Introducing Your 2026 Bus Drivers

“It’s a small moment of encouragement that makes a lifelong goal come true.” Mduduzi Nhleko.

A marathon pace bus represents the collective working together for individual achievement. It’s a special union between the togetherness and the solo elements of running.

3h00 Bus, Batch A

Paul Thompson, Bongani Bilankulu, Marc Gispert Giron

In this bus, runners can expect: Rhythms and regular updates on when to speed up or slow down and controlled pacing to hit that 3-hour mark at the finish line.

Paul Thompson | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2024

Paul’s highlight in pacing is the excitement of an athlete achieving a goal or PB. He sees pacing as part of giving back to the sport. He cannot wait for runners to turn their goals into reality on race day.

Bongani Bilankulu | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2023

For Bongani, there’s not much more rewarding than watching athletes run their maiden sub 3-hour marathon or reach their goals. He has raced the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon since 2016, witnessing the growth of the race, and he is ecstatic to be part of the journey to becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major.

3h15 Bus, Batch B 

Tebogo Rangoato, Mduduzi Nhleko, Sergio Burgos Urbano, Francisco Javier Moya Madroñal

In this bus, runners can expect: While moving at a pace, this bus will be energetic, organised, and supportive from start to finish. Pacers in this bus refer to the race pace as “a nice cruise through Cape Town.”

Tebogo Rangoato | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2023

Tebogo’s favourite part of pacing a bus is the honour of “delivering passengers” on time, and the appreciation shown at the finish line. To be pacing a provisional Abbott World Marathon Major is nothing short of a privilege and he cannot wait for the exhilarating atmosphere along the route. Tebogo’s advice to runners is to avoid the trap of starting too fast; it’s just one kilometre at a time.

Mduduzi Nhleko | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2024

The scenery and course are major highlights for Mduduzi. With a combination of elite competition and community spirit, he sees the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as a visual experience, where the energy of the event is just as exciting as running the route.A cherished memory from his time pacing was witnessing an athlete rally, after struggling from the 32km mark. With gentle encouragement and steady advice, to “just get to the next water table”, the runner finished strong (proud and surprised!) with the bus.

Sergio Burgos Urbano | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Sergio sees pacing a race as an honour. His first time running in South Africa, he is excited to help others fulfil their race goals and personal bests.

Francisco Javier Moya Madroñal | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

“Pacers are called different things in different places, but in Cape Town you call them bus drivers, and I actually drive a bus, so there’s a certain connection I have with you all.” This will be Francisco’s first time visiting Cape Town. Outside of race day, he cannot wait for the people, the culture, and the food! With the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as a provisional Abbott World Marathon Major – the first on African soil – Francisco is excited to participate and be involved in this historical event.

3h30 Bus, Batch C

Siyanda Gebashe, Marc Orantes Bravo, Robert Dalto, Jason Rippingale

In this bus, runners can expect: Encouragement, entertainment and an even pace that takes the hills and descents into consideration. Every mile marker will have check-ins and updates on how athletes are doing, and words of encouragement will be offered throughout the race. Expect some good and bad jokes, too!

Siyanda Gebashe | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Siyanda takes pride and joy in seeing happy runners that work within the “team” of the bus as they run towards their goal. Since most road runners are not a fan of the hilly sections, his focus is on distracting the bus from the hills. He is excited to run in the same race with runners who have made history.

Marc Orantes Bravo | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Two things Marc is looking forward to are (1) the finish line hugs and (2) seeing Cape Town and exploring the city. Top tip from Marc: “Go easy and enjoy! You are going to run many more marathons :)”

Jason Rippingale | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Armed with a selection of bad jokes for when the going gets tough, Jason makes sure the tough get going, especially in the final 5 kilometres of the race. This will be his first time visiting Cape Town, and he’s excited to do both the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and one of the Cape Town’s parkruns.

3h45 Bus, Batch D

Youssef Kanouni, Mkhululi Jack, Pitso Notshi

In this bus, runners can expect: A quiet and consistent pace and a goal achieved!

Youssef Kanouni | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2013

To get to the finish line with pacing perfection is one of Youssef’s greatest points of pride. His advice for runners on the day is to take it easy and enjoy the beauty that this course has to offer.

