56km Ultra Marathon
This will be the 43rd consecutive Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon is run under the rules of the IAAF, Athletics South Africa (ASA) and Western Province Athletics (WPA).
The endurance runner's virtual guide for the 56km Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon includes information on the route, how to enter, change of entries / substitutions, the Two Oceans expo and registration, race day information, training for your event, medical assistance and the publishing of results.
Easter Saturday, 7 April 2012 at 06h25
Important Information
In 2012 all South African entrants entering for the Ultra Marathon must be in possession of a valid provincial athletics licence. In order to obtain a valid 2012 licence entrants must be registered with an athletics club affiliated with Athletics South Africa (ASA). The club information must be provided upon entering. Temporary licences will not be available for the 2012 ultra marathon.
The Old Mutual Two Oceans marathon will remain on the traditional route via Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay and Constantia Nek. Should it be deemed unsafe by authorities at a later stage, you will be notified and the Ou Kaapse Weg route (prior to 2004) will be used.
Age Categories
Minimum age for participation - Entrants must be no younger than 20 on the day of the race.
Age Category Tags - Numerical age category tags will be printed on the race numbers so please make sure they are CLEARLY visible.
Age Category Runners - An athlete is not eligible for a prize in more than one age group category i.e. an athlete is only eligible for a prize in the age category applicable to him/her or the younger category chosen by him/her. An athlete, male or female, who finishes the race in first to tenth position, may however, win his/her position prize as well as any applicable age group category prize. Unless you specifically request in writing to the Two Oceans Marathon organisers to change your age category to a lower age group category prior to closing date, you will be entered in the age group category of your chronological age both for individual and any team competition (ASA rules 11.3 to 11.8 inclusive).
Licence & Club - All entrants residing in South Africa entering for the Ultra Marathon must be in possession of a valid provincial running licence. In order to obtain a valid 2012 licence entrants must be registered with an athletics club affiliated with Athletics South Africa (ASA). The club information must be provided upon entering. Temporary licences will not be issued.
Club Colours/Running Gear - All South Africans must wear the clothes of the athletics club, they are a member of as indicated in their entry. No identification of sponsors of individual athletes may appear on advertising inside the competition area. Advertising tattoos or any advertising marks on any part of the body is illegal. Age category tags must be clearly visible on the front and back of the running vest, if competitors are to be eligible for any age category prize apart from the open category. The domicilium rule will be strictly enforced. No athlete may run for a club other than a registered club in the Province in which they are domiciled unless they have been declared a National athlete by ASA.
Qualifying Criteria
All standard marathons and other races longer than 42.2 km will count as qualifying races, provided that they are held under the auspices of the IAAF (or ASA in South Africa).
Qualifying Period
The qualifying period is from 1 September 2011 onward and can only enter after qualifying. All runners are required to have run a qualifying marathon or longer distance in specified times (see table below).
International runners are encouraged to comply to the same requirements as South African runners (to have run a qualifying marathon or ultra marathon in the months leading up to the race). For this reason we have extended the qualifying period to any race since the last Two Oceans Marathon. In the unlikely event of International runners unable to run a qualifying marathon within this period they may enter the race, but they will start at the back.
Qualifying Standards
In order to qualify to run the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, runners must have completed the distance indicated below in the time next to the distance:
| Distance |
Time |
| 42.2 km |
sub 5:00 |
| 50 km |
sub 6:30 |
| 56 km |
sub 7:00 |
| 90 km |
sub 12:00 |
| 100+ km |
sub 13:30 |
Qualifying Races
View the qualifying races for 2012. Should you not find the details of the race you are interested in, please email us with information about that race (name, date and link to information or a race flyer).
Seeding
Each runner’s qualifying times since 1 September in the year prior to the event, are used to seed them – faster runners in the front and slower runners at the back. International runners can use any race since the last Two Oceans Marathon. (April 2011)
Seeding groups
The seeding table is the same as what was used in 2011. All 2011 Gold & Silver Medalists will be seeded in Group A. Runners wearing Blue and Yellow numbers will be seeded behind the C group unless they qualify for a higher group.
Entry Fees
Runners who have credit cards and Internet access are encouraged to enter online from 5 October onwards. Entry forms for manual entries will become available from 9 November 2011 onwards. You are advised to make photocopies of the entry form(s), cheques or other proof of payment, etc as proof of entry in case of queries. Please send your entry forms via registered or priority mail, or deliver it in person to the Two Oceans Marathon offices. An incomplete entry form may result in being posted back to you. Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon reserves the right to accept or reject any entry. Please do NOT send more than one entry; you will not be refunded for additional entries (one person, one entry). Runners participate at their own risk. The organisers and the sponsors cannot be held responsible for any damage, injuries, illness or losses incurred whatsoever - whether before, during or after the race.
