Huge field for Two Oceans
11 April 2006
A record field of over 18 000 runners will be taking part in this year's Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon on Easter Saturday, 15 April.
Some of the country's top runners will take part, including both the men's and women's defending champions, Marco Mambo and Elena Nurgalieva.
The ultra- and half-marathons have also drawn over 1 300 international runners from 60 countries. Participants are split evenly between the two events.
The 56-kilometre ultra-marathon has attracted over 8 000 runners, one of the biggest fields in the history of the race. The largest was in 2004, when the route returned to Chapman's Peak and had close to 10 000 participants.
The 21-kilometre half-marathon has broken all records and has the biggest field ever with just over 10 000 runners taking part. This also makes it the biggest half-marathon in the country.
This year's event is also planning to set new records in terms of support along the route,
emulating many of the overseas marathons that are famous for their record support.
Race organisers have identified the spectator spots along the route: Main Road – Lakeside, Fish Hoek, Silvermine Road intersection, Noordhoek Village – just before Chapman's Peak starts, Hout Bay beach, Constantia Nek, Cecelia Forest – along Rhodes Drive, outside Kirstenbosch Gardens and Union Avenue towards the University of Cape Town (UCT). Spectators are encouraged to make a morning of it and show their support for the runners.
Said Old Mutual sponsorship manager, Tony Lankester: "As title sponsors of this popular road running event, we are thrilled at the support participants have shown for this event. Having a record field in the half-marathon, and one of the biggest ultra fields plus a host of top runners, makes for a great event and a worthwhile endeavour for us and other sponsors."
Runners and walkers not doing the 56-kilometre or 21-kilometre events can still be part of one
of the world's most beautiful marathons by taking part in the Old Mutual fun runs on Easter Friday, 14 April at the University of Cape Town's sports fields. Participants can choose from a 2.5km, 5km or 8km fun run or walk, which start from 11am onwards.
The oldest runner in the 8km Fun Run is 102-year-old Philip Rabinowitz. Gert Koen, aged 80, is the oldest competitor in the 21-kilometre race, while the oldest contestant in the ultra-marathon is 76-year-old Des Robins.
Rand Athletic Club, with 398 runners, has entered the most athletes, followed by Varsity Old Boys with 370, and Mr Price Celtic Harriers with 333.
Entries will be taken on the sports fields at UCT from Wednesday afternoon up until half an hour before the various fun runs start. For more fun run information email the organisers or call (021) 671 9407.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
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