Category: Event Update!

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra and Half Marathon will again take to the roads of Cape Town on Saturday, 26 March 2016. As of Monday, 15February 2016, there were 7816 male entrants and 3184 female entrants. What makes this so amazing is that of these entrants, 4353 are novice runners taking on the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon for the first time.

Added to this, is a list of 900 foreign runners in the field. In the Half Marathon, there are more female entrants, 8907 to 7093 male entrants, with an astounding 6614 novice athletes and 1032 foreign runners in the mix. Between them, entrants of this year’s race managed to raise a total of R261,000 for the selected race charities.

This year, The Two Oceans Marathon Initiative (TOMI) will be the selected charity. TOMI is the official fund raising initiative that will provide much needed funding for a select group of charities that meet their various criteria.

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon would really like to spread the love and feel that having a group of charities that benefit from their event is the way forward. The priorities lie with ensuring that the education and sporting needs of children are met, education facilities are provided and upgraded, and environmental issues involving various parks, flora and fauna, as well as animals both on land and in the water, are included.

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon has once again been awarded the International Association of Ultra runners (IAU) Gold Label Status, adding even more to the events global prestige. The IAU introduced the IAU Labelling for events to ensure that the race course is measured to conform to the IAAF regulations – especially important when a World or Continental Best Performance is run.

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo is perfect for all sporting enthusiasts, allowing them to experience the latest and greatest trends in the running and sporting arena and at the same time, it gives everyone an opportunity to become part of the exciting atmosphere leading up to the event.

The Expo will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre at the bottom end of Long Street, Cape Town, and will run from Wednesday, 23 March to Friday, 25 March, with Expo hours from 9am to 7pm on the first two days, and then 8am to 5pm on Good Friday.

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon has officially signed up with the Modern Athlete Magazine’s #runclean campaign in order to stop the littering problem in road running in South Africa. The event already has a terrific track record of waste management, however, the organisers want to still go cleaner and greener in 2016.

Not only will there be more bins along the route, but special litter catchment cages will be constructed along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most environmentally sensitive areas of the route.

For more information on the event, visit the Old Mutual Two Oceans Website or follow the Facebook and Twitter Pages. Also, email the Old Mutual Two Oceans Organisers on info@twooceansmarathon.org.za. 

Entries for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon once again closed in record time when the event reached its 11 000 entry limit in the early hours of 2 January 2016.

This closure – eight weeks before the official closing date and with 83 days to the 2016 event – marks a historic moment for the world’s most beautiful ultra-marathon. The entries for the Ultra Marathon sold out about a week before the official closing date for the first time in 2014, and one month before the official closing date in 2015.

“Our early predictions of selling out by mid-January were completely blown out of the water,” says Carol Vosloo, general manager of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC.

“The ever-increasing demand for entries shows that the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon remains on the bucket list of runners across the globe and that the culture of long distance running is alive.”

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon – an official International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) Gold Label event – takes place on Easter Saturday, 26 March 2016.

Ultra entrants are reminded to submit their qualifier details and 2016 running club license numbers by 23 February 2016 or risk forfeiting their entry.

Substitution Entries Open 11 January 2016

Good news for runners who failed to secure an entry into the 2016 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, is that the substitution entry window is open between 11 January and 23 February 2016.

The substitution entry process provides runners who can no longer participate, the opportunity to “hand over” their entry to another runner.

“Substitution entries provide an important logistical function that contributes to athletes’ safety on race day,” adds Ms Vosloo.

“Runners withdraw for a number of reasons, but it’s not just a small matter of handing your race number over to a friend. Each runner’s personal profile – which includes important medical and emergency information – is linked to his/her race number, and the substitution process facilitates the linking of a newly-issued number to the new participant.”

Vosloo warns that not following the proper substitution procedure could have life-threatening consequences, as emergency personnel rely on the accuracy of the information linked to an athlete’s race number.

“We are responsible for the safety of over 27 000 runners, and urge all athletes to not only follow the proper procedures, but to also take responsibility for the accuracy of their personal, emergency and medical information.”