Pitso Notshi | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Pitso, also known as the ‘Honeybee’, has been a passenger in many buses and realised the gravity of having people lead him in both races and other places in life. The inspiration to help others was sparked by this, and getting to see people overcome both physical and mental barriers is one of the most rewarding parts of being a small but powerful piece of an athlete’s race.

3h45 Bus, Batch E

Wandile Mahlasela, Welile Mdunge, Scott Southey

In this bus, runners can expect: With this bus, runners can expect a structured race strategy and supportive environment designed to help them reach the finish line on time.

Wandile Mahlasela | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Wandile was inspired to become a pacer primarily by the deep sense of fulfilment he receives when helping other runners achieve their own running goals, such as achieving a PB or just finishing a race on schedule. Pacing has impacted him in so many ways, to become more selfless and involved in connecting with a deeper sense of community.

Welile Mdunge | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Welile’s method is to watch the time, but also to watch people’s faces. She says pacing is about people, not only the splits. She was inspired to pace by the joy of others believing in themselves on the day. She loves using her experience as encouragement and being the voice of belonging, a steady reminder that every athlete has worked to be there. She has seen firsthand how powerful it is when women, in particular, feel seen and supported in sport and she’s there to celebrate that.

Scott Southey | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

This will be Scott’s first time visiting Cape Town and South Africa and he is excited to explore and get to know the city and the people. One of the best feelings for Scott comes from experiencing a runner’s gratitude and joy after the race he has helped them pace. To be pacing at such a historic time in both Cape Town and global history is enormously special and he is honoured to be a part of it.

4h00 Bus, Batch F

Maredi Mphahlele, Aaron Braunstein, Marissa Martz, Moss Seabo

In this bus, runners can expect: Runners can expect a “fun, fast, and fabulous” sub-4 hour marathon. If you like chatting, the pacers are excited to hear. If you prefer listening, they’re happy to share!

Maredi Mphahlele | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2024

Maredi’s desire to help other runners achieve goals is driven by his passion for the running community. He’s always been a runner, but has gained so much from running with a bus, able to focus on consistent movement rather than pressure on keeping a pace. For Maredi, it’s a privilege to be amongst the Official Pace Setters in one of the most exciting marathons on the African continent and the globe.

Aaron Braunstein | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Aaron is excited to explore Cape Town and visit old friends that live in the city. A memory that stands out to him was pacing at the New York City Marathon and running with two people who were strangers at the start, but finished as friends. The smiles and the memories made are what make a marathon special for Aaron.

Marissa Martz | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

While this might be Marissa’s debut pacing at Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, she’s by no means a stranger to the city. She got married in South Africa (to Rick, pacing in Batch M) and cannot wait to experience the city by running through it. She loves witnessing first-time marathon runners run through the race and finish with pride and overwhelming emotion at their achievement.

Moss Seabo | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2023

Moss offers controlled pacing and good vibes. He is looking forward to the incredible atmosphere on the route and helping encourage runners by offering the same energy throughout the race.

4h00 Bus, Batch G

Veruschke Juries, Tavon Petersen, Paul Addicott 

Veruschke Juries | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2016

Veruschke adores seeing runners achieve their goals and will do her best to make a race memorable, whether it’s for a PB or about the vibe. She worries about the time so runners don’t need to; rather, their energy can go to their feet and the feat of what they’re doing.

Tavon Petersen | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2023

Tavon’s favourite part of pacing is helping runners achieve their goal and targets. He is expecting an incredible atmosphere with support along the route with the race being a provisional Abbott World Marathon Major.

Paul Addicott | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Paul’s excited to be part of pacing the #funbus. He is well versed in delivering support, encouragement, fun and a consistent smile. He can’t wait to experience Cape Town with his family and watch those striving for a goal, achieve it on race day.

4h15 Bus, Batch H 

John Legoale, Bjorn Arshad, Smangele Mkhulise

In this bus, runners can expect: Good vibes, great pacing and motivational talks will be on offer, along with “Belgian grit” and “Jean-Claude Van Damme precision splits”. No man is left behind on this bus, expect massive support and encouragement.

John Legoale | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2023

John is most excited to be toeing the line in the same race as Eliud Kipchoge, and to pace a provisional Abbott World Marathon Major.

