Entries open for Two Oceans trail runs

NATIONAL NEWS - Online entries for the ninth Old Mutual Two Oceans trail runs will open on Friday 1 December 2017.

Runners can choose between the 12km route – a perfect race for trail novices – and the 24km stretch that caters for fit and experienced runners.

Entries will open at 10:00 for the 12km route, and 11:00 for the 24km run, which is held on 30 March 2018 as part of the Easter weekend line-up.

To minimise the impact on the sensitive ecological area that the event runs through, entries across the two distances will be limited to 1 000 runners in total.

Entries to both events are once again expected to sell out within minutes, and prospective entrants are encouraged to update their profiles and link their Omtom profiles to Webtickets – the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon's (Omtom) new payment platform – between 20 and 30 November.

"Runners will still be able to make online credit card payments, but in-store payments at Pick n Pay within 24 hours of selecting that payment option will also be facilitated," says general manager of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC Carol Vosloo.

An example of some of the views participants of the Two Oceans Trail Run can enjoy along the route.

"We urge runners to familiarise themselves with the new payment process and ensure that their profiles are appropriately updated and linked to Webtickets before entries open on 1 December."

The entry fee for the 12km is R750, and R920 for the 24km, which includes a limited-edition technical T-shirt from Adidas, as well as the R100 SANParks levy.

Runners who do not already own a RaceTec timing chip will be required to purchase one for R130 upon entering.

The routes comprise varied terrain with steep ascents and descents.

Both runs start at the University of Cape Town (UCT), from where athletes will traverse the lower slopes of Devil’s Peak and nearby forests of the Table Mountain National Park.

The routes comprise varied terrain with steep ascents and descents, while the 24km trail run requires considerable technical running skill.

The events offer a challenge to new and experienced trail runners, who are richly rewarded with spectacular scenery and amazing views of the Cape peninsula in return.