Future of the Two Oceans Marathon Hangs in the Balance
Recent reports have raised concerns about the future of the iconic Two Oceans Marathon, one of South Africa’s most beloved road running races.
So, what exactly transpired to put the future of the race in jeopardy?
What Led to This Situation?
In a controversial move, the race organizers allowed more participants to join this year’s event than the City of Cape Town had permitted for safety reasons. While it’s not uncommon for races to account for no-shows, the Two Oceans Marathon exceeded the limit by thousands of runners, citing it as an ‘oversight’.
With the race already struggling to secure adequate funding, the decision to exceed the entry limit was likely an attempt to cover costs. Despite one unfortunate fatality during the half-marathon, it was deemed unrelated to the increased number of participants.
Assessing the Situation
The City of Cape Town has withdrawn its financial and logistical support for future editions of the race. This withdrawal has put pressure on the organizers to secure additional funding, especially given the complaints from runners about issues such as water shortages, medal scarcity, and poor communication.
While the race is a significant economic contributor to Cape Town, the city’s withdrawal of support does raise concerns. However, the city has not indicated any plans to withhold permits for future races, leaving a glimmer of hope for the Two Oceans Marathon.
What Lies Ahead?
The City of Cape Town maintains strict regulations for mass participation events, and the oversubscription of this year’s race may lead to even tighter restrictions in the future. Race director Hilton Kearns has suggested implementing entry fees for the finish area to better control crowd numbers and adhere to the city’s limits.
Despite the challenges, if the organizers can secure the necessary financial backing for the 2026 race, the Two Oceans Marathon is likely to proceed as planned. The future of this iconic event hangs in the balance, waiting to see if sufficient support can be rallied to ensure its continuation.
