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The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is one of the best loved of the Western Cape ’ s big events , and is set to bring visiting runners flocking to Cape Town to challenge themselves on one of the most beautiful marathons on the planet . Some say there no serious challengers to the Oceans in the beauty contest . BY STEPHEN GRANGER
Now well and truly out of the COVID dip , it will be all guns blazing ( and fish-horns blaring ) as thousands of runners get underway in the 56km ultra-marathon on Saturday 15th April and the 21km half-marathon the following day . It promises to be one of the biggest and best in the 52-year history of the race .
Numbers are up to pre-COVID levels , with more than 27,000 runners from 77 countries taking part in the two primary events . Of these , 2177 will be travelling across South Africa ’ s borders to run , and of those , more than a thousand will be flying in from outside Africa , bringing with them international goodwill , a Babylon of dialects and much-needed foreign currency to boost the local economy .
In 2018 , Cape Town was rated Africa ’ s leading city for hosting international events for the 10th consecutive year , with 53 events on the calendar – more than twice as many as its closest rival . Although COVID put a temporary damper on the events industry , business is booming again , with the Mother City putting both feet forward in the first half of 2023 .
In just one weekend in February , Cape Town hosted its inaugural E-Prix motor-racing series race , the ‘ around the world ’ yacht race and the final of the women ’ s Cricket World Cup . Since then , the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the Cape Epic have been outstanding successes . But the Two Oceans Marathon is next level in bringing together heart , razzmatazz and experience , and it is undoubtedly one of the most loved , colourful and best supported in the Mother City ’ s mega-event bouquet .
Huge Economic Boost
A 2013 study by Dr Martinette Kruger of North-West University showed the economic impact of the marathon on the regional economy amounted to R266 million ( 2012 Rand value ). As part of this , 840 jobs were created , contributing significantly to poverty alleviation and tourism , and these figures have increased since then .
An Economic Impact Assessment ( EIA ), published in 2017 by the University of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula University of Technology on behalf of the Western Cape Government , reported an overall contribution of up to R672 million to the provincial economy by the 2016 race .
In addition , a significant number of jobs were created thanks to the event , including 685 additional permanent jobs , 7961 temporary one-day jobs ,
7243 temporary one-week jobs , 84 temporary one-month jobs , and 856 temporary jobs lasting longer than a month . Many of these employees also received training , thus gaining the long-term benefit of attaining new skills .
Importance of the Event
This is why Western Cape Premier , Alan Winde , recognises the importance of the Two Oceans to the province . “ This world-class race is one of the jewels in our events ’ crown , that not only brings people together but also gives our economy a significant boost ,” he says . And as a passionate cyclist himself , Winde revels in healthy outdoor activity and therefore encourages everyone to get involved at Two Oceans . “ I believe in exercise and a healthy body and mind . I may not be a runner , but I am an avid cyclist and support this great event that the City and Province host every year .”
The City of Cape Town is equally enthusiastic about what the Two Oceans brings to the Mother City . “ Big events such as the Two Oceans have significant potential to benefit our city if the positive impacts of hosting such an event can be maximised and negative effects kept to a minimum ,” says Lorraine Gerrans , Director of Environmental Management at the City of Cape Town .
“ The Two Oceans Marathon delivers economic , social and environmental benefits . The influx of high-end adventure / sport tourists from all over the world creates many jobs , with the hospitality and food / restaurant industries benefiting , in particular . Also , hosting the races over a weekend promotes a sense of health and wellbeing , which benefits our broader community , as well as providing opportunities for communities such as Masiphumelele and Imizamo Yethu to become involved with the race ,” she continues .
“ From an environmental point of view , we welcome the Two Oceans ’ decision to move away from the use of plastics as far as possible , promoting a broad consciousness of the need to do so . And having thousands of runners passing places of great natural beauty gives a boost to the conservation of our rich biodiversity and striking coastline ,” adds Gerrans .
Time to Enjoy the Run
Premier Winde echoes these sentiments in his parting message to the runners . “ I wish all participants the very best for their run , and especially welcome participants from beyond the Western Cape and our country . While this is a hotly-contested race , I urge participants to take in the bountiful natural beauty of our region as they compete . Enjoy everything the Mother City and Western Cape have to offer !”
Lorraine Gerrans Alan Winde
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