Two Oceans awarded Gold Label Status again

Each year, events must submit to the IAU. Based on the evaluation of these submissions, events are awarded bronze, silver and gold.

The Gold label is the highest award given to a select few races that guarantee world-class organisation, a high-quality field of elite athletes, records, prize money, international performances, safety and equipment to run the event.

In addition, the courses will be measured to meet World Athletics standards and regulations.

And South Africa's popular 56km race met all the requirements, making it one of the best ultramarathons in the world.

All records set during the ultramarathon in the 2023 edition will be recognised by the IAU.

Two Oceans race director Hilton Kearns and chairman William Swartbooi told SABC Sport that they want to put on a world-class event this year and earn another gold status next year.

“We ticked all the boxes and complied with all the requirements. We plan to turn our Ultramarathon into the popular destination for the leading athletes in the world,” said Swartbooi.

The 56km ultramarathon will be held in Cape Town on 15 April, and the 21.1km half marathon on 16 April. The ultramarathon winner receives R250 000, while the half-marathon winner receives R25 000.

Race sponsor Totalsports will pay an additional R250 000 if the men's and women's records are broken.

Thompson Magawana set the men's race record in 1988 with a time of 3:04:44. Gerda Steyn holds the women's race record with a time of 3:29:42 seconds set in 2022.

“We hope to increase the prize money next year. We have been paying R250 000 for a few years,” said Swartbooi.

The race has 13 000 entries this year, and the 21.1km entries have already sold out, leaving less than a thousand entries for the ultramarathon with 43 days until race day.

“We are urging the runners to buy their entries before it’s too late. We are close to closing the entries and working with the City of Cape Town to stage a beautiful race, and on 16 March, we have a free nutritional talk with a panel of experts to assist runners with their diet at Newlands Stadium. The sooner you get your entries, the better,” said Kearns.

Kearns also confirmed that three-time champion Steyn will defend her title. While three-time Soweto Marathon champion Irvette van Zyl has confirmed her availability to run the ultra, she finished second last year in 3:30:31.

Nkosikhona Mhlakwana (3:09:08), who finished second in the men's race in 2022, is also returning to challenge Ethiopian winner Edndale Belachew (3:09:05).