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The Two Oceans Marathon is South Africa's premier ultramarathon event. Held each year in Cape Town and named after both Atlantic and Indian oceans, it first started back in 1970 as a training run for Comrades but, only later on in 1975 were women and people of colour allowed to join.
The Course
The Two Oceans Marathon follows a picturesque course from Newlands through Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and Hout Bay before returning back towards Newlands along its final stretch along the beach to finish line.
This marathon boasts one of the world's most scenic marathon routes, offering spectacular sweeping views over both Atlantic ocean and mountains of Cape Peninsula on each side of the race route. Additionally, this course has varied scenery that ranges from open roads with wide shoulders to challenging climbs with sharp turns at every bend.
Running enthusiasts can gain entry to the race by showing qualifying times from any officially timed and measured marathon or ultramarathon, or by competing in any physically long distance road race in South Africa, or, failing this, by providing valid certificates of participation from virtual events.
Gerda Steyn maintained her dominance of South African ultra-distance running by winning her fourth consecutive Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town on Saturday morning. Hailing from Bothaville in the Free State, 33-year-old Gerda broke her own women's record at this 56km race with an amazing 3:29:06 victory time.
Winners
Steyn's time was well ahead of Ethiopian athlete Amelework Fikadu Bosho who shocked everyone by finishing in 3 hours 41 minutes 29 seconds for second place overall, Carla Molinaro taking third and Zimbabwean athlete Givemore Mudzinganyama coming third on the podium.
On race day, runners receive enthusiastic support from spectators as they attempt to #ConquerTheCurrent course. Thousands of spectators gather and offer encouragement as runners head around grueling course.
Suikerbossie Pass presents one of the toughest challenges to runners at the end of each race, serving as an endurance test that many find hard to finish. Screams from supporters can serve as motivation to power you over this steep incline – just remember it will all be worth your while in the end!
CHECK OUT OUR RUNNING COURSESThe Atmosphere
Even though this race is one of the world's toughest, its atmosphere remains friendly and welcoming. Runners can expect thousands of enthusiastic spectators along their route and when approaching the finish. Cheers of encouragement from spectators help make it feel more like an event to celebrate than an athletic contest.
The course itself is stunning, offering runners the breathtaking sights along Cape Town's rugged coastline and along both Indian and Atlantic oceans. Though challenging at times, this experience should not be missed!
OMTOM introduced the Two Oceans Marathon Relay event as an additional component to their race this year, giving teams of six people from across different locations to compete over the same route as an ultra marathon race. This new event caters for athletes who don't meet 56km qualification standards as well as former runners whose bodies no longer allow them to complete it fully.
Tough Course
2 Oceans Marathon is well known for its challenging course and incredible performances, but also has a rich history of incredible feats. It first kicked off in 1970 when only 26 runners competed; by 1976 Lesotho-born international marathoner Gabashane Rakabaele became its inaugural black winner, setting several remarkable records along the way including becoming one of only five men ever to have won both Comrades and Two Oceans on consecutive years!
OMTOM course is notoriously challenging, often being called “Comrades Lite.” Even Boston's Heartbreak Hill can't compare to Constantia Nek's treacherously steep climb before reaching the finish line.
This race draws elite runners from around the globe and features an attractive prize pool to rival Comrades. Additionally, it serves as an important qualifying race for athletes aiming to run Comrades two months later. If you are an athlete seeking a major challenge or simply appreciate spectacular scenery – then this should definitely be on your bucket list!
Accommodation
Camps Bay's accommodation fills quickly as events approach, so we suggest booking early to secure the ideal room or mansion you desire – such as one bedroom Camps Bay holiday homes offering incredible ocean views, or four-bedroom Bali Place mansions featuring cellar, jacuzzi, private pool, four large en suite bedrooms and an office all just minutes from Bakoven Beach or Bakoven Island.
Beginning its inaugural event in 1970, the 2 Oceans Marathon is often touted as one of the world's most scenic marathons. Following a scenic course around Cape Peninsula featuring Chapman's Peak, Hout Bay, Constantia Nek and more runners can experience mesmerizing views of both Atlantic and Indian Oceans along the route – not for fainthearted! At 56 kilometers distance runners can choose to either run full or half marathon distance.
Other events
The Old Mutual 2 Oceans Marathon takes place over Easter weekend and has earned itself the reputation as “the world's most beautiful marathon”. Boasting both an ultramarathon (56km) and half-marathon (21) routes, runners of all levels come out for this runner's extravaganza.
Starting in Newlands, both races take an outward route through Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Chapman's Peak Drive (formerly closed due to risk of rock falls), Hout Bay and Constantia Nek before finishing on the University of Cape Town campus. Chapman's Peak Drive had previously been closed off to runners due to rock fall risk; however after spending R156 million and engineering feats was reopened and added back onto the route.
The Two Oceans Marathon offers several fringe races beyond its main event, such as fun runs and trail runs as well as a relay race, providing runners with an ideal opportunity to form lifelong relationships with runners from across the globe.
Cape Town offers plenty of other outdoor activities for those not taking part in the official run, from hiking along its scenic cliffs to cycling past some of the world's most breathtaking vineyards – there is something special to enjoy all year round in this vibrant and welcoming city.
Cape Town is best explored on foot, and an excellent way to begin is with a walking tour, where you'll discover historic landmarks while getting exercise at the same time. If you're feeling more daring, why not experience tandem skydives or even jump off one of the highest bungees in the world?! For something different try diving or snorkelling along its coast; South Africa boasts some incredible marine life that lies just offshore! Alternatively you could visit one of its stunning beaches; many can be found just outside Cape Town city proper.
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