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Two Oceans Trail Run Entries opening soon

Online entries for the 2014 Old Mutual Two Oceans Trail Run will open at 10h00 on Monday, 2 December 2013. Since its introduction to the line-up of events hosted under the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon umbrella in 2010, the trail run has enjoyed tremendous popularity and success, with entries for the 2013 event selling […]

Two Oceans Trail Run Entries opening soon is a post from: Trail Running South Africa

Trail Running South Africa» Cape

Mokoka takes Two Oceans Half

Stephen Mokoka

Stephen Mokoka

Despite the gale force South Easterly winds a record of 13 765 runners enjoyed finishing the Old Mutual Two Oceans half-marathon at the University of Cape Town fields.

The 6 and 6.10 starts appears to have favoured the 21,1 km participants as the wind increased in strength when they had already turned after 6 km back towards the Table Mountain range.

The growing international interest reflected in the outstanding win by youthful 23 year old Ethiopian Biru Meseret Mengistu.

Her outstanding winning time of 1 hour 12 minutes 43 seconds reducing the record set on the new course last year by 2 minutes 19 seconds and only 47 seconds behind the record on the old course which excluded the tough Edinburgh Drive climb after 2 km into the race.

Last year’s winner Rene Kalmer improved her record too by 8 seconds with 3 time bridesmaid Irvette van Blerk running a superb 62 seconds faster than last year but dropping to third.

Clearly the wind was not an inhibiting factor but the emergence of another classy Ethiopian raised the level of performance to the top level on a tough course.

The men ran according to form with Stephen Mokoka winning in 1 hour 3 minutes 36 seconds smashing last year’s record by 78 seconds.

A mere 9 seconds covered the first three with twice-winner (2010 & 2011) Lusapho April maintaining his excellent record of consistency finishing 2 nd.

2012 runner-up Joel Mmone took a huge 76 seconds off his time of last year and as with Irvette van Blerk dropped from 2 nd to 3 rd.

These performances would indicate a significant improvement on 2012 which is confirmed in the top 7 men all finishing below last year’s winning time and record on the new course.

report by Peter Wrensch

Mokoka takes Two Oceans Half is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

Time-to-Run Cape Town» News

Two Oceans Marathon Expo 2013

Two Oceans Marathon Expo

Two Oceans Marathon Expo

Bigger and better: 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo opens its doors at CTICC

More than 50 000 visitors are expected to walk through the doors of the 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo at its brand new home at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) between 27 and 29 March 2013. The Expo has moved to the CTICC for the first time in the history of the event.

All runners need to collect their race numbers for the Two Oceans Trail Run, International Friendship Run, Half and Ultra-Marathon events at the Expo which is open to the public and is free of charge. All participants need to bring their RaceTec chip to register.  Runners who register on Wednesday and Thursday stand a chance to win one of ten free entries per day to any Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon event for 2014 and be entered into a lucky draw to win a trip for two to the Victoria Falls Marathon in July 2013.

Bigger and better seems to be the theme for the 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon with the Ultra Marathon securing over 10 000 entries, making it the biggest field in the event’s 44 year history.  With the move to the CTICC, the Expo promises to appeal to more than just runners as more than 100 lifestyle exhibitors will be present including top sporting brands, apparel, supplements, outdoor adventure sports and sporting tours.

Title sponsor Old Mutual will be inviting visitors to meet their Virtual Coach, Norrie Williamson for some last minute race tips, or check cholesterol and general health with trained professionals. Runners who need foot massages before the big day or supporters who would like personalised posters are encouraged to visit the Old Mutual stand.

Robert Mafuna, the Marketing Executive Group Sponsorship & Events at Old Mutual says, “Old Mutual looks forward to meeting all participants and supporters and wish all the runners a fantastic run. Their participation in this event ensures that we continue to “Do Great Things” together.”

New technical sponsor, adidas, will be showcasing their range of technical running gear including the revolutionary new cushioning technology, BOOST™.  The stand will feature a comfortable lounge area where runners can meet adidas brand ambassadors such as Janez Vermeiren, Liezel van der Westhuizen and Nigel Pierce. Technical reps will conduct free foot scans, and runners can share their goals on the custom-built adidas commitment wall.

