Checkout Two Oceans Marathon 2024 article instead.
The Two Oceans Marathon, set for 15th and 16th April 2023 in Cape Town, is renowned as Africa’s premier running event and the world’s most picturesque marathon. It features a 56 km Ultra Marathon and a 21 km Half Marathon, showcasing the breathtaking Cape Peninsula. From its start in 1970, its popularity has surged, with the Half Marathon drawing 16,000 runners and the Ultra Marathon 11,000. Additionally, there are fun and trail runs attracting 6,000 participants, and international entrants must meet specific qualification criteria to participate.
The Two Oceans Marathon is one of Africa’s most significant running events and the world’s most beautiful marathon. The event is scheduled to occur on the 15th and 16th of April, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. The marathon comprises a 56 km Ultra Marathon and a 21 km Half Marathon, both of which offer runners a chance to experience the stunning natural beauty of the Cape Peninsula.
The Ultra Marathon and Half Marathon Routes
The Ultra Marathon route follows a circular path through Muizenberg and Fish Hoek, over Chapman’s Peak and Constantia Nek, before culminating at the University of Cape Town campus. If Chapman’s Peak Drive is closed, the Ultra Marathon takes an alternative route over Ou Kaapse Weg. The Half Marathon takes runners along Edinburgh Drive before passing Kirstenbosch and finishing at the University of Cape Town campus.
Growing Participation
![Collection of medals on a blue ribbon, representing achievement at Two Oceans Marathon 2023](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cjtqhxfcrf.webp)
![Intricate framed map of Cape Town featured in the Two Oceans Marathon 2023 article](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/xlugvobhsu.webp)
![Triumphant moment at the Two Oceans Marathon, with a hand holding a gold medal](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/momlarwchw.webp)
![Vibrant red shoes, sports powder, racing bib, folded clothes, hat, and bag arranged on a bed.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nvezxfninz.webp)
![Group of runners participating in the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ulximztclz.webp)
![Crowd at the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town, South Africa](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wcoxygopxf.webp)
![Group of athletes running in the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town, South Africa.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/qeajtguxle.webp)
![Vibrant outdoor scene of a marathon in progress](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/onaxoaigyz.webp)
![Diverse participants in Two Oceans Marathon, a scenic and challenging race in Cape Town](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/qhkiazrycv.webp)
![A group of runners participating in the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town, South Africa.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pdcvtyfpjn.webp)
![A person proudly displaying a medal outdoors against a visually pleasing backdrop of a clear, expansive sky.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/jsawyhmsqc.webp)
![Crowd at the Two Oceans Marathon 2023 in Cape Town](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nizrtxjmbg.webp)
![A group of people energetically running on a road with a backdrop of nature](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/sdbbvqneee.webp)
![Breathtaking view of the Cape Peninsula during the Two Oceans Marathon.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nlnfnlwwyo.webp)
![Group of runners participating in the Two Oceans Marathon, showcasing the breathtaking Cape Peninsula.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/envghshomg.webp)
![Man running in a marathon race in Cape Town](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/eelmcyxnka.webp)
![Medal and map design on a red active shirt at the Two Oceans Marathon.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pvoyitovit.webp)
![Group of people participating in the Two Oceans Marathon, Africa's biggest running event and world's most beautiful marathon](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/rgtmwnkief.webp)
![Group of people walking in a park during the fall season](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ipbpsrfjya.webp)
![Exhilarating moment of participants in the Two Oceans Marathon 2023](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/qgwlamianz.webp)
![Group of runners participating in the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town, South Africa.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/klfyquvwji.webp)
Since its inception in 1970, the Two Oceans Marathon has significantly grown in popularity with each passing year. The Half Marathon alone attracts 16,000 participants, making it the most significant event in South Africa. Meanwhile, 11,000 athletes tackle the grueling 56 km Ultra Marathon.
Fun Runs and Trail Runs
In addition to the primary events, various fun runs and trail runs take place the day before the primary races, attracting approximately 6,000 runners, including toddlers and young children with their families. International participants also get to participate in a scenic 5 km route along the Sea Point promenade as part of the International Friendship Run.
Qualification
The race is open to international entrants; however, it is unfortunately not available to residents of South Africa. To enter, runners must qualify by running a standard IAAF (ASA in South Africa) affiliated marathon or race longer than 42.2 km that is officially timed and measured. If running a 42.2 km qualifying race, a sub-5:00 time is required. Further details on qualifying times can be found on the TOM website.
