Leading by Example: Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon Board Members ready to tackle the Ultra

Sandiswa Ndlebe, Caroline Newbert, Glenn Muller, Stuart Mann and Wietse van der Westhuizen will join thousands of runners from around the world who line up to embrace the challenge of the 56km race and experience firsthand the passion, perseverance, and spirit that define the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon.

Sandiswa Ndlebe will be going for her seventh Ultra Marathon finish in 2026 and has also completed three Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathons.

"The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is deeply personal to me," says Ndlebe. "As a runner, it’s where I meet my strength. As a mum, it’s where I lead by example, showing my children what courage and commitment look like. Running alongside other women reminds me of the power of sisterhood; we rise together. It also embodies inclusion, because running is never about status; it’s about carrying each other to the finish. As a board member, it becomes a responsibility to protect and grow something bigger than myself - an event that inspires, unites, and transforms lives. It’s not just a race. Its purpose."

Fellow female board member Caroline Newbert has set her sights on an inspiring milestone: completing 20 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathons by the time she turns 50 on 28 April 2026.

Newbert will also be running the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon the day after and currently has four finishes to her name. "Fourteen of my family members will be taking part over the weekend - all my siblings, their spouses, and our cousins - lining up for the Trail Run, Ultra, or Half Marathon,” said Newbert. “It is very special to have us all coming together to share this experience. I have so many wonderful Two Oceans memories, but last year stands out: I was part of the Warriors on Wheels team in the Ultra, pushing Oliver Bettendorf in his wheelchair. It was a huge commitment, both in training and on race day, but he was a champion – as was his mum, Gilly."

Gillian (Gilly) and Oliver Bettendorf are a mother and son duo known for taking part in endurance events together. Gillian is an experienced runner who has completed numerous half marathons, full marathons, ultra marathons and other endurance events. She regularly runs while pushing Oliver - who was born with cerebral palsy, is non verbal and unable to walk independently - in a running wheelchair. Together they participate in races to raise awareness about inclusion for people with physical disabilities in the running community and to inspire others with their courage and resilience.

Glenn Muller is the next Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon board member to lace up for his 19th Ultra, with an additional four Half Marathons already under his belt.

“Having run this race for over 20 years, I have a deep connection to the Two Oceans Marathon,” admits Muller. “Being a runner gives me a unique perspective, while my Board role helps me understand the full runner journey. I’m committed to bridging gaps in recent years, working closely with Stillwater Sports and the City of Cape Town to deliver a seamless, world-class event.”

“As a member of the Blue Number Club, I hold the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon to the highest standards. One of my fondest memories is receiving my Blue Number in 2009 from Celtic Harriers legend, the late Alex Jones. I look forward to completing my 19th Ultra and having a couple of cold ones alongside fellow board member Stuart Mann. Interestingly, we ran together for a few kilometres through Hout Bay during the 2025 event, where we agreed on the need to become more actively involved in helping restore the race to its former glory.”

Also looking forward to celebrating with a few cold ones at the finish, Stuart Mann, affectionately known as “The Running Mann”, will be aiming for his 21st Ultra Marathon finish in 2026.

"Making runner-centric decisions and ensuring the best experience for the average runner is absolutely central to my approach on the board," admits Mann. "What makes the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon such a special event for runners – both locally and from abroad – could fill a blog in itself, but in short: Two Oceans is the perfect and relatively easy step up for a first Ultra. The route has everything a great race needs, including two massive hills - Chapmans Peak with all her beauty and Constantia Nek with all her brawn. City marathons tend to be flat and, frankly, boring, but Two Oceans has curves in all the right places. I’d highly recommend that international runners plan a holiday to the Cape timed around the Two Oceans Marathon."

Mann’s fondest Two Oceans memory involves his father: "I fondly remember running my first Two Oceans with my dad in 2002, and then him handing over his permanent Blue Number 704 to me after my tenth run in 2011. These are memories that I will treasure forever."

"Another fond memory is when I met Glenn Muller in person for the first time - we’d only interacted electronically - at Hout Bay during last year’s event. We had a great chat before the desert up Constantia Nek split us up. My goal this year? To finish ahead of Glenn," Mann laughs.

One of the most decorated runners on the board, Wietse van der Westhuizen will line up for his 36th Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in 2026.

“Two Oceans will always be one of my favourite races,” says van der Westhuizen. “It was my first ever ultra marathon. In 1978, as a young student athlete, I was invited and entered by a friend, Dr Hennie Nortje, to come and run a race in Cape Town. That race happened to be the Two Oceans.

This year I can’t wait to get to the start. Starting with old buddies and my daughter Louise in the Blue Number batch is something that gives you goosebumps. I have many precious memories, but my most treasured is running with my two daughters. This must be every dad’s dream - to conquer the Two Oceans Marathon with his loved ones.”

Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC: "It’s incredibly inspiring to see our board members not just guiding the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon behind the scenes, but also challenging themselves at the Ultra 
Marathon.  Their commitment shows true leadership and a deep connection to the runners and the event itself."

Following Chris’s thoughts on their inspiring commitment, Wade Bromfield, Race General Manager, adds perspective from  the race management side, highlighting how the board members’ participation brings the event to life for runners and the wider community: “Having Sandiswa, Caroline, Glenn, Stuart and Wietse out on the course alongside thousands of participants really highlights their dedication to the race and the running community. It’s a wonderful example of leading by doing, and it’s sure to motivate both elite and recreational runners alike as we approach race day."