Virtual Two Oceans Marathon to boost charities

SEVERAL Cape Town-based charities have been identified as beneficiaries of this year’s innovative Two Oceans Marathon, which is being held virtually due to the pandemic.

Runners have been given a window period from March 30 to April 30, 2021, to complete their race in any of the following distances: 5.6km, 10km and 20km.

GivenGain, the official charity fundraising partner of the Two Oceans Marathon (TOM), will raise much-needed funds for civil society organisations working in vulnerable communities across the country.

Some of the organisations that will benefit are the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, the Two Oceans Marathon Initiative, and the Fikelela Aids project.

Race director Debra Barnes said: “Sadly, the marathon was once again cancelled this year due to the pandemic, with devastating effects on the many charities that benefit from various fundraising opportunities.

“However, thankfully our inaugural TOM virtual charity challenge was designed to give runners a great experience while they raise funds for organisations working in vulnerable communities. We are inviting all runners across the globe to unite in running for good.”

GivenGain’s platform has helped raise over R2.3 million during TOM races since 2017, supporting 575 fundraising participants and donors from 80 countries all contributing to participating charities.

“GivenGain hereby invites charities and runners to visit the official event page on the TOM website to get started with their fundraising,” said Jannie Smith, Africa and sub-Saharan Africa GivenGain regional manager.

For more information on how to enter the Two Oceans Marathon virtual charity challenge, keep an eye out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit https://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/events/virtual-charity-challenge/.