The Substitution Entry Process

• Starting at 10:00 on 11 January 2016, the withdrawing runner must log into the online system and click on the “substitute” button. A voucher number will be displayed and an email containing this voucher number will be dispatched.
• The withdrawing runner needs to forward this voucher number and original race number to the runner who intends to take over this entry.
• The withdrawing runner ONLY gives up his/her entry. Any additional purchases like a RaceTec Chip, merchandise, etc, must still be collected by the original entrant.
• The original entry fee is not refundable.
• The new runner must take the voucher number, log into the online entry system and click “Substitution”. The withdrawing runner’s original race number must also be captured.
• Once the substitution has been validated, the system will prompt the new runner for personal and medical information (if this hasn’t already been completed).
• The cost for a substitution entry is R120. However, other costs may still apply, including the compulsory RaceTec Chip (if the new runner doesn’t already have one), etc.
• Runners who substitute for the Ultra Marathon are required to meet the qualification requirements and have a valid 2016 running club license.

Athletes withdrawing their entries are encouraged to post messages on the event’s social network pages, www.facebook.com/TwoOceansMarathon, @2OceansMarathon on Twitter and Instagram. Runners can also join in the conversation by using the #RunAsOne hashtag.

For more information, click here or contact the organisers either via email (info@twooceansmarathon.org.za) or telephone (0861 262 326 / 021 799 3040).

The Fedhealth XTERRA Champions Challenge has attracted the attention of final year Tukkies student, Charl-Stephan Nienaber. The challenge will see participants take on all three Fedhealth XTERRA Full events: Buffelspoort (North West Province), Nelson Mandela Bay (Eastern Cape) and finally Grabouw (Western Cape).

Running for the duration of the 2016 series, winners of the Fedhealth XTERRA Champions Challenge will be announced after XTERRA Grabouw. Entrants of all three XTERRA Full events (Buffelspoort, Nelson Mandela Bay and Grabouw) will stand the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the XTERRA World Championship, while entrants that take on all three XTERRA Lite events will stand a chance to win a spectacular TREK Mountain Bike.

“Nico Sterk convinced me to take part in my first XTERRA, XTERRA Buffelspoort, earlier this year,” said Nienaber. “As a duathlete I was horrified by the swim, but everything improved the minute that I exited the water. The bike discipline was tough, while weather conditions were soaring during the run discipline. I then went on to take part in XTERRA Grabouw in February where I qualified for the World XTERRA championship that was held in Maui in October. The XTERRA World Championship was absolutely fantastic, an experience of a lifetime.”

“XTERRA is both mentally and physically challenging,” continues Nienaber. “The South African events are well organised and loads of fun. To train for three disciplines while studying engineering takes a lot of dedication, commitment and motivation. Training helps me to get my head clear and refocused after a long day of studying. The sport of XTERRA has also taught me that there are no shortcuts to success in life, only hard work and focus will lead you there. The Fedhealth XTERRA Champions Challenge sounds like a good challenge, something that I will really enjoy taking part in.”

In addition to the Fedhealth XTERRA Champions Challenge, entrants can also enter the Fedhealth Ultimate Warrior Challenge. XTERRA Warriors taking part in both the XTERRA Full and the XTERRA Lite events over one weekend will stand a chance to take home spectacular sponsor prizes.

2016 EVENT DATES:

Buffelspoort (North West Province)
 

• Friday, 22 January 2016 – Fedhealth XTERRA Kids
• Saturday, 23 January 2016 – Fedhealth XTERRA Full: 1.5km swim, 26km MTB, 12km trail run
• Sunday, 24 January 2016 – Fedhealth XTERRA Lite: 400m swim, 19km MTB, 6km trail run
• Sunday, 24 January 2016 – PUMA Trail Run (6km & 12km)

Nelson Mandela Bay (Eastern Cape)