Join Team Africa Marathons
For those interested in joining Team Africa Marathons, please email info@africamarathons.com or ring +44 1932 361807 (UK) +1 844 390 1798 (USA) +44 (0)7791360170 (Rob).
Cape Town Today encourages runners and outdoor enthusiasts alike to join the Two Oceans Marathon 2023 and witness firsthand the stunning natural beauty of the Cape Peninsula.
![Participants running in the Two Oceans Marathon event on a paved road with lush green surroundings](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mzhgusyqpe.webp)
![Exciting crowd at the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/yhjdbholpr.webp)
![Two women participating in the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/poxopcazzz.webp)
![Two fashionable ladies capturing a joyful moment during the Two Oceans Marathon.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pqppfmxukf.webp)
![Charismatic man in trendy fashion accessories at the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ftmgmudflt.webp)
![Man holding a small white musical instrument in a joyful outdoor scene](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/horudtxawu.webp)
![Diverse group of runners participating in the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/qrajkpkovd.webp)
![Stylish man with a camera at the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/spfzqvvgvd.webp)
![A man and woman sharing a joyful moment at the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/xclsngzcac.webp)
![Group of four people posing together in an indoor setting for a photo](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/yaqelyzohb.webp)
![Man participating in the Two Oceans Marathon 2023 in Cape Town](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/whffmutnxx.webp)
![A relaxed scene at an indoor venue with a woman at a dining table surrounded by various beverages, wearing trendy sunglasses and a skull graphic t-shirt.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ysvwkvhhkm.webp)
![A woman enjoying a social event at the 'Bridge the Oceans' Weekend in Cape Town.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/mbgixmwwrp.webp)
![Comprehensive road map for the Two Oceans Marathon 2023 in Cape Town.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/rzcxyttnah.webp)
![Woman standing in front of a banner for the Two Oceans Marathon 2023](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/fwtanlrfhh.webp)
![Group of people at Two Oceans Marathon 2023, holding signs and showing unity](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/gifywjomco.webp)
![Man and woman standing side by side in casual attire in front of a sign at the Two Oceans Marathon 2023](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/wyfpfmfspt.webp)
![Cheerful woman ready for Two Oceans Marathon 2023 in Cape Town](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/qdcvinkuac.webp)
![Assorted items on a bed, including medicine bottle, sneakers, jersey, and baby food container](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/simchrskcv.webp)
![Two men standing in a city street during the Two Oceans Marathon 2023.](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uqnnmwjlju.webp)
![Group of athletes wearing blue shirts with medals around their necks](https://capetown.today/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/bhxyjtoujb.webp)
FAQ
Q1: When and where is the Two Oceans Marathon 2023 scheduled to take place?
- Answer: The Two Oceans Marathon is scheduled for the 15th and 16th of April 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is recognized as Africa’s leading running event and offers a unique chance to experience the captivating natural beauty of the Cape Peninsula.
Q2: Can you describe the routes for the Ultra Marathon and Half Marathon?
- Answer: The 56 km Ultra Marathon follows a route through Muizenberg and Fish Hoek, goes over Chapman’s Peak and Constantia Nek, and concludes at the University of Cape Town campus. If Chapman’s Peak Drive is unavailable, runners take the alternative Ou Kaapse Weg route. The 21 km Half Marathon leads runners along Edinburgh Drive, past Kirstenbosch, and finishes at the University of Cape Town campus.
Q3: How many participants usually join the Two Oceans Marathon, and are there any other associated events?
- Answer: The Half Marathon attracts approximately 16,000 runners, while the Ultra Marathon sees around 11,000 participants. In addition to these main events, fun runs and trail runs take place the day before, with about 6,000 participants, including families with young children. International participants can also enjoy a scenic 5 km run along the Sea Point promenade, known as the International Friendship Run.
Q4: What are the qualification criteria for international entrants?
- Answer: International runners are welcome to join, but the event isn’t open to South African residents. To qualify, runners must participate in a standard IAAF (or ASA in South Africa) affiliated marathon or a race longer than 42.2 km that’s officially timed and measured. For a 42.2 km qualifying race, a time below 5:00 hours is necessary. More details on qualifications are available on the TOM website.
Q5: How can one join Team Africa Marathons for the event?
- Answer: For those interested in joining Team Africa Marathons for the Two Oceans Marathon, they can reach out via email at info@africamarathons.com or call on the provided phone numbers: +44 1932 361807 (UK), +1 844 390 1798 (USA), or +44 (0)7791360170 (Rob).