Bjorn Arshad | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Bjorn is excited to be a part of a race that offers iconic Table Mountain views and the incredible energy of the local crowds. For him, every race is a masterpiece. His encouragement to runners: “You won the lottery, this is the easy part ;)”

Smangele Mkhulise | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

A highlight memory for Smangele was delivering a bus filled with first-time passengers who were running on panic mode. Helping them relax into the race and enjoy, not stress, is something that fills her with pride and excitement.

4h15 Bus, Batch I

Tumelo Gidion Motshabi, Akram Shalabi, Carrie Miller

In this bus, runners can expect: A healthy dose of positive energy, consistent pacing, and, all in all, a fun and successful marathon!

Tumelo Motshabi | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2024

Tumelo believes in teamwork and collaborating with others to achieve a common goal. This is a belief that was founded in running and leading a group towards the finish line.

Carrie Miller | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

This will be Carrie’s first time not only in Cape Town, but in Africa. She cannot wait to meet incredible runners and be a part of history in the making. Her go-to strategy for a first-time marathon runner is to find a feasible time based on their training. This takes the stress of pacing off and puts the focus on staying positive!

4h30 Bus, Batch I

JP Juries, Phaphama Malusi, Samkelo Sithole

In this bus, runners can expect: A bus of fun but disciplined running that gets there in perfect time!

JP Juries | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2018

For JP, becoming a pacesetter means more than just being someone carrying a flag .It’s about seeing athletes progress as they achieve goals and make their dreams a reality. He’s excited about making the race easier for athletes by “doing the hard work” and managing the splits.

Samkelo Sithole | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2024

Samkelo’s highlight in pacing is witnessing the happy and grateful faces at the end of each successful bus delivery. With the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as a provisional Abbott World Marathon Majors, Samkelo’s proud to know that he is making a contribution towards something this big, not only for the country, but Africa in general.

4h45 Bus, Batch J

Anthony Rimbault, Zolani Mayekiso, Natasha Felix 

In this bus, runners can expect: Consistent and clean pacing that allows runners to enjoy the atmosphere and soak up the setting!

Anthony Rimbault | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Anthony loves to help a fellow runner in accomplishing their time or goal. For him, being a part of this race in 2026 and beyond is a privilege and an honour. He sees pacers as participants that are there to serve and help everyone on race day, allowing them to enjoy the ride.

Zolani “Slyza” Mayekiso | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Zolani sees pacesetters as leaders, dream carriers, motivators, and athletes who give up their own goals to help other runners achieve theirs. This is what sparked his journey to pacing. He loves the connection with other runners, conversations and sharing the experiences.

Natasha Felix | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2024

When Natasha started running professionally, support became her biggest need and finding women’s support was an especially big challenge. She became a pacesetter with the focus to assist everyone in reaching their goals, with a deeper focus on supporting women.

5h00 Bus, Batch J, The Bus4Us

Ashraf Orrie, Magdaleen (Maggie) Kemp, Natasha Arndt

In this bus, runners can expect: Known as the Bus4Us, this is regarded as one of the pace buses that has the most fun. The 42.2 kilometre road will never feel lonely, with laughter, chatter, and encouragement ringing out through the morning. Whether you’re with them for 2km or 42km, you’re part of the crew.

Ashraf Orrie | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2022

“Mr O” is an artist at pacing, and getting novice marathon runners over the line in time is his craft. He adores the cheer zone and soaking up Cape Town’s vibes.

Magdaleen (Maggie) Kemp | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2023

Maggie sees running as a uniting force that bridges runners and communities. She cannot wait to welcome novice and returning runners and to encourage those that might fall behind on the day.

Natasha Arndt | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2023

Witnessing an athlete push past doubt – chipping away at the kilometres – to not only hit their goal, but also enjoy their race is a highlight that Natasha takes into pacing. For her, that is the moment it all comes together, with a bit of grit, a bit of support, and a whole lot of JOY.

4h30 Bus, Batch K

Richard Moeti, Andrew Aguirre, Zola Jozana

In this bus, runners can expect: Runners can expect sharing of stories and a fun bus full of encouragement and race strategy along with consistent splits each kilometre.

Richard Moeti | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Richard is excited about being part of this monumental event, at sea level, and where the pace is easy to maintain. He recently paced a marathon with 1000 metres of elevation, so running in Cape Town is an exciting next event after that! For him, being part of an Abbott World Marathon Major event and being selected as one of the pacers is a great honour.

