:25 to edge defending champion Onalenna Khonkhobe, while Zimbabwe’s Blessing Waison secured third place.
The Two Oceans Marathon, featuring both the ultra- and half marathon events, continues to attract over 30,000 runners annually, with its statuson the global road running calendar emphasised by its slogan as the "World’s Most Beautiful Marathon".
For Namibia, the 2026 edition will be best remembered for Haitope’s emphatic victory, a performance that also reinforced her position as one of the country’s brightest long-distance talents.
