The 26th edition of the Totalsports Two Oceans 21.1km Half Marathon, held on Sunday, 6 April 2025, will forever be remembered for the remarkable victory of local hero, William Kaptein. The 32-year-old from Robertson captivated the crowd, who erupted in song as he crossed the finish line, celebrating his unprecedented win.
Kaptein's triumph was even more significant as he became the first athlete from the Western Cape to win the half marathon since Makhosonke Fika's victory in 1998. But it wasn’t just the win itself that left a lasting impression—it was the way he won.
During a media conference ahead of the race, Kaptein confidently predicted his victory, and he backed up his words with an extraordinary performance. At 4km into the race, Kaptein surged ahead on the climb up Edinburgh Drive, leaving the field in his wake. Boxer athlete Bennet Seloyi, who finished second, reflected on the moment:
We all thought he had gone too early and that we would surely catch him before the finish. But he never came back.
The race quickly became a chase as Kaptein powered ahead. By the time he crested Edinburgh Drive, he was already 100 meters clear. His pursuers, including Seloyi, former winner Namakoe Nkhasi, and Kenyan Reuben Mosip, struggled to close the gap. Kaptein continued to extend his lead, passing the halfway mark in 32:30, 21 seconds ahead of Mosip, with Seloyi, Nkhasi, and others trailing behind.
Kaptein, ever aware of the chasing pack, maintained his composure, even as his competitors launched attacks.
I knew they would be coming for me on the downhill, so I opened up on that stretch and increased my pace as well.
As the race neared its final stages, Kaptein's control over the race was evident. At 15km, he had increased his lead to 22 seconds over the chasing trio of Nkhasi, Seloyi, and Mosip. Even as the challengers dug deep to close the gap, Kaptein held firm.
I was confident, and I allowed myself some time to enjoy the moment.
In the end, Kaptein crossed the line in 1:04:41, just two seconds ahead of Seloyi, who had given everything in pursuit but fell short. Nkhasi, the former course record holder, completed the podium, finishing 8 seconds behind Seloyi. The top ten finishers were separated by less than two minutes, with Collen Mulaudzi rounding out the group in 1:06:31.
For Kaptein, this victory marked the pinnacle of a long journey.
I promised my fiancée that I would win. And I kept my word.
Kaptein's path to victory was not without its challenges. After a promising start in athletics, he had to step away from the sport due to personal circumstances. But with the support of his coach, Ernie Gruhn, and the motivation of his past achievements, Kaptein made a stunning comeback in the past three years.
Reflecting on his return to the sport, Kaptein shared his gratitude for the guidance he received early in his career.
I was one of the first graduates of Elana Van Zyl’s Endurocad programme in 2015. I received incredible support, and it helped me believe in myself. When my contract ended, I returned to Robertson, where opportunities were scarce, and I fell away from the sport. But I’ve worked hard to get back, and now I’m seeing the results.
Looking ahead, Kaptein has big ambitions. He aims to compete in the 2028 Olympics, with a focus on the marathon.
I hope to run under 29 minutes in the ABSA 10km in a few weeks, and from there, we will decide how to shape my future. My dream is to race in the 2028 Olympics, and I believe my best chance is in the marathon.
Kaptein’s journey, from Robertson to victory in Cape Town, is a testament to perseverance and determination. With strong support from family, friends, and his coach, he is poised for even greater achievements.
I have support in many places, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
Kaptein’s victory at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon is not just a personal achievement, but a moment of pride for the entire Western Cape. It’s a victory that will be remembered for years to come, not just for the win, but for the heart, determination, and confidence Kaptein showed on the road to his success.
