With over 22 000 runners competing in the Ultra (56km) and the Half marathon (21km), the Two Oceans ranks as one of the most popular road races in South Africa. Apart from attracting local runners, the races attracted runners from 72 countries in 2011, including the UK, China, Russia and even Afghanistan.
Ultra Marathon
Held over Easter weekend annually, the Ultra has been held since 1970, starting with just 26 runners. 2011 saw over 8 000 entries, with nearly 3 000 of those being novices.
With the route starting on Main Road, Newlands, runners head through the Southern suburbs towards the Indian Ocean at Muizenburg, before following the coast to Fish Hoek. The route then takes runners up and over the mountains towards Noordhoek, before running along the Atlantic Ocean on the famous Chapman Peak pass. The marathon mark is passed on the Constantia Nek climb, before the route winds its way along Rhodes Drive, past Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to finish at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Half Marathon
Attracting over 14 000 athletes in 2011, with a staggering 7 000 novices, the half marathon also begins in Main Road, Newlands on the Saturday of the Easter weekend. The route takes runners through the Southern suburbs towards Constantia, before climbing up Southern Cross Drive towards Rhodes Drive, where the last ten kilometres of the course are the same as for the Ultra marathon.
The route along Rhodes Drive is renowned as one of the most festive, well-supported and beautiful stretches of road running in the country. Local residents, university students and school children all compete to have the most upbeat water stations, while several bands from the Cape Minstrel Carnival add to the atmosphere.
Additional events
Apart from the two main road races held on the Saturday of the Easter weekend in Cape Town, a variety of other events are held over the weekend. Held on Easter Friday, the Two Oceans 10 km and 20 km trail runs have proven extremely popular in the two years that they have been held. Taking place on the foothills of Table Mountain, behind the UCT campus, this event fills up quickly, so aspiring trail runners need to apply early.
Also held on Easter Friday at the UCT rugby fields are a variety of fun runs. Ranging from 56m Nappy Dash (0 to 3 year olds) up to a 5km fun run, these take place on Good Friday afternoon.
For more information and 2012 entry details, check the Old Mutual Two Ocean marathon website.
John Harman - I'm a native South African, Rhodes University graduate with a Masters Degree in Economics, traveller, runner, part time writer and red ...