•  
• Friday, 29 January 2016 – Fedhealth XTERRA Kids
• Saturday, 30 January 2016 – Fedhealth XTERRA Full: 1.5km swim, 28km MTB, 12km trail run
• Sunday, 31 January 2016 – Fedhealth XTERRA Lite: 400m swim, 12km MTB, 6km trail run
• Sunday, 31 January 2016 – PUMA Trail Run (6km & 12km)

Grabouw (Western Cape)
 

• Friday, 19 February 2016 – Fedhealth XTERRA Kids
• Saturday, 20 February 2016 – Fedhealth XTERRA Full: 1.5km swim, 26km MTB, 12km trail run
• Sunday, 21 February 2016 – Fedhealth XTERRA Lite: 400m swim, 12.5km MTB, 5km trail run
• Sunday, 21 February 2016 – PUMA Trail Run (5km & 12km)

The Fedhealth XTERRA Grabouw forms part of the XTERRA World Tour. Athletes competing at this event stand the chance to qualify for the world championship final in Hawaii later in the year.

Follow us on Twitter: @XTERRASA / @Fedhealthmed
Like our FaceBook page: XTERRA South Africa / Fedhealth Medical Aid

For further information:  Fedhealth XTERRA or to read through the Terms and Conditions: Fedhealth XTERRA South Africa Champions Challenge.

This is your last chance to secure your early bird entries for the final fitCal Night Trail Run of 2015.

Your entries have to be in by 20:00 tonight to qualify for the discounted entry fee of R100 per person.

The final fitCal Night Trail Run of 2015 takes place at the Wanderers Golf Club on Sunday 15 December.

Starting at 19:00, there are two distances to choose from, a five kilometre or a 10 kilometre.

After tonight, entries will cost R150 until Sunday 13 December at midday. Late entries, purchased at registration, will cost R200. So its definitely worth-while to purchase your entries as soon as possible.

All participants will receive an awesome goodie bag and their first drink free after they cross the finish line.

For more information, https://www.modernathlete.co.za/events/fitcal-night-trail-run-4

Trail runners wishing to get the most out of the 2016 AfricanX Trailrun presented by ASICS, are invited to join in on the AfricanX training run at Cecilia Forest (Newlands) on Wednesday, 16 December 2015.

According to Dawid Visser, ASICS Promotions and Training Specialist, the training run is open to all runners that have entered or that are still keen to enter the 2016 event.

“The AfricanX Trailrun has firmly been established as South Africa’s premier three day stage trail run and is special for various reasons. Not only do entrants get to mingle and run with likeminded athletes, but they also get to spend three days in the company of some of SA’s elite trail runners who are always eager to share important advice. I have competed in six AfricanX Trailrun races. The experience cannot be likened to any other.”

“The purpose of the AfricanX training run is to give entrants a better understanding of what to expect at the 2016 event,” continues Visser. “ASICS Ambassadors, Nicholas Rupanga and Rohan Kennedy, will be on hand to give trail tips and discuss what type of terrain to expect. The route chosen for the training run will be between 12km – 15km in length and will feature a combination of compact single track, a bit of jeep track, a few stairs and a few rocks, just for good measure.”

In 2011 Dawid Visser and Rohan Kennedy claimed gold in the men’s team category of the AfricanX Trailrun.

The hugely popular Standard Bank IRONMAN® 70.3® Durban triathlon will be back in 2016 and is set to take place on Sunday, 19 June, 2016 at SUNCOAST, Durban

The Standard Bank IRONMAN 70.3 Durban triathlon debuted this year with a sell-out field of 3 000 athletes making it the biggest triathlon to ever take place in Durban. The warm climate, fantastic local spectator support and ideal venue make the race as a favourite for South African and international athletes. The June race date positions the event in the best possible time for favourable weather conditions.

Known as South Africa’s winter capital, Durban’s golden mile is famous for its beaches and warm weather. Durban plays host to a multitude of big events and was awarded the 2022 Commonwealth Games earlier this year.

