‘World’s most beautiful race’ alive and well
At certain points in the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, a mere glance at the surrounding views is enough to stop a runner in his or her tracks, and though the event is understandably marketed as “the world’s most beautiful race”, it offers its participants so much more than one attractive aspect.
While the success of other road races in South Africa has given Two Oceans somewhat of a bridesmaid’s tag in terms of popularity and prestige, it stands in its own right as one of the most successful of the country’s many mass participation endurance events.
Though the 56km contest does not attract the same numbers as the 90km Comrades Marathon in KwaZulu-Natal, the interest in the race is as high as ever, with 13 000 entries selling out in a matter of hours this week.
In addition, Two Oceans attracts mass fields for its trail races, and its half-marathon contest is the most popular in the country over the 21.1km distance, attracting 16 000 participants.
While the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon carries the highest international recognition of any road race in SA, after receiving IAAF Gold Label status, and the Soweto Marathon has attracted record interest this season, Two Oceans remains the only race in the world which comes close to challenging Comrades for the position it holds at the summit of ultra-distance running.
Not that it has been smooth
Wesley Bo on
sailing, and with Two Oceans already having to go in search of a new headline sponsor after the 2019 race, its image took a big knock from the road running fraternity during the entry process, with people turning to social media to criticise delays and technical problems this week after an unprecedented flood of entries was processed by the online system.
The issues faced by the organ- isers and stakeholders are by no means minor concerns, and they should be open to criticism from individuals who want to enter their race, but it seems a bit rash to show too much concern for the future of an event that seems to be doing far more good than bad in terms of organisation and presentation.
The Two Oceans ultra-marathon offers a unique challenge over a gruelling distance on an undulating course.
The 56km distance also attracts both standard and ultra-distance specialists, ensuring quality lineups of domestic and international contenders, and exciting tactical battles between the elite athletes.
It offers stunning views, showcasing perhaps the country’s most beautiful province, and entrants have the options of participating in multiple race distances across varied terrains.
Comrades remains the “mother” of all ultra-distance races, while the Cape Town Marathon carries an international tag of prestige, and other races over standard distances offer their own unique value.
Two Oceans, however, is the full package, and while they have some work to do to maintain the interest in their race, organisers should be confident about the foreseeable future of the event.
It is no doubt one of the world’s most beautiful races, but it is so much more than that, and it has rightly earned its place as a bastion of South African sport.