TOM 2021 Update
23 December 2020
So much has changed in the past year following the cancellation of TOM 2020 and many other events due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
By now, you would normally have completed your entry to the Two Oceans Marathon 2021, started your training programme and planned your TOM 2021 running gear. With the uncertainty around mass participation events and the current restrictions in place, the reality is that it is not business as usual.
Our commitment to delivering a world-class event in 2021 has not changed, and planning for the 51st edition of the Two Oceans Marathon has been underway for several months. We have been closely monitoring developments around the Coronavirus and the impact of the second wave.
As a team, we have had several productive meetings and engagements with the relevant authorities and stakeholders, and have presented what Two Oceans Marathon 2021 could ‘look like’ next year.
As we have proceeded with our planning, only the format and scale of the event (physical, virtual or hybrid) needs to be finalised. We have put forward plans that are easily scalable to the number of runners that will be allowed to participate in the Two Oceans Marathon 2021 by the time the event takes place.
Any of these scenarios remain subject to compliance and approval within the framework of the Disaster Management Act, No 57 of 2002 (the Act).
What we know:
• It is unlikely that we will be able to host TOM 2021 in April to the scale you have all become accustomed to.
• International participation is unlikely to be permitted, given that travel restrictions may continue as many countries in the northern hemisphere are experiencing a Coronavirus second wave.
What happens next?
While we continue to monitor both local and international developments around the current global pandemic, we will continue working on