CAPE TOWN – Ultra long-distance specialists will be running for a lucrative prize money incentive when the Two Oceans Marathon takes on Easter Saturday, April 15.
In addition to the prize money that will be won, title sponsor Old Mutual has given an R1-million bonus prize for the first male and female to break the respective Ultra records.
The R1-million bonus was first introduced to the Ultra Marathon ahead of the 2014 event, which sparked new motivation among elite runners to break the records originally set by Thompson Magawana and Frith van der Merwe.
Magawana set the men’s record of 3:03:44 in 1988, while Van der Merwe set the women’s record a year later in 1989 when she ran 3:30:36. The closest any runner has come since then is Zimbabwean Marko Mambo, who ran 3:05:39 in 2005. Russian Olesya Nurgalieva ran the second fastest women’s time in 2008 when she crossed the finish line in 3:34:53.
“The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon is a highlight on the South African running and social calendar," said Old Mutual's Karen Thomas. "It's a massive event that continues to grow and what really elevated the race to another level was the bonus incentive we introduced for the runners who break the record.”
“More international runners have been drawn to the race since the bonus was introduced, plus it’s added an extra element of excitement to the day. It's no easy feat to break this record, but we believe with proper planning; grit and focus, it can be done.”
Carol Vosloo, Two Oceans Marathon NPC general manager, admitted it would be difficult to better Magwana and Van der Merwe's times.
"The records were set on a downhill finish, which means runners now face the challenge of having to contend with an ascent to the finish line at UCT," she said.
"We don't think it's impossible to break these records, but renowned coach Norrie Williamson estimates that only runners with lightning fast marathon times – 2:07 for the men and 2:23 for the women – will have a fighting chance."