How winning the Two Oceans changed Arthur Jantjies’ life

The Northern Cape-born runner was the surprise package of this year’s 56km race, crossing the finish line in 3:09:25 and taking home R380 000 in prize money.

Jantjies told SABC Sport that the win opened many new opportunities, including media interviews and sponsorship engagements, and he hopes it will lead to even bigger opportunities in the future.

"I get goosebumps every time I think about my Two Oceans victory because it has changed by life dramatically. The one day I was still a normal runner and then the next day things got busy and everything changed."

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Although his victory came in only his second ultra-marathon, the 26-year-old says he was confident that he would produce something special on race day.

Jantjies explained that he and his support team had prepared thoroughly and arrived at the race with a clear strategy that they believed would surprise many people.

Jantjies says he is determined to prove that his Two Oceans triumph was not a fluke and is already targeting a successful title defence on 4 April 2027.

"I don't want it to be a one time thing. I want to defend my title successfully and then I also want to conquer other ultra-marathon races."

Jantjies has confirmed his entry for the Absa Run Your City Mangaung 10km on 25 October and says he is also preparing for a marathon later this year.