Record Field expected for Two Oceans 2012

[TheEd]

A record field of over 25000 runners, including the defending champions and over 1 500 international runners, will line up on Easter Saturday 7 April for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon.

The 56km ultra marathon has attracted a field of just under 9 200, making it the fourth biggest in the event's history. The largest field was in 2004, when the race made a welcome return to Chapman's Peak and attracted 9 769 runners.

The 21km half marathon will see 16 000 runners tackle the new route over Edinburgh Drive, making it the biggest half marathon in the country and in Africa.

According to Joy Khaole, Old Mutual's marketing executive for group sponsorship: "As the title sponsor of a premier event on the road running calendar, we are delighted to have attracted yet another record field and everything is in place to bring participants a special race day experience."

The Two Oceans Marathon Association introduced a new route for the first ten kilometres of the half marathon, which will see participants make their way to the M3, up Edinburgh Drive, which will not only provide spectacular views out over Muizenberg and one ocean, but also help to alleviate some of the congestion experienced at the start. From the M3 runners will meet up with the old route in Constantia.

"There is always roughly a twenty percent non start ratio on race day so we expect there to be in the region of 13 000 runners on the half marathon route and we have made all the necessary provisions with regards to medical and traffic services to handle a field of this size," said race director Rowyn James.

Runners and walkers not doing the 56km, 21km or trail run events can still be part of the world's most beautiful marathon by taking part in the fun runs on Easter Friday 6 April at the University of Cape Town's (UCT) sports fields. Participants can choose from a 56m Nappy Dash (children 1 to 3 years), 300m Toddlers' Trot (children 4 to 6 years), a 2.5km and a 5km fun run or walk, which start from 12h00 onwards.