FOREWORD
From Athletics South Africa
The Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is legendary and is entrenched in the great road running history of Cape Town , South Africa and the world . It ’ s a nerve-wrecking run to some , and most welcomed by others , but one thing for sure is that this is a tough and gut-twisting race with a course to match it . On race day , when the going gets tough , men are separated from boys and women from girls . Only the mean and the tactical survive . It is a race that has cemented many careers over the past decades , on many fronts , and has put food on countless tables .
The Two Oceans Marathon is massive – everyone talks about it , and many athletes want to be part of it . It is a unique brand to Cape Town and one of the prides of South African athletics . This is one of the greatest ultra marathons ever produced by this country , which is a major achievement to be proud of .
We thank the organisers for the well-structured road running contest in the male and female races , and for the mouth-watering prize money , which is what keeps the runners motivated when the body begins to take strain . It ’ s not every day that you wake up , go to a race , run your lungs out and walk back home with R250,000 first prize in your pocket , or R500,000 should a record be part of the achievement . And that ’ s all in a day ’ s work . Also , it ’ s a televised race , making it a worthwhile package for sponsors to take advantage of serious marketing .
We sincerely thank all the role-players who have once again made the Two Oceans Marathon a remarkable success . This includes Western Cape Athletics , the City of Cape Town , Totalsports , all sponsors , law enforcement , the medical fraternity , the local organising committee , race officials , volunteers and all those who line-up along the route to encourage the runners to keep going . We look forward to another wonderful clash of the titans .
James Moloi President of Athletics South Africa
From Western Province Athletics
Western Province Athletics ( WPA ) welcomes all local , national and international athletes who will be participating in the 2023 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon .
As a member of the Blue Number Club of the Two Oceans Marathon , I know the excitement while training for and the exhilaration you feel upon completion of this event . To all novices , this race will take your breath away , and trust me , you will return next year . To those who are aiming to reach their personal best , I encourage you to do so by following your training strategies . And this route is one of the most scenic routes in the world , with strategically placed refreshment stations .
While we are grateful to be able to participate in a sporting event such as the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon , let us not forget our loved ones , friends and fellow athletes who have passed away during the recent COVID pandemic .
Running is therapeutic in so many ways . It helps you to release stress , and it affords you the opportunity to solve problems , but most importantly , running brings joy to so many .
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all participating athletes and wish you only the best . Your participation in the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon brings unprecedented joy to so many people and institutions , especially the charities that benefit greatly from your participation . Also , the role of our social partners , City of Cape Town and all the sponsors in the presentation of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon is acknowledged and appreciated . Thank you very much for your loyal support .
Farouk Meyer President of Western Province Athletics
From Wesgro
Events are catalytic economic drivers of the Western Cape ’ s economy . A signature race in our destination ’ s annual sporting programme , the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon goes beyond cementing the Western Cape as a top sporting destination , spotlighting our province ’ s natural beauty and diverse experiences to a global audience .
With humble beginnings in 1970 , fast-forward 53 years and the Two Oceans has since become one of the world ’ s largest and most prestigious ultra marathons , and rightfully earning its reputation as the world ’ s most beautiful race . A bucket list event on the running calendar , the race brings with it the annual promise of thousands of visitors from around the world .
Events , conferences , sporting and cultural events have the capacity to not only add direct economic impact to a destination , but provide the opportunity to expand our visitor economy and drive domestic tourism growth and regional spread . As Wesgro – the tourism , trade , investment , and film and media promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape – we remain dedicated to ensuring we keep the destination top of mind as a world-class tourism and events destination . Through our partnerships with jewel events , we are able to deepen our reputation as the Cape of Great Events , while ensuring we stay top of the traveller consideration list .
We welcome back all old friends and new faces participating in the Two Oceans Marathon , and invite you to get in a good space and enjoy the breadth and depth of world-class experiences on offer in our destination .
Monika Luel Chief Destination Marketing Officer of Wesgro
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