“The Standard Bank IRONMAN 70.3 Durban has quickly become one of the most popular races in South Africa,” said Keith Bowler, Managing Director for IRONMAN South Africa. “Since this year’s inaugural event we have been inundated with queries about the 2016 race and we are pleased to able to announce the date. We look forward to another great race in South Africa’s winter capital.”

Entries to the Standard Bank IRONMAN 70.3 Durban has been opened on 03 December at 2:00pm. After the success of the inaugural event, entries are expected to sell fast with an even larger local contingent from Durban.

Tsogo Sun, the Official Accommodation Partner to the Standard Bank IRONMAN 70.3 Durban triathlon will be running special offers on accommodations to all registered athletes. For more information and to enter, visit www.ironman.com/durban70.3.

The hugely popular Standard Bank IRONMAN® 70.3® Durban triathlon will be back in 2016 and is set to take place on Sunday, 19 June, 2016 at SUNCOAST, Durban.

The Standard Bank IRONMAN 70.3 Durban triathlon debuted this year with a sell-out field of 3,000 athletes making it the biggest triathlon to ever take place in Durban. The warm climate, fantastic local spectator support and ideal venue make the race as a favourite for South African and international athletes. The June race date positions the event in the best possible time for favourable weather conditions.

Known as South Africa’s winter capital, Durban’s golden mile is famous for its beaches and warm weather. Durban plays host to a multitude of big events and was awarded the 2022 Commonwealth Games earlier this year.

“The Standard Bank IRONMAN 70.3 Durban has quickly become one of the most popular races in South Africa,” said Keith Bowler, Managing Director for IRONMAN South Africa. “Since this year’s inaugural event we have been inundated with queries about the 2016 race and we are pleased to able to announce the date. We look forward to another great race in South Africa’s winter capital.”

Entries to the Standard Bank IRONMAN 70.3 Durban will open 3 December at 2:00pm. After the success of the inaugural event, entries are expected to sell fast with an even larger local contingent from Durban.

For more information and to enter, visit www.ironman.com/durban70.3.

The annual Metropolitan 10km Race, regarded as one of Cape Town’s most challenging road races due to its undulating course that spans across the suburbs of Bellville and up Tygerberg Hill, will be held on Wednesday 2 December at Parc Du Cap in Bellville.

This year, there is yet another reason to put on your running shoes and take to road: Metropolitan is giving away R10 000 to the first man and woman to finish the race; effectively awarding winners with R100 for every metre completed!

 

There will also be smaller cash prizes for runners up on the night; a great kick start to the festive season for talented runners!

This year’s event, facilitated by the Metropolitan Athletics Club, will also feature lucky draws and other fun activities. There will be food and beverage vendors, as well as free HIV testing and diabetes and hypertension screening for participants and supporters on the day. R5 from each race entry along with a R20 000 cheque from Metropolitan will be donated towards Phambili Community Services, which provides healthcare and wellness services to the wider Broadlands Park community.

Llewellyn Allen, Head of Brand at Metropolitan – financial services provider and the race’s main sponsor – explains: “Financial health and physical health are inherently intertwined, as one will have an impact on the other. An important part of our CSI efforts is focussed on sports development, as we believe that it plays a key role in not only the upliftment of communities, but also in the health of the individual.”

The Metropolitan 10km race forms part of the Metropolitan Mojo series – a series of countrywide running events that are designed to challenge runners, yet are open to anyone within the communities with a pair of running shoes.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to offer an additional incentive to runners at this year’s Metropolitan 10km Race, as well as connect with our community through this annual highlight on the running calendar.

“We look forward to seeing Cape Town’s runners there!”

Race details:

• When: Wednesday 2 December 2015
• Where: Metropolitan offices, Parc Du Cap, Mispel Road, Bellville
• Time: Race starts at 18h30 and cut-off time is 20h00

Enter:

• Pre-register online at www.racetraq.co.za (no online levy charged)
• Participants must be 14 years or older on the day of the race
• Online entries close Friday 27 November 2015.
• Entries will be accepted from 17:00 to 18:15 at Parc Du Cap on the day

The organizers of South Africa’s leading off-road triathlon, the Fedhealth XTERRA, are excited to introduce an XTERRA Kids event to both XTERRA Buffelspoort (North West Province) and XTERRA Nelson Mandela Bay (Eastern Cape).

