South African runner William Kaptein faces the likely annulment of his historic Two Oceans Half-Marathon win earlier this year after testing positive for a banned substance.
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) confirmed that Kaptein received a one-month suspension after cannabis was detected in his urine sample following the April race.
Kaptein, 32, made headlines when he became the first South African to win the Two Oceans Half-Marathon since 1998, clocking 64:41 over the shortened 20.6km course.
He narrowly edged national half-marathon champion Bennett Seloyi by just two seconds.
However, under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2025 Prohibited List, cannabinoids are banned during competition, making the presence of THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) a violation on race day.
“I never imagined this could happen”
In a public statement shared on Facebook, Kaptein claimed the result came as a shock.
“Two nights before my race, I smoked hookah at a party, as I often do in social settings, but I later learned the hookah had been spiked with weed without my knowledge. I never imagined something like this could happen.”
While cannabis is legal in South Africa for private use, elite athletes remain subject to international anti-doping rules.
The Two Oceans Marathon enforces a strict policy aligned with both SAIDS and WADA standards.
Initially handed a three-month suspension, Kaptein’s ban was reduced to one month after he completed a SAIDS-sanctioned substance abuse treatment programme – exactly the same as what Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada did following his positive test for cocaine.
Cannabis is not considered performance-enhancing, but its use can still result in penalties under current regulations.
‘Learned my lesson’
Kaptein, who has since returned to competition, said the experience has changed his outlook.
“I’ve learned my lesson and am back in competition now, feeling motivated and ready to move forward. Next year, I’ll be back for that race again.”
Neither SAIDS nor Athletics South Africa (ASA) has confirmed whether Kaptein’s race result will be officially disqualified, but if standard protocol is followed, his victory is expected to be voided.
However, ASA has confirmed that the appeals process runs out on Tuesday, 19 August and that they have to wait until then to officially release the final set of results.
What percentage of runners these days do you believe are ‘clean’?
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