We do not accept Faxed or E-mailed entry forms
Please note: No Cash or Postal Orders will be accepted at the Two Oceans Marathon offices
South African Entrants
Runners who own a timing chip: R185
Runners who do not own a chip or have lost their chip: R285
African Entrants
Runners who own a timing chip: R230 (includes a temporary licence)
Runners who do not own a chip or have lost their chip: R330
Overseas Entrants
Runners who own timing chip: R800
Runners who do not own a chip or have lost their chip: R900
Please note that entry fees are not refundable under any circumstances.
Enter online
You can enter online by visiting Two Oceans Marathon.
Closing date for entries
The closing date for entries is Wednesday 29 February 2012. Please note that should 11,000 entries be received before the closing date, that the entries will then close at that stage.
No late entries will be accepted (not even for Internationals). Runners cannot enter if they have not yet qualified. Postal entries must reach the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon office no later than 29 February 2012. Online entries close Wednesday, 7th March 2012.
Acknowledgement of entry
Entries can be confirmed on Two Oceans Marathon by clicking on "Confirm entry" and printing the acknowledgement page. Entries will also be acknowledged to valid e-mail addresses (as supplied). Please ensure that you bring a form of entry acknowledgement, your timing chip (Racetek) and ID document (or permanent residence permit) to Registration.
Timing
A new timing partner was introduced in 2011 which will be valid for the next five years - the RaceTec System (previously known as Winning Time), which is the same timing system used by the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour. The good news is that if you already have one of these chips, you can use it for Two Oceans. The RaceTec System offers a state of the art timing system that will make the processing of results and times far easier and more user friendly. If you don't have one of these chips, then you will need to purchase a new one for the event at a cost of R100. The chips are usually R110 but we will subsidise them again this year. This system is used extensively at various other races around the country including the 94.7 Cycle Challenge in Johannesburg. More info at RaceTec.
All runners will be required to wear a RaceTec timing chip on one of their shoes during the race. The chip must be registered in the runner's name and not belong to someone else. Runners who do not own a chip (or have lost theirs) must enclose the additional timing chip fee of R100 with their entry fee. Runners who have ordered timing chips can collect them at Registration when they register for the race. Runners who lose their timing chips after entering or have left them at home will be able to buy a new timing chip at Registration. Remember: No chip, No Result. There will be no exceptions made if a chip is not used!
It is compulsory to have your timing chip at Registration in order to collect your race pack with race numbers etc. The timing chip becomes your property after the race and can be used for all events in SA that use the same timing system. Please ensure that you keep your chip in a safe place after the race in order to avoid having to buy a new chip.
Upgrades, downgrades or substitutions will be facilitated via the website, from 1 February to 7 March 2012 only. (Cost implications and other conditions are applicable).Seeding upgrades will be done free of charge. Race name, date, distance and time must be emailed before 7 March 2011. Entry fees will not be refunded under any circumstances.
Runners should refrain from entering the Half Marathon if they intend running the Ultra. Runners, who have entered the Half Marathon and later qualify to run the Ultra within the qualifying period, may change their entry to the Ultra. Please visit theTwo Oceans website for more info.
No entry fee refunds will be done under any circumstances. No changes to an entry will be done at Registration.
As per the Half Marathon details - The Old Mutual Two Oceans marathon registration and expo takes place from 04 April – 06 April 2012 at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town, offering visitors all there is to know about running. Please note revised times: Wed, 10:00 - 18:00; thurs, 10:00 - 19:00 and Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
Race Registration (number collection) for pre-entries only. This is a pre-entry only event.
It is compulsory to register (collect race numbers, not enter) before the race to receive your race numbers and related items. Registration will take place at the Good Hope Centre, Sir Lowry Road, Cape Town (on the corner of Oswald Pirow Street), from Wednesday 4 April to Friday 6 April 2012 Please note the new revised times:(Opening times: Wed 10:00 - 18:00; Thurs 10:00 - 19:00 and Friday 10:00 - 17:00).
To ensure you have a trouble-free registration, please ensure you bring the following with you when you collect your race number and goody bag at the Expo:
- Race acknowledgement: If you have not yet received one, please visit Two Oceans Marathon and click on "Confirm my Entry", enter your name, click on summary and print this out. This can be used as your proof of entry for registration purposes.
- ID document/drivers licence/passport/permanent residence permit: This is very important – you will need some form of identification in order to register for your race.
