In a statement released by Race director Rowyn James said they have adopted a new split method in handling applicants and encouraged athletes to enter early, as available spots are expected to fill up fast.
"This year, runners who have previously completed the Two Oceans Half Marathon, Ultra Marathon or Trail Runs will have first option to secure one of the initial 10 000 entries, following a decision by the organisers to split the entry process. Runners who have not participated in any Two Oceans Marathon races or previous participants who missed the first entry batch will be given a chance to secure one of the second-round entries from 15 January 2013, when 6 000 additional entries are released.
"Online entries for both the ultra and the half marathon close on 5 March 2013 or when 16 000 entries for the half marathon and 11 000 for the ultra marathon are reached – whichever comes first. "Last year, we had a record number of 16 000 entries for the half marathon and entries closed in nine days. We expect a full field of 16 000 runners to line up on Race Day, Saturday 30 March 2013, and that entries will fill up well before the closing date of 5 March 2013," said James.
"Trail enthusiasts can enter from 3 December 2012 when online entries open for the Trail Runs. "Again, we urge runners to move fast – all the available entries for this year's event sold out in less than three hours," added James in statement.
Muzhingi won the Two Oceans 56km title in Cape Town in April this year and he is set to face stern challenge in the upcoming event from veteran 40 year-old Gert Thys who will be making a comeback after he was cleared in this year in February from a doping case that dragged on for six years, finished fourth in his maiden ultra-marathon as Muzhingi bagged his first Two Oceans title.
Exciting changes for 2013 event
The 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon will see some exciting changes over previous years with the arrival of adidas as the official technical partner following the signing of a three-year deal in August this year. adidas will produce the official race t-shirts and will retail Two Oceans Marathon merchandise at its adidas Concept Stores nationwide. In addition, the new sponsor will involve international running icons such as Haile Gebrselassie in promoting the event locally and abroad.
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Expo will be hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from next year. The expo, the largest of its kind in the Western Cape, attracts more than 50 000 visitors over its three-day exhibition period every year, and features the top local and international sport clothing and apparel brands, as well as a host of other running-related exhibitors.
How to enter
Participants can enter online by visiting www.twooceansmarathon.org.za.
Post published in: Athletics