"It means a lot" - 4x champion Mokoka eyes 5th straight Two Oceans 21km podium against young guns

Boasting a handsome CV including five gold medals, four of which are victories, Stephen Mokoka is one of the most decorated runners to ever compete in the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon powered by BYD and he's looking forward to add to his golden collection when he lines up again on 12 April.

South Africa's second fastest half marathoner of all time (59:36) has fond memories of the race he won on debut in 2009 in 1:03:42 after defeating the likes of Lusapho April and Tshamano Setone to lead a new generation of local distance runners onto the national stage. Mokoka who is now a member of the exclusive Blue Number Club - an honour given to those who have completed the race at least ten times, says Two Oceans remains close to his heart.

The 2019 Two Oceans Half Marathon men's podium. Elroy Gelant won the race (1:03:20), Jobo Khatonae was second in 1:03:31 and Mokoka took third in 1:03:37. Mokoka is targeting another podium finish on 12 April. Photo Credit: Rhyn Swanepoel.

"When I first did it I saw how people go for their Easter Holidays and support their families on the road. The support we get from the crowd is amazing. I’ve won it four times and finished third once. The short cut to getting a Blue Number is to win it three times. So I was very happy to realise that I have a Blue Number. It’s historic as well. It means a lot."

Now 41 years old, the Hollywood Athletics Club legend returns to the half marathon for the first time since 2019 when he claimed third position. The former 50km World Record holder’s decision to take part in the 21km after running the 56km race in 2024 and 2025, is based on a need to test his fitness before racing the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon on 24 May.

Mokoka completes the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. He has decided to race the 21km event this year as he prepares for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. Photo Credit: Action Photo.

"It's part of preparation but every time you go to a race you must give your A-Game. The Two Oceans Half Marathon is not pancake flat. In fact, the elevation gain of the entire 21km is more or less the same as that of the Cape Town Marathon. So for me it’s a test to see if my body is strong yet. If it's not strong then I can come back to training and push a bit of work."

Lining up against the likes of defending champion Bennett Seloyi, 59:52 21km athlete Thabang Mosiako, the in-form George Kusche and local hero Anthony Timotheus, Mokoka is correct in his assertion that he will need all of his A-Game to continue his streak of five podium finishes from as many starts.

“All I’m going to try and do is get a better position. I finished third last time I ran, so I’m hopeful that this time around I’ll finish in a better position.”