Two Oceans champs back again
15 March 2006
Defending champion Marco Mambo's entry has been confirmed for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon 56-kilometre ultra event, which takes place on Easter Saturday, 15 April.
Race organisers have confirmed that Russian twin, Elena Nurgalieva, will be also be defending her title.
Elena won the event last year and her sister Olesya was runner up. Olesya has decided to rather take part in the Boston Marathon this time around, which also takes place in April.
Both Marco and Elena will earn their permanent blue numbers if they win their respective races for the third time.
Challengers
Russian Marina Bychkova, who placed third last year, will also be lining up at the start, as will past winner Simone Staicu (2003). Staicu placed a disappointing fourth in 2004 and did not race last year as she was pregnant.
Fifth-placed in 2004, Tatyana Zhirkova, the 2005 Comrades champion, has confirmed her entry and
will be looking to add the coveted 56-kilometre ultra to her list of wins.
Race organisers have also confirmed that Australian half marathon record holder Kerryn McCann will be running the 21-kilometre half marathon. McCann has a personal best of 01:07:48 for the half marathon and has represented Australia in the marathon in the last three Olympic Games.
Entries pouring in
Entries for both the ultra and the half marathon are steadily pouring in and race organisers expect to reach the 10 000 mark for the half marathon and over 8 000 for the ultra.
Many of the qualifying marathons take place during February, which results in the bulk of entries being received during early March. Runners have until 20 March to enter the event.
According to race director Chet Sainsbury, interest in this year's event has been incredible.
"We have hosted a series of workshops around the country and runners have responded favourably to these and
requested we hold more for the 2007 event."
To find out more about the race and for online entries visit the Two Oceans Marathon website.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
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