“Introducing an XTERRA Kids event to Buffelspoort and Nelson Mandela Bay has been long overdue,” says Michael Meyer, managing director of Stillwater Sports. “Each year we are overwhelmed by the support that the XTERRA Kids receives in Grabouw. We have also received a number of requests from locals to host a kids event in Buffelspoort. We value the feedback and are very happy to announce that Buffelspoort, Nelson Mandela Bay and Grabouw will now follow the exact same event schedule, with the XTERRA Kids taking place on the Friday, XTERRA Full on the Saturday, XTERRA Lite and PUMA Trail Run on the Sunday. We are really excited by this change and look forward to welcoming families to all three events.”

Says Jeremy Yatt, principal officer of Fedhealth: “What made XTERRA really appeal to us, is the fact that it allows the whole family to be involved, whether in a team, in the kids events, or in the Lite and Full. Family values lie close to our hearts as a Scheme.”

Junior Warriors will be able to enter one of three age categories: 6-8 years (50m Swim, 1,5km Cycle, 1km Run), 9-11 years (100m Swim, 5km Cycle, 2km Run) and 12-14 years (200m Swim, 10km Cycle, 3km Run).

All Fedhealth XTERRA Kids entrants can look forward to receiving a fun goodie bag, while medals will be awarded to all finishers.

For further information on the Fedhealth XTERRA, please contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, email entries@stillwatersports.com or visit www.stillwatersports.com. or www.fedhealth.co.za/xterra-2016-south-africa/

South African triathlon sports received a boost with the announcement that direct insurer, MiWay, will sponsor the ULTRA Triathlon Series as title sponsor for a three year period.

The ULTRA Triathlon Series – organized and managed by Damian Bradley from B-Active Sports – has been running for seven years. Previously the series was made up of three events in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands and Sun City. It will now include a new fixture planned for the Cape. The series is a true test of willpower, endurance and the tough human spirit.

CEO of MiWayLife, Craig Baker, says: “We are excited about our partnership with B-Active Sports. Over the years, MiWay has been involved in mountain biking and running through our Warriors Athletic Club. This sponsorship is a perfect opportunity to get involved in a sport that is growing and one that is closely affiliated to some of the sports we are already involved in.”

A highly popular series, the ULTRA Triathlon events kick start with the Midlands Ultra Triathlon in March 2016, followed by the Sun City Ultra, scheduled for May, then the inaugural Cape Ultra in September 2016. The last in the series will be the Midlands Ultra event in November 2016.

Race director, Damian Bradley says, “Our partnership with MiWay brings a new energy and excitement to our events. Our prize money purse has doubled to R90 000 per event and we had added additional elements to the events to bring it in-line with the top international events. With this sort of backing, our proven organisational skills of ULTRA Triathlons will be focused on further developing and increasing accessibility of the sport to more athletes around the country.”

“MiWay has secured the services of renowned triathletes, Glen Gore and Jan van Rooyen, to be an integral part of all our events. They will help get athletes motivated, fit and ready for the starting line by offering generic and tailor-made training programmes. As a proudly South African company, we are committed to home-grown events that give athletes the freedom to showcase their talent and improve their performance in order to compete in other world events.” concludes Baker.

At each fixture, the ULTRA event comprises a 1.9 kilometre swim, a 90 kilometre road cycle and a 21 kilometre run. It is complemented by a second Sprint category, consisting of a 600 metre swim, 20 kilometre cycle and five kilometre run – which provides an option for beginners and also for friends and family members, to choose a more accessible event and be part of the action. Competitors can participate individually or in relay teams at each event.

 

For more information or to enter, go to www.ultratri.co.za.