'Not easy to predict the winner' - Bosman targets another Two Oceans podium

With the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon just a few days away, Lloyd Bosman is regarded as one of the top contenders to win the title that goes with a cheque of R250 000 on April 5. The 37-year-old Nedbank Running Club top runner came agonizingly close to winning the race last year. Bosman was well in touch with the leading group in Constantia Nek at 46km then he was the summit Chet's Hills with a 12 second lead. But Onalenna Khonkhobe's remarkable speed came to the fore in the closing stages to chest the finish line tape in 3:09:30. Bosman took second place in 3:09:58. Now preparing to tackle the race again, Bosman says the preparations have gone well leading up to a big day.

"I would say the training has been good up to this point. The fitness level has been excellent and I'm quite ready for the big day," said Bosman, who hails in Pacaltsdorp in George.

Bosman has a good Totalsports Two Oceans record. He took 12th position in 2023 and 2nd place last year. Photo Credit: Future Life.

Having raced so much last year - he won the Balwin Sport Peninsula Marathon in February 2024 - Bosman explained the reason why he has opted for a change in the program leading to this season's Two Oceans race. He has only participated in two 10km events this year. 

"I think last year I did a lot of marathons so I decided to change how I do things this year. So now, I focus on doing more long runs instead of running quite often. I think I have enough mileage to take me through the finish line. Plus we've got a bigger goal in mind as in a year or two, I'll focus more on the Comrades Marathon. It is important to see how I'm going to respond to a new way of doing things," he explained.

Bosman on his way to winning the 2024 Balwin Sport Peninsula Marathon. He ran fewer 42km races in the lead up to tackling the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon this year. Photo credit: Action Photo.

Despite being considered amongst favorites, Bosman believes the strong competition from former winners Khonkhobe and Givemore Mudzinganyama, as well as Olympian Steven Mokoka and two-time gold medalist Nkosikhona Mhlwakana will make the race more tactical.

"I don't think I'm quite the favourite to win the race. From the competition of Khonkhobe, Givemore, Mokoka and Mhlakwana coming back means it's going to be an interesting race. There is still Flavio Sehohle who I know is training hard to be ready for the race. So the race, I think will be more tactical like it has happened in the last few years. I don't think it will be easy to predict the winner," he said.

Regarding the targets, Bosman still aims for the time instead of the position. "On my side, I need to dip under 3 hours 10 minutes on race day. That's the target I have set myself. Regarding the position, I'll be happy with any position that my time can afford me."