Siboniso Sikhakhane chasing history in Two Oceans showdown

After a near-perfect run at the 2025 Two Oceans Marathon, where he stormed to second place in 3:11:18, Sikhakhane returns with one clear mission: to finally claim the crown that slipped through his fingers.

Last year’s battle was nothing short of dramatic. Sikhakhane went stride-for-stride with eventual winner Joseph Seutlaoli, who clocked 3:10:47 in a thrilling finish. Sikhakhane crossed as the first South African home — but for him, that wasn’t enough.

Now, the 35-year-old is back, sharper and more determined, ready to tackle the iconic 56km ultra from Newlands to the University of Cape Town on Saturday morning.

With a lucrative R380,000 prize on the line and ultimate bragging rights at stake, the stage is set for redemption.

Sikhakhane admits that last year still lingers in his mind.

“I still believe I should have won it,” he says. “Everything went according to plan until the closing stages. I made a costly mistake going for a water bottle where I wasn’t supposed to — and that gave Joseph the gap he needed.”

It’s a moment he has replayed countless times — not with regret, but as fuel.

The KwaZulu-Natal runner fine-tuned his preparations at the FNB Kazungula Marathon, clocking an impressive 2:19:17 — right on target with his race plan. Crucially, he’s stuck to the same training formula that brought him success last year.

“I didn’t change much because it worked,” he explains. “Kazungula gives me a clear picture of where I am. The conditions were tough, but I adapted well. Now it’s about sharpening the final details with my coach.”

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This consistency, combined with experience, could be the missing piece.

Having finished third in 2022 and second in 2025, Sikhakhane has been knocking louder with each attempt.

Now, he believes the door is finally ready to open.

“I’m in the best shape of my life — physically and mentally,” he says. “The past two years have made me stronger. I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I believe it’s my time now.”

For Sikhakhane, this is not just about winning a race — it’s about rewriting his story.

And come Saturday morning, he will be chasing more than a title — he will be chasing destiny.