Parking is available in the following areas, Wednesday 27 March to Friday 29 March:

·         CTICC on-site parking in P1 or P3 (Visitors are advised to exchange their parking entry ticket for a discounted parking ticket at the CTICC parking desk at the exit of the Expo – R30 per day.)
·         V&A Waterfront – open parking area at the entrance to the V&A Waterfront off Coen Steytler Ave opposite the Caltex Garage with a shuttle service running to and from the CTICC.  (Cost R10 on entry to the parking area.)
·         Table-Bay Boulevard parking – under the elevated freeways, accessed from DF Malan Street  (Cost R15 on entry to the parking area.)

Additional parking only open on Friday, 29 March:

·         CTICC using the Convention Towers  parking area – accessible via P3 (Visitors are advised to exchange their parking entry ticket for a discounted parking ticket at the CTICC parking desk at the exit of the Expo – R30 per day.)
·         On street parking and open parking areas in the vicinity of the CTICC (Visitors to follow pedestrian routes and cross roads with care obeying all traffic officers and marshals.)

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo will open from 10:00 – 19:00 on Wednesday, 27 March and Thursday, 28 March. On Friday, 29 March it will open from 09:00 – 17:00. For more information, please visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za.

Two Oceans Marathon Expo 2013 is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

Time-to-Run Cape Town» News

Two Oceans 2013 Charity Beneficiaries

TOMI Charity

TOMI Charity

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon provides runners a great day out and is also a fantastic way to give back to the community. The Two Oceans Marathon Initiative (TOMI) is the event’s official fundraising initiative that provides much needed support to select groups of charities that meet various criteria. The 2013 beneficiaries of TOMI were announced by the Two Oceans Marathon Association Board on 20 February 2013 and include SANParks Honorary Rangers, Western Province Athletics and The Cape Academy of Maths, Science and Technology.

Lester Cameron, Chairman of the Two Oceans Marathon Association, says: “Over R265 000 has already been raised and we look forward to seeing this number increase over the next few weeks.” He  goes on to explain that TOMI’s priorities lie with ensuring that the education and sporting needs of children are met, education facilities are provided and upgraded, and environmental issues, involving parks, flora and fauna are included. “We are confident that the charities chosen this year will allocate their funds to benefiting and uplifting their respective communities.”

The combination of marathon and mountain is an exciting collaboration between TOMI, SANParks and the Honorary Rangers and will provide support for a key Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) project. The SANParks Honorary Rangers in the Table Mountain region comprise of 35 volunteers who support TMNP by fundraising and working on a variety of conservation projects. Their project for 2013 is to create an Endangered Species Garden at Orpen Road in Tokai Park, which will highlight about 30 different threatened species. The garden will be easily accessible to everyone with paths wide enough for families and groups (such as school environment clubs, walkers and joggers).

The donation to Western Province Athletics (WPA) will fund a much-needed Club Development Programme. This programme will promote the development of people by instilling a sense of competence, belonging and pride, enabling them to reach their full potential. Due to the diversity of WPA members, continuously changing EXCO members and their daily commitments, many members across the province are facing a tough task and lack the proper guidance and necessary education to successfully manage, empower and grow their clubs. This programme reflects the WPA’s commitment to not only promoting the sport of athletics but to positively contribute to developing and transforming our society by improving the functioning and support of WPA affiliated clubs.

The Cape Academy of Maths, Science and Technology was started in 2004 by the Western Cape Education Department with the explicit objective to provide high-quality Further Education and Training (FET) to socio-economically deprived learners in Grades 10-12 with a bias to rural areas. The Academy currently has 405 learners from different areas in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape in a residential school in Tokai. Funds donated by TOMI will be utilized to pay for school fees, hostel accommodation, stationery, school uniforms, medical & dental care and travel expenses.

If you would like to donate to TOMI, please visit www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/about-us/event-charity-tomi or EFT to the following bank details:

Bank: Nedbank
Branch Code: 198765
Account Number: 1077006233
Account Holder: Two Oceans Marathon Association

Two Oceans 2013 Charity Beneficiaries is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

Time-to-Run Cape Town» News

Two Oceans 2013 Fun Run Series

Two Oceans Fun Run

Two Oceans Fun Run

The first Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Fun Run Series of 2013 took place this weekend at the Alphen Hall in Constantia. Young and older athletes lined up on 26 January 2013 to complete a 5.6km route that took participants around the leafy suburb of Constantia.

