Local runners getting ready for Two Oceans 2018
Local runners share their views on the new entry process for the popular race.
Entries for the 2018 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon (OMTOM) opened on 1 November 2017, and local runners secured their spot in the 47-year-old race.
The News spoke to Derrick Oliver, one of the Krugersdorp Running Twins, and Tshepiso Tsaagane of Kagiso.
Derrick said modern technology now enables interested participants to enter, and the process makes them (entrants) transparent when it comes to club membership, qualifying times and registered races the runner had done.
“Although the organiser attempts to make it as easy as possible, some athletes struggle with understanding the new entry model,” said Derrick.
Being the personification of the early bird aiming to catch the fattest worm, Derrick entered himself and his brother, Desmond, on 1 November.
“I entered the first day the entries opened. A day later, on 2 November, the ultra-marathon (56km) entry status is 75 per cent full. Desmond is challenging himself as he will be running despite the plastic brace he wears to keep his foot up as his sciatic nerve was severed in a car accident in 2000,” said Derrick.
Tshepiso, who is also a member of Krugersdorp Road Runners said she will be challenging herself in the 56km race, a leap from the 32km that she is comfortable with. Before she sets her entire focus on the OMTOM, the 2017 Soweto Marathon has been the centre of attention for her as she participated for the fifth time on Sunday, 5 November. Asked how the OMTOM entry process was for her, she said it was not complicated, though it took a while to finalise the entry.
“It wasn’t as quick as I expected it to be, it was a long process, though I think it was easy for me because I’m used to entering road races online,” said the 46-year-old mother.
Derrick further explained the entry process in detail for runners who consider entering. He said runners have to go through their registered profile on the site (www.twooceansmarathon.org.za) to enter. The entry process includes numerous check and balances based on your club status, it verifies your medical status, and it also brings in certain disclaimers which the organisers can now add or remove as circumstances require.
“In hindsight it has become somewhat complex, but with good reason. Your running club also plays an important part by authenticating your entry. This commercial approach comes with a price tag, as you are now guided via a specific payment portal, in addition it brings in the charity component. I believe that if you are too late to enter, the charity option will ensure an entry thereby moving substitution hopefuls to the back of the queue.
Derrick was introduced to road running by their late brother, Douglas, and ran his first Two Oceans in 1983. Approximately seven years later, Derrick introduced Desmond to the ‘beautiful yet somewhat challenging sport’.
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