Jacaranda Runners Shine at the World-Famous Two Oceans Marathon

Athletes from the Jacaranda Athletic Club enjoyed a memorable and successful weekend at the iconic Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town, widely known as “The World’s Most Beautiful Marathon”.

A total of 30 Jacaranda runners travelled to the Mother City, with 14 athletes tackling the gruelling 56km Ultra Marathon on Saturday and 16 runners participating in the Half Marathon on Sunday.

Leading the charge for Jacaranda was local physiotherapist Abdullah Hoosen, who delivered an outstanding performance in the ultra distance. Hoosen crossed the finish line in an impressive 4:51:09, earning the prestigious Sainsbury Medal, a notable achievement in one of South Africa’s most challenging road races.

The club also proudly saluted Leila Gani and Gwen Tlaka, who both completed the demanding 56km race in just over six hours, earning their medals and representing the club with determination and pride.

Another inspiring moment came from veteran runner Ebrahim “IB” Seedat, who completed his 26th consecutive Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. What makes Seedat’s achievement even more remarkable is that he runs the demanding race barefoot, a feat that continues to inspire runners across the community.

Jacaranda also celebrated two athletes who successfully completed their very first Two Oceans Ultra Marathons — Aadil Aboo and Seraaj Jappie — marking important personal milestones and adding to the club’s proud achievements at the event.

Sunday’s Half Marathon also produced excellent performances, particularly among the club’s young athletes.

Leading the youth performances was Rohan Govind, who completed his first ever half marathon in an excellent time of 1:41:13, earning a bronze medal.

Another outstanding junior performance came from 18-year-old Kusheel Govind, a matriculant at St Alban’s College. Kusheel ran a strong race to earn his first Two Oceans medal, finishing in 1:48:28 and placing 23rd in the junior category.

Muhamed Mookadam also ran a commendable race, finishing in 1:43:34 and earning a bronze medal, while placing among the top 335 male runners in the senior category.

Another proud moment for the club was the achievement of 18-year-old Zahreen Mahomed, a matriculant and student at Sutherland High School, who completed her very first half marathon. Zahreen crossed the finish line in 2:24:57, earning a bronze medal and finishing as the 42nd junior athlete to complete the race.

“We are extremely proud of our athletes,” said a club spokesperson. “One of our goals is to encourage youth participation and promote healthy lifestyles, and this weekend showed that our efforts are bearing fruit with several junior athletes competing and achieving their goals.”

The 56km ultra marathon takes runners along one of the most scenic yet demanding routes in the world, passing through spectacular coastal roads and challenging climbs including Chapman’s Peak Drive and Constantia Nek before finishing at the University of Cape Town.

South African ultra-running star Gerda Steyn once again dominated the women’s race, claiming her seventh consecutive Two Oceans Ultra Marathon victory, further cementing her legacy as one of the race’s greatest champions.

The club also extended sincere appreciation to its loyal supporters and sponsors.

“We wish to thank our sponsor, the K Carrim Group, for their continued support, which contributes greatly to the success of our athletes and the club’s ongoing mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle and inspiring the youth.”

Jacaranda athletes once again proudly carried the club’s purple colours across the streets and mountains of Cape Town, proving that the club continues to grow in strength, unity and spirit.

For aspiring runners considering the ultimate challenge, now is the time to begin preparing for the Two Oceans Marathon 2027.

Jacaranda Athletic Club welcomes new athletes and will guide and assist anyone eager to embark on this inspiring journey.

Veteran Jacaranda runner Ebrahim “IB” Seedat celebrates completing his remarkable 26th consecutive Two Oceans Marathon Ultra Marathon, a feat made even more extraordinary as he runs the race barefoot.

Jacaranda athletes Leila Gani and Gwen Tlaka proudly display their medals after successfully completing the challenging 56km Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.

Young Jacaranda runners Rohan Govind, Kusheel Govind and Muhamed Mookadam celebrate their strong performances in the Two Oceans Half Marathon, proudly representing the club’s rising youth talent.

Eighteen-year-old Zahreen Mahomed, a matriculant at Sutherland High School, celebrates her first Two Oceans Half Marathon with her proud parents AQ and Waseemah Mahomed.

Jacaranda Athletic Club ultra runners gather at the Two Oceans Marathon Expo ahead of tackling the demanding 56km ultra marathon in Cape Town.

Jacaranda Athletic Club runner Abdullah Hoosen earned the prestigious Sainsbury Medal after an outstanding performance, finishing the demanding 56km race in an impressive time of 4:51:09.