Organised as a joined initiative between the Two Oceans Marathon Association and Western Province Athletics, the Fun Run Series is aimed at encouraging participation in physical activity within the communities where the runs are organised.

Lester Cameron, chairman of the Two Oceans Marathon Association, says: “The aim of these Fun Run events is to target every child in the Western Cape to not only participate in the events, but to encourage them to live a healthy lifestyle. Sport is an important aspect in a holistic lifestyle and the series provides the opportunity to identify running talent, while also creating a platform for development of future South African running stars.”

Kassar Adams (14) from Steenberg and Gershawn Aziza (12) from Wynberg both took part and were among the first runners to complete the route. Adams says: “I really enjoyed it! It was my first race, and it was fun but quite far. I practise at school and one day I would like to be a professional runner.” Aziza was delighted with his medal and says that he trained for the race by running with his parents.

Each Fun Run Series is hosted by different running clubs within the community who provide the logistics and manpower. The distance of 5.6km has been chosen to align itself with the 56km Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. Some Fun Run Series participants will be invited to take part in the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Fun Runs held at UCT on Good Friday, 29 March 2013.

The next Fun Run Series event will take place on Saturday, 09 February 2013 at Stratford Primary School in Blue Downs at 9:00am. Entrance to the Fun Run is free. The full schedule of upcoming Fun Run Series events is below;

 

Date Area Time Venue
23 February Khayelitsha 08h00 Mandela Park Stadium
02 March Rondebosch East 09h00 Rondebosch East Primary School
16 March Mitchell’s Plain 09h00 Rocklands Sports Field
20 March Sea Point 18h00 Green Point Stadium
23 March Ravensmead 09h00 Florida Park Stadium

 

Two Oceans 2013 Fun Run Series is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

Time-to-Run Cape Town» News

Two Oceans attracts international runners

Two Oceans

Two Oceans

The Old Mutual Two Oceans has been confirmed as a world leading event attracting 1500 international visitors.

34% are novices which indicates a resurgence in ultra marathons.

The 56 km field of 9200 is the 2nd largest with all 10 of last year’s gold medalists in the men’s racing returning.
Contenders outside of this experienced group include Michael Mazibukon, of Team Toyota, who was 16 th last year but boasts a silver at the recent SA Marathon champs in 2:15.12.

Novices with the pedigree to challenge for honours include Shadrack Hoff, who this morning felt cold symptoms, and Odwa Tunyiswa, also of Nedbank Running Club, who won last year’s 50 km City-to-city.

Following last year’s PB 4 th place Stephen Muzhingi, representing Formula 1 Bluff Meats, has set his sights on adding this title to his last 3 Comrades.

Whoever wins will have to be at their best in this competitive race and the likelihood of rain.

The women’s event looks a formality for Elena Nurgalieva after the disppointing withdrawal of her twin Oleysa who won last year.

The performance of American novice Devon Crosby-Helms will be monitored as she has a chance of breaking the American 50 km record.
Officials have confirmed that mats will capture this time.
She has trained for 2 months in wet San Franciscan conditions and with a marathon PB of 2:38.55 she is one of the faster ladies and this 3:13.50 target  is realistic should all go well for her on raceday.

Gwen van Lingen, 2001 winner, returns to accompany her sister and is aiming for a 4:30-4:40.

In winning in 2002, Natalia Volgina from Russia, recorded the 3 rd fastest ever time but is not expected to repeat this performance on her returns since 2003.

Of great public interest and support will be the debut of national treasure, Olympian Zola Budd-Pieterse, in the 40-49 category.

Another instantly recognizable face will be Gary Kirsten, the indian cricket World Cup winning hero and now Proteas coach.

The Half Marathon started in 1998 with 3600 entrants but has increased by virtually that number on last year as 16 266 entries have been received.

contributor: Peter Wrensch

Two Oceans attracts international runners is a post from: Time-to-Run Cape Town

Time-to-Run Cape Town» News