Men caught competing as women in prestigious South African marathon | Olympics News
Two Men Disqualified from Two Oceans Marathon Following Bib Swap Incident
Published April 17, 2026
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Two men were disqualified from the Two Oceans Marathon after they finished in the top ten of the women’s race, following an attempted bib swap. The incident occurred on April 12 during the annual event, which features a 56-kilometer ultramarathon and a 21.1-kilometer half-marathon, attracting over 16,000 participants.
Luke Jacobs and Nic Bradfield crossed the finish line in seventh and tenth place, respectively, but their results were invalidated when a board member uncovered the scheme. This revelation allowed two female runners, who had initially placed outside the top ten, to receive recognition for their performances.
Stuart Mann, a member of the Two Oceans Marathon board, emphasized that both men will face disciplinary action from the marathon’s subcommittee, labeling their actions as a significant disservice to honest competitors.
“The integrity of the event is paramount, and cheating undermines the achievements of all athletes,” Mann said.
Swapping bibs has become increasingly common in marathons, but it carries serious risks, Mann explained. “It is not only unethical but also poses health risks in emergencies, where incorrect medical information may be provided,” he stated.
Jacobs admitted to misjudgment in a written apology, explaining that he had borrowed a bib assigned to Larissa Parekh, a runner registered for the women’s race. The incident came to light when Jacobs posted photos of himself on social media, prompting scrutiny regarding the bib featuring a different name.
Race officials were also alerted by discrepancies in the electronic timing data. Both Jacobs and Bradfield’s actions were further exposed when it was revealed that Bradfield had competed under a bib belonging to Tegan Garvey, who had withdrawn from the race due to a hip injury.
“I felt bad giving up my race entry, so my friend ran in my place,” Garvey said. Parekh has not provided a clear explanation for her involvement in the incident.
As a result of their actions, both Jacobs and Bradfield face potential two-year bans from participating in the Two Oceans Marathon.
