Two Oceans Marathon 2025: A Race to Remember is set to draw runners from all corners of the globe as the organizers have announced that local entries will open on Monday, 30 September at 13:00. This much-anticipated event marks the 54th edition of the Two Oceans Marathon, often dubbed “the world’s most beautiful marathon,” to be held on 5 and 6 April 2025, with the Ultra and Half Marathon scheduled for these dates, respectively.

Timely Return to Tradition

Historically, the Two Oceans Marathon has been synonymous with the Easter long weekend. Recent years saw a trend of shifting the race to either the weekend after Easter or further away from the holiday. However, for 2025, the race will take place a fortnight before Easter, which falls on 20 April. This change reintroduces the event to its traditional spot on the calendar, making it a highlight for many runners keen on participating during this festive season.

Champion Runners

The race is known for showcasing exceptional talent. Last year’s women’s champion Gerda Steyn will be a formidable competitor again, while Onalenna Khonkhobe also gained recognition following her victory earlier this year. Together, they contribute to the prestige of Africa’s most loved road race, which attracts more than 3,000 international runners annually. The Two Oceans Marathon is not merely a running event but a “bucket list” experience for many enthusiasts around the globe.

Entry Process for Local Runners

For those interested in participating, it’s essential to know that entries will be drawn through a lottery system. This method aims to make the entry process fairer by allowing runners to enter only for one event. More substantial details about the entry process can be found on the official website: www.twooceansmarathon.org.za.

Understanding the Draw

The entry draw will commence on Monday, 30 September and will remain open until Sunday, 6 October, closing at midnight. Certain categories of runners, including Blue Number Club members and Athletics South Africa (ASA) club runners, will have preferential treatment in the draw. All the draws will take place on Monday, 7 October, creating anticipation among participants.

Payment and Fees

After being drawn, participants will have until midnight on Saturday, 30 November to finalize their payment. Failing to do so will result in forfeiting the entry. The fees for entry are structured according to different categories of runners, which are outlined below:

Charity and Other Entries

Charity entries will also be available, opening on Friday, 1 November at 13:00. The fees associated with these entries will be publicized once the final charity partners for the event have been confirmed. Unlike local entries, International and Rest-of-Africa entries will open on Tuesday, 1 October and will remain available until they reach capacity. These entries do not involve a draw; they are confirmed immediately upon payment.

Qualifying Requirements

For participants aiming to enter the Ultra Marathon, any officially timed and measured marathon or longer race completed after 1 July 2024 can be utilized as a qualifier. The standard qualifying time for a marathon distance is set at five hours. For those focusing on the Half Marathon, successfully completed 10km, 15km, or 21km races run after 1 July 2024 will dictate seeding placements on race day.

Stay Informed

Participants and enthusiasts looking for more information can visit the official FAQs page at www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/faqs. For direct inquiries, interested individuals can reach the race organizers at (021) 2000 459 or via email at info@twooceansmarathon.org.za.

Join the Excitement

Are you planning to be part of this thrilling experience? Share your excitement by commenting below or send an email to info@thesouthafrican.com. Stay updated with the latest race news by following @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook.