The Two Oceans Marathon is a world-class, internationally renowned event that’s fondly known as “the world’s most beautiful marathon”, and we can see why. This jewel event boasts natural splendour and spectacular scenery, a sight to behold for all participants.
Even though COVID-19 has disrupted normality in the world, the organisation remains agile to changing environments, especially with the embargo on all mass participation events over the past year.
Given the impact of restrictions on runners at large as well as charities and communities who rely on the support of the event, an alternative platform was provided to the Two Oceans Marathon community in the form of the Two Oceans Marathon Virtual Charity Challenge. This was launched in March 2021 and offered runners a chance to run various distances between 5km and 20km.
The specific focus on running to support philanthropic outcomes was well supported as almost 5 000 runners locally, on the continent and internationally, took up the challenge to Run for Charity.
By the close of the campaign on June 15, more than R232 000 was raised and disbursed to more than 74 charities.
Meanwhile, the preparation for the Two Oceans Marathon, which began in the second quarter, is well underway. According to Race Director Debra Barnes, it seems unlikely that organisers will be able to host the usual complement of runners at the start line. She adds that proposals are being prepared for the relevant stakeholders based on several event permutations, including:
- Hosting the event over more than one day.
- Applying for alternative dates later in the year should a later date mean we are able to host more runners.
- Hosting a hybrid event comprising physical and virtual components.
On the other hand, the inaugural Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run Series will take place in various locations in 2022 in the Western Cape. Each event of varying distances between 12,6km and 30km, will span two days.
Within the current Level 4 framework, up to 1 800 runners will be able to be accommodated per event.
The Two Oceans Marathon Trail Run Series will straddle both east and west coast, and feature spectacular coastlines, rich wetlands, plains, mountain ranges and biodiversity-rich landscapes:
- Leg 1: Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Overstrand
- Leg 2: Nuwejaars Wetlands, Overberg
- Leg 3: Table Mountain National Park
The Series will cater for both novices and experienced trail runners, and the fee will include a medal. Each leg comes with prize money and there’s also a cash prize incentive for an overall male and female Trail Series winner.
Event dates and entry opening dates will be announced later this year.
Picture: Supplied/ Unsplash
