Breaking Barriers: Women at the Forefront of Two Oceans Marathon Board Leadership

Ilse De Wet and Liezel Short have made history as the first female leadership duo of the Two Oceans Marathon board. As chairperson and vice-chairperson, respectively, they bring expertise in marketing, event organization, and leadership to the board and signify progress towards gender equality in sports management. Their appointment inspires and encourages women to pursue leadership roles in all aspects of life. The new leadership promises a bright future for the Two Oceans Marathon, with a renewed sense of optimism and a shared vision for the event’s ongoing legacy.

Who are the female leaders of the Two Oceans Marathon board?

Ilse De Wet and Liezel Short are the first female leadership duo of the Two Oceans Marathon board, with De Wet as chairperson and Short as vice-chairperson. They bring significant expertise in marketing, event organization, and leadership to the board and signify progress towards gender equality in sports management. Their appointment inspires and encourages women to pursue leadership roles in all aspects of life.

A Historic Achievement: Female Leadership Takes Charge

The Two Oceans Marathon board recently elected its first female leadership duo, with Ilse De Wet appointed as chairperson and Liezel Short stepping into the role of vice-chairperson. This groundbreaking development not only demonstrates progress towards gender equality in sports management but also highlights the diverse talents and expertise these accomplished women bring to one of the city’s most prestigious events.

Ilse De Wet, a marketing specialist with significant senior and executive management experience, offers valuable expertise to the board. Before joining the TOM board in 2022, De Wet served as managing director at a global network advertising agency. As chair of the marketing and communications sub-committee, she quickly made a substantial impact on securing sponsorships for the event.

Upon accepting the role of chairperson, De Wet expressed her enthusiasm for the race, stating, “I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and determination as I accept the honour and responsibility of assuming the role of Chairperson of this esteemed organization.” She recognizes the privilege and challenge of her new position, and she’s eager to uphold the race’s legacy by dedicating herself to meticulous planning and collaboration.

Liezel Short: A Dynamic Partner in Leadership

Liezel Short, a board member since 2021, boasts an equally impressive background. As a former captain in the South African National Defence Force and race director for the SATORI Athletics Club, she has substantial experience in leadership and event organization. Short’s expertise expands into event management with her successful event management business, an honours degree in military science, and experience managing events across the African continent.

Having previously led the finance sub-committee, Short is ideally suited to work alongside De Wet in guiding the Two Oceans Marathon board to new heights. The partnership of these two leaders signifies progress in fostering diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities within the Two Oceans Marathon NPC and the wider running, stakeholder, and partner community.

With De Wet and Short at the helm, the board’s revitalized composition holds a bright future for the Two Oceans Marathon. Their leadership ushers in an era of innovation and change, as they strive to maintain the race’s legacy while embracing fresh ideas and perspectives.

A Promising Future for the Two Oceans Marathon

The appointment of Garth Schreiner as chair of the finance sub-committee completes the team of senior executive members. This combination of seasoned professionals, each with their unique backgrounds and skillsets, places the organization in a strong position for continued growth and success.

In a broader sense, the election of Ilse De Wet and Liezel Short as leaders of the Two Oceans Marathon board signifies a considerable shift in societal values. As more women attain leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated arenas, it challenges stereotypes and encourages the breaking down of long-standing gender barriers. This milestone serves not only as a testament to De Wet and Short’s individual capabilities but also as an inspiration for women and girls to pursue leadership positions in all aspects of life.

The new leadership of the Two Oceans Marathon board brings a renewed sense of optimism. With De Wet’s marketing expertise and Short’s organizational skills, the board is well-equipped to handle the complexities and challenges of managing a premier sporting event. Furthermore, their combined strengths and shared vision will undoubtedly contribute to the race’s ongoing legacy and take it to new heights.

As the Two Oceans Marathon begins this thrilling new chapter, the city eagerly anticipates the innovative ideas and focused determination that De Wet, Short, and their team will introduce. This momentous occasion marks the start of a new era for the race, one characterized by the empowerment of women and the celebration of diversity and inclusion in every aspect of the event.

1. What is the Two Oceans Marathon?

The Two Oceans Marathon is a prestigious sporting event held annually in Cape Town, South Africa, which includes a 56km ultramarathon and a 21km half marathon.

2. Who are the current leaders of the Two Oceans Marathon board?

The Two Oceans Marathon board is currently led by Ilse De Wet as chairperson and Liezel Short as vice-chairperson.

3. What makes the appointment of Ilse De Wet and Liezel Short significant?

Their appointment marks the first time in the history of the Two Oceans Marathon that a female leadership duo has taken charge of the event, signifying progress towards gender equality in sports management.

4. What experience and expertise do Ilse De Wet and Liezel Short bring to the Two Oceans Marathon board?

Ilse De Wet brings significant expertise in marketing, event organization, and leadership, having previously served as managing director at a global network advertising agency. Liezel Short’s background is in leadership, event organization, and event management, having previously worked as a captain in the South African National Defence Force and race director for the SATORI Athletics Club.

5. What is the role of the finance sub-committee in the Two Oceans Marathon board?

The finance sub-committee is responsible for overseeing the financial aspects of the Two Oceans Marathon event, including budgeting, financial reporting, and sponsorships.

6. Who is the current chair of the finance sub-committee?

Garth Schreiner currently serves as the chair of the finance sub-committee.

7. What does the future hold for the Two Oceans Marathon under the new leadership?

The new leadership of the Two Oceans Marathon board brings a renewed sense of optimism, with a shared vision for the event’s ongoing legacy and a commitment to innovation and change. The board is well-equipped to handle the complexities and challenges of managing a premier sporting event, contributing to the race’s continued growth and success.

8. What broader societal significance does the appointment of Ilse De Wet and Liezel Short hold?

Their appointment challenges stereotypes and encourages the breaking down of long-standing gender barriers, serving as an inspiration for women and girls to pursue leadership positions in all aspects of life, and signifying progress towards diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities within the Two Oceans Marathon NPC and the wider running, stakeholder, and partner community.