Oscar Von Platen, a runner who participated in the Two Oceans Marathon over the weekend (11 to 12 April), took to his social media, sharing that he had been robbed while taking part in the marathon, ultimately ruining his experience, Cape {town} Etc reports.
On Instagram, he shared:
‘Dear Two Oceans Marathon, my race day was ruined. Needless to say, after an amazing time on the road, I learnt that my car was broken into and that my personal belongings were stolen from the boot, including my ID, driver’s licence, and bank cards, which were totally milked dry of all the money on them.‘
He noted that he had parked his vehicle in a paid parking spot that promised safety and security, with on-site car guards. Von Platen claimed that the Two Oceans organisers allowed non-drivers and non-paying individuals into the parking premises of Groote Schuur High School, where his car was parked.
‘You had security that was not patrolling and had people scouting the parking area for possible vehicles to break into. This is horrendous. I am in a state and completely at my wits’ end. I am in a situation that nobody wants to be in, never mind worrying about possibly not being able to get on a flight tomorrow because I have no identification on hand.‘
Von Platen went on to finish the marathon, noting his mixed feelings about the stressful experience.
‘Despite everything that happened, by grace, resilience, strength and courage, I conquered my second Oceans with a massive PB, improving by 40 minutes one year later. It was a joyous experience overall and one that every runner deserves to enjoy, and one that I will do again and again.‘
Von Platen’s posts have received a lot of support from fellow runners, but, reportedly, organisers of the event have yet to respond to his claims. While Two Oceans has reached out privately to Von Platen, stating that management will soon contact him, there have been no updates, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Von Platen’s posts certainly place some pressure on Two Oceans, given that he has built himself a small platform on social media through his running journey, which began in 2022 when he undertook the Absa Joburg 10k as his first road race, as reported by The Citizen.
According to the publication, his life changed in July 2014 when he tore all his ankle ligaments while on an overseas school tour with badminton learners. He was told that he would ultimately have lost all use of his foot without surgical intervention.
Following three surgeries and years of recovery, teacher and Department head at Alberton High School, Von Platen encourages his students to strive for the best, stating, ‘As the school’s cross-country coach, I have made it my goal to not just stand on the sidelines but to join the training and practice.‘
Von Platen has competed in several races, including the Dis-Chem Half-Marathon and the Johnson Crane Hire Marathon in 2024, as well as the Edenvale Marathon and PPT: Round and Round the Garden 50km Ultra this year.
Also Read:
South Africa’s marathon crowned the world’s most in-demand race
Picture: Andrew Durkin / Pexels