- RaceTek timing chip: If you already own a RaceTek timing chip, bring it along so that you can confirm your details. If you have purchased one for the event, you will receive it when you register.
Race Packs
At Registration runners will receive their race packs including race number(s), registration bags and T-shirts. All Ultra Marathon entrants will receive a Puma technical garment with their race pack at registration. Please ensure you indicate your correct size on the entry form as no exchanges will be allowed at Registration.
Runners who ordered timing chips will also receive these at Registration. Runners may not claim their registration bags, timing chips, race number(s) and T-shirts after registration closes. Runners who do not collect their timing chips at Registration will not be refunded, nor will the timing chips be forwarded to them.
The 20-week training programme - for the 56km - to help you prepare for Old Mutual Two Oceans marathon 2012 has been compiled by Virtual Coach Norrie Williamson.
Race & Pace Calculator
The Old Mutual Two Oceans race and pace calculator can help you predict a realistic finish time for your race, specific to your distance, and provide you with a personalised pace table of split times.
Two Oceans Forum
Got questions about your training, need advice or want to have your say about the Two Oceans race in general? The Old Mutual Two Oceans team is here to answer your questions so visit them today.
On the Day
Race Numbers
Runners will receive two race numbers: it is imperative that runners fill in the medical information on the back of their race number. It must be worn without alteration one on the front, one on the back of the upper body garment. No race numbers are to be pinned on running shorts.
Misuse of Race Numbers.
Runners may not transfer their race numbers and/or timing chips to other runners. Any runner who is found guilty of breaking this rule will be banned from the race for 2 years.
Parking
Parking at UCT and near the start is limited. Runners are advised to share lifts to the start and to be dropped off within walking distance. Some of the schools near the start will provide parking.
The ‘Jammie Shuttle’ bus service will take runners back to the parking areas at the start free of charge. These will leave from 10:00 onwards from the UCT Indoor Sports Centre.
Tog Bag Facilities
A Tog Bag Facility will be available suitably signaged on the day of the race in one of the tents at the UCT fields. Runners can also make use of the Tog Bag Trucks that will be available at the start in Dean Street. Your tog bags will be taken back to the Finish Venue. Runners must ensure that their bags are labelled with their names on the label provided at these trucks. Every care will be taken to ensure that the bags are safeguarded. However, runners are advised not to leave expensive or valuable items in their bags, as the organisers cannot accept responsibility for any losses.
Start
The 56km ultra marathon will start at 06h25 outside SA Breweries, Main Road, Newlands in Cape Town. The start is within walking distance of the finish (only 2 km).
Seconding
The No mobile seconding rule will be strictly enforced. No seconds may drive, cycle or run alongside any athlete on the route. The STAND AND HAND rule, whereby a runner's seconds may stand at any refreshment station on the route and hand refreshments to their athlete while they remain stationary, will apply. No seconds may travel on the route. The race referees will deal with any transgression of this rule and the penalty may include disqualification after a warning.
Finish Line
The finish line must be crossed to officially finish the race. At this point you will be timed by crossing the timing mat. There are no designated lanes and it is important to move through this area swiftly. Each runner will receive a small card that can be exchanged at the Runners' Refreshment Tent for your free refreshments.
Runners completing their 10th, 20th, 25th and 30th Two Oceans Ultra are requested to enter the finish area on the right-hand side, in order to receive your permanent number or award.
Cut-off
The race is run from gun to gun - cut-off is 7 hours (13:25). Runners who have not reached the following marks in the times specified will not be allowed to continue:
- 25km at 09:28 - Corner of Corvette Avenue and Corsair Drive, Sun Valley.
- 38km at 11:15 - Outside No. 1 Chapman's Peak flats.
- 42,2km at 11:45 - outside Four Season's Farm entrance.
- 46,1km at 12:15 - At the top of Constantia Nek.
If you do not reach the cut-off points within the required time, you will be asked to retire from the Race and leave the road. You may not continue running. Athletes who fail to obey the race officials will be subject to disciplinary action and may be banned from participation in the Two Oceans Marathon in future. Transport will be provided at all the cut-off points to take the runners back to the Finish.
It is imperative that runners fill in the medical information on the back of their race number. Should a runner require hospital treatment, he/she will be charged according to the hospital tariff rate.
Please take note of this number in case you need it for a medical emergency:
082911
Information relating to runners who have been admitted to the Medical Tent will be available at the Information Tent next to the finish.
Provisional results will be on the Two Oceans website on the day of the race. Should there be any error, please report this to us via:
- Email
- Telephone: 021 657 5140.
A set of final results will be available and those that indicate they would like to receive this (when entering) will receive this in the post within 6-8 weeks after the race.