ADVERTORIAL
WATERSHED MOMENT FOR TWO OCEANS
The 14th Annual General Meeting of the Two Oceans Marathon ( TOM ) NPC , held on 28 September 2023 , ushered in a historic new era for the event , as the first female Chair and Vice Chair were appointed to lead the new board .
Image : Courtesy Two Oceans Marathon NPC
The 2023 / 2024 TOM Board will be led by Ilse De Wet as Chairperson . As a former Managing Director of a global network advertising agency , she is a marketing specialist with many years of senior and executive management experience . Since joining the TOM Board in 2022 , she has chaired the Marketing and Communications subcommittee , where she quickly made her mark on sponsorship in particular .
“ I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude , humility and determination as I accept the honour and responsibility of assuming the role of Chairperson of this esteemed organisation . I am acutely aware that taking on the role of Chairperson for the iconic Two Oceans Marathon is both a privilege and a challenge . With careful planning , dedication , and a strong team , the intention is to maintain the race ’ s legacy ,” says Ilse .
“ For me , this has less to do with being the first woman in this role , and more to do with ensuring that with the assistance and full support of the Board , we usher in constructive changes and growth for the future . I want us to make decisions based on what will best serve our runners and their experience leading up to and on race days ,” she adds .
MORE EXPERIENCE TO PASS ON
Liezel Short , who will serve as Vice Chairperson for the coming year , joined the board in 2021 and most recently served as Chair of the finance sub-committee , having formerly headed up the Comms and Marketing sub-committee with great impact . This former Captain in the SA National Defence Force , and race director for SATORI Athletics Club , went on to become a senior events project manager and now owns her own successful event management business .
“ I am honoured to assume the role of Vice Chair for the Two Oceans Marathon NPC Board . This milestone represents a commitment to fostering diversity , inclusion and equal opportunities within the NPC , and our broader running , stakeholder and partner community ,” says Liezel . “ I am committed to working collaboratively with my fellow board members to enhance TOM ’ s vision , mission and strategy , ensuring we continue to empower and inspire individuals through running . Together , we will lead by example , driving positive change and creating an environment where every runner can thrive and achieve their full potential .”
THE LEADERSHIP TEAM
The TOM NPC is managed by a Board of 12 Directors – all volunteers – who represent Celtic Harriers ( founders of the event ), Western Province Athletics ( WPA ) and other Western Province running clubs , in equal numbers . The full Board of Directors for 2023 / 2024 is :
• Ilse De Wet ( Celtic Harriers ) – Chair
• Elizabeth Short ( SATORI Athletics Club ) – Vice Chair
• Garth Schreiner ( WPA ) – Chair of Finance sub-committee
• Graham Bentz ( Pinelands )
• Antoinette Cavanagh ( WPA )
• Angelo Kriger ( Celtic Harriers )
• Ian McDonald ( Celtic Harriers )
• Phumizile Mlotshwa ( Celtic Harriers )
• Ashraf Orrie ( Brimstone Itheko )
• Allan Ryninks ( WPA )
• Ilhaam Saban ( Ommiedraai & Friends )
• William Swartbooi ( WPA )
The very best wishes of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC and Office accompanies the Board in the execution of their fiduciary duties and overall mandate as they lead the organisation .
The TOM NPC Board for 2023 / 2024 , ( from left to right ): Angelo Kriger , Ian McDonald , Graham Bentz , Garth Schreiner ( Chair of Finance sub-committee ), Ilhaam 45 Saban , Phumizile Mlotshwa , Ilse De Wet ( Chairperson ), Liezel Short ( Vice Chairperson ), Antoinette Cavanagh , Ashraf Orrie , Allan Ryninks , William Swartbooi