Held every year in April, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon is without a doubt one of the biggest sporting events in Cape Town – possibly even the world. In this grueling race, runners are faced not only with a challenging route that spans across the peninsula, but also with the elements. As any Cape Town visitor or local knows, this could mean anything from rain to hail, strong winds or blazing sunshine.
The marathon first began in 1970, and today sees thousands of runners make their way to the finish line. The route is notoriously tough, and the main 56km event (known as the ultra marathon) is not without its share of dramas, stress and excitement. There is also a 21km half marathon held on the same day, along with a number of fun runs and other activities for the whole family. For spectators, race weekend means a chance to get up early and spur runners on to success at various cheering points across the route.
Two Oceans Marathon 2014
This year’s race will be held on Easter Weekend, with the ultra marathon and half marathon taking place on Saturday 19 April 2014. Details for the main events are as follows:
Ultra Marathon (56km) – 06h30 – 13h30
Starting in Dean Street, Newlands, the full marathon continues into False Bay, via Muizenberg and Fish Hoek, then goes over Chapman’s Peak Drive into Hout Bay, over Constantia Nek and then to the finish line at the UCT campus in Rondebosch. There are water and medic points along the route, and road closures will also be in place as runners make their way through each part of the city.
Half Marathon (21km) – 06h00 – 09h20
The secondary event takes off from Main Road in Newlands, and continues around the southern suburbs. It finishes at the southern part of the UCT campus in Rondebosch (away from the main event to avoid confusion). There are various water and medic points on this route too.
Where to Watch the 2014 Two Oceans Race?
Spectator points for the Two Oceans are as follows:
- Main Road in Lakeside
- Kommetjie Road in Fish Hoek
- Silvermine Road intersection at Ou Kaapse Weg
- Noordhoek Village at the start of Chapman’s Peak
- Constantia Nek (Nedbank hosts the Green Mile with five entertainment venue)
- Cecelia Forest along Rhodes Drive
- Kirstenbosch Gardens
- Union Avenue towards UCT
Visit the official Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon website for more information on routes and other events over the weekend.
Two Oceans Marathon Accommodation in Cape Town
If you have family or friends who are running this year’s Two Oceans Marathon, you may be wondering where to stay when coming in from out of town. This race attracts many spectators and participants from all over the country and further afield. We are able to offer plenty of advice on where to stay in Cape Town – whether in the southern suburbs near the start point or in the trendy City Centre, popular Camps Bay area or any other part of the city.
Check out our list of places to stay in Cape Town to find great priced accommodation across the peninsula. You can also give us a shout via phone or email by going to our contact page.
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