Two Oceans Marathon
The Two Oceans Marathon ( official name of Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon to the sponsor Old Mutual ) is one of the most important sporting events in South Africa. It is held annually in Cape Town since 1970. Date is Easter Saturday since 1976. The main route is a 56 km long ultramarathon; also a half marathon has been offered since 1998.
Route
The Ultra Marathon route begins in the Newlands district, leads between Muizenberg and Fish Hoek on the False Bay on the Atlantic Ocean along and then crossed the Cape Peninsula over Chapman's Peak. Then passes by on the coastal road a few miles back on the Atlantic Ocean and from there to the finish on the campus of the University of Cape Town at the foot of Table Mountain. In total, over 500 meters in altitude uphill and overcome about 450 meters in altitude downhill, most of them on the second half of the course. Because of the spectacular views of the Two Oceans Marathon is considered one of the most beautiful courses around the world. The name Two Oceans is therefore not entirely correct, because the route passes only on the Atlantic Ocean along. The Indian Ocean does not begin until at Cape Agulhas which lies about 150 km east of Cape Town.
The half marathon route turns in Wynberg west of the ultra distance from and flows to the north of Constantia back into it. Here are just 300 meters uphill and overcome some 200 vertical meters downhill.
History
The first race took place in 1970 with 26 participants and should only be a training run for the Comrades Marathon. Then, however, the term quickly became a stand-alone event. In 1974, for the first time some woman, but did not reach the target in the prescribed time. 1975 non-white runners were first registered. A year later there was the first black winner.
Since 1979, anyone who wins the race three times, has five times won a gold medal ten times or has completed it within the time limit, honored with a permanent starting number in blue.
In 1988, Thompson Magawana to the still existing track record and world best scoring over 30 miles and 50 km.
Since the end of apartheid, the term also attracts top foreign athletes and amateur runners. In 1998, one half marathon a, the largest number of participants in South Africa is now, and extended the time limit for the ultra runners from six to six and a half hours. 2000 led to a current target deadline of seven hours.
After a landslide rockfall in January 2000, the Atlantic route was blocked for security for several years. Meanwhile, elaborate security fences were erected, so that the classical route could be reopened.
Rules and Medals
Condition of participation in the Ultra Marathon is one of completed under five hour marathon within the past six months.
For the ultra-marathon finisher, there are five categories of medals: gold for the first ten, silver for all the others who have remained less than four hours, a Sainsbury medal for runners who have spent less than five hours, bronze for all who have undercut the original time limit of six hours, and blue for the other runners who have mastered the route within seven hours.
Statistics
Track records
Ultra Marathon
- Men: 3:03:44 h, Thompson Magawana (RSA ), 1988
- Women: 3:30:36 h, Frith van der Merwe (RSA ), 1989
Half Marathon
- Men: 1:02:54 h, Cuthbert Nyasango (ZIM ), 2006
- Women: 1:12:39 h, René Kalmer (RSA ), 2009
Fastest Runner 2012
Ultra Marathon
- Men: Stephen Muzhingi (ZIM ), 3:08:07
- Women: Jelena Nurgalijewa (RUS ) 3:41:54
Half Marathon
- Men: Xolisa Tyali (RSA ) 1:04:52
- Women: René Kalmer (RSA ) 1:15:00
Finisher 2009
- Ultramarathon: 5824 (4478 men and 1346 women), 46 more than last year
- Half Marathon: 10,615 ( 5856 men and 4759 women), 997 more than last year
List of winners
Sources: website of the organizer, ARRS