The Two Oceans Marathon will take place over the weekend of April 5, featuring a record-high participation from 4,500 runners across 98 countries, including significant entries from Zimbabwe and Namibia. The event is pivotal for local economic growth, creating around 4,000 temporary jobs during its weekend.
The Two Oceans Marathon is renowned as both “the world’s most beautiful marathon” and “Africa’s biggest event,” significantly boosting the Western Cape’s economy. The event is set for the weekend of April 5, featuring a 56km ultra, half-marathon, trail runs, and the Cape Town International Friendship Run. This year’s edition boasts a record of 98 countries participating.
Among the 4,500 international runners, South Africans dominate the entries, with Namibia contributing 839 participants and Zimbabwe 798. The UK ranks fourth with 337 runners. The event highlights global representation, from nations like Mauritania, Malaysia, and Ecuador, igniting excitement among organizers regarding the international appeal.
Race manager Hilton Kearns expressed pride in welcoming a record 4,500 internationals, emphasizing the iconic status of the marathon. He noted, “It’s an honour to be welcoming more than 4,500 internationals from a record 98 countries to our shores…this speaks to the truly globally iconic nature of our race.”
The Two Oceans Marathon is praised for its scenic route around Chapman’s Peak. Kearns also mentioned plans for making the 2025 event memorable, coinciding with the return of the Cape Town International Friendship Run. The marathon’s weekend generates approximately 4,000 temporary jobs, underscoring its economic significance.
Kearns added, “We are, of course, also pleased at the important ancillary impact this kind of tourism pull has on the local economy.” The event is crucially recognized for its substantial contributions to the region’s economy.
Overall, the Two Oceans Marathon not only showcases world-class athleticism but also provides essential economic benefits and strengthens international ties through sport.
The Two Oceans Marathon is a significant international running event, attracting 4,500 participants from 98 countries, highlighting its global appeal. It boosts the local economy by creating temporary jobs and generating tourism revenue. The organizers aim to enhance the event’s experience in future iterations, especially with the return of the Cape Town International Friendship Run. Overall, the marathon symbolizes the intersection of sport and economic development in the Western Cape.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
