Nic Bradfield Archives - The Running Mann

1st May 20261st May 2026

The Running Moan: Why Bib Banditting is Wrong

As I write this (wearing my Running Mann hat) I can tell you (wearing my board hat) that there are 91 reported cases of bib banditting in the Two Oceans half marathon and four in the ultra marathon. I am sure that there are some more that haven’t been uncovered – yet – but the overall number is likely somewhere between 100 and 200.

This is still a tiny fraction of the overall field. Most people follow the rules and abhor those that don’t. If you banditted you are in the minority. This is not a case where everyone is doing it. There will always be one or two people who “didn’t know I was doing anything wrong” but the majority of those who banditted (and those who defend the bandits) are consciously delinquent.

23rd April 2026

Karin-Mari scores a sponsor (silver linings over silver medals)

I have some great news to share. There is indeed a silver lining to the BrahGate saga: This morning Karin-Mari Dötze, the 10^th placed lady at this year’s Two Oceans half marathon, officially signed with Nedbank and became a sponsored athlete.

21st April 202629th April 2026

Karin-Mari’s Story (How Two Morons Stole her Special Moment)

[Sunday 12 April, 07:39, University of Cape Town, Finish Line].

There is just one gold medal remaining at the 2026 Two Oceans Marathon. Twenty were handed out at Saturday’s ultra and 19 have been claimed so far at the half marathon. Who will claim the 10^th placed ladies’ position?

Two Oceans hosts the country’s largest, richest and most prestigious half marathon. It attracts a strong international field. All of today’s medals have been won by professional athletes – most of them from other countries. But then there’s a surprise. Instead of yet another purple Hollywood or green Nedbank vest adding to their weekend’s medal tally, a diminutive figure in the black and white of Jeppe Athletic Club rounds the corner and hits the finish straight.