Andrew Aguirre | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

One of the parts of pacing that Andrew looks forward to most is witnessing someone execute a race well with the legs to accelerate at the end. He sees the South African running community as strong and inspiring and is confident that Cape Town will represent well as a Major.

4h45 Bus, Batch K

Tumo Mokhatla, Gary Dixon, Lettie Mashimbyi

In this bus, runners can expect: Music, singing and dancing; this is a real party bus from start to finish.

Gary Dixon | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Gary’s favourite part of pacing is being trusted by runners and memories of finishing with his bus passengers are among his most “treasured possessions”. Having paced all other Abbott World Marathon Major races, this will be a continuation of his pacing journey. He understands and respects the importance of pacing buses in South Africa and is excited to embrace the event and everything it will bring.

Lettie Mashimbyi | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Coming from Johannesburg, Lettie is most excited for the smell of the ocean (bring on the loop!) One highlight memory was watching runners race through the wind and rain at the Johannesburg City Marathon. Watching runners finish strong despite the conditions reminds her that pacing is knowing when to hold them – and releasing them to fly when they are ready.

5h00 Bus, Batch L

Hanno Loubser, Reneé Cupido, Paul Miller

In this bus, runners can expect: This bus runs, laughs, conquers, and throws in a few whoop-whoops along the way!

5h15 Bus, Batch L

Allison Smith, Paul Vining 

In this bus, runners can expect: Expect a pace that starts easy and steadily gets through the kilometres so something is left in the tank at the end.

Allison Smith | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Seeing runners achieve their goals and pushing through doubt fills Allison with pride as a pacer. She’s watched pace groups start with nerves and end in smiles. She is excited to showcase Cape Town as a world-class city.

Paul Vining | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

This will be Paul’s first time visiting Africa and he is excited to be bringing a crowd with him! His favourite part of pacing is watching novices complete their first marathon. His top tip is to get a good night’s sleep two nights before the marathon, as nerves often creep up the night before.

5h30 Bus, Batch M

Rudolph Bekker, Amie Benson

In this bus, runners can expect: Consistent and careful even pacing with ample time at the water stops to take on nutrition and hydration is the name of this bus’ game.

Amie Benson | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

This is Amie’s first time visiting Africa and she is excited to soak up the sights, experiences, and flavours of South Africa. One of her most memorable pacing experiences was her first time pacing a marathon. An athlete, inspired, signed up and asked at 5km how long the race was. With no tangible idea what distance he had ahead, he finished his race and earned a well-deserved medal! Amie looks forward to helping other athletes achieve theirs in May.

5h45 Bus, Batch M

Bothwell Matewe, Rick Ganzi

In this bus, runners can expect: With honest pacing and an open strategy, this bus has a celebration for each kilometre clocked. Walk breaks, enough time at the water points and a vibe throughout the day is what is on offer.

Bothwell Matewe | Started pacing Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in 2023

Bothwell sees pacing the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as both an honour and an opportunity to learn. With many highlight memories pacing, he is excited to add more to the bank.

Rick Ganzi | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Living abroad, but visiting South Africa for a month, Rick’s biggest point of excitement is to watch runners finish with a smile on their face. He got married in South Africa (his wife is pacing in Batch F), and sees the opportunity to pace as a special experience.

6h00 Bus, Batch N

JC Santa Teresa, Jeanette Santa Teresa, Susan Ledsom

In this bus, runners can expect: A great deal of fun, high energy, and good vibes will be the order of the day.

JC Santa Teresa | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Visiting Cape Town, JC is excited to immerse in the culture and get to know people before and on race day and to be able to contribute and help runners reach their goal. JC’s top tip is to trust the training and just relax and enjoy the race.

Susan Ledsom | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

Susan is looking forward to the fantastic support on the route and to run with iconic views as part of the route’s unique features.

6h30 Bus/Angel Bus Batch N

Shahieda Thungo, Thomas Perri

In this bus, runners can expect:Over 50 years of running knowledge from Thomas, runners can expect insights and fun along the way.

Thomas Perri | Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Pacing Debut

“The final bus of the race is all about equal effort.” This is the fifth continent Thomas is racing on, and he is thrilled at the prospect of sightseeing (Table Mountain and penguins are high on the list!) and experiencing local meals. Pacing a provisional Abbott World Marathon Majors inspires Thomas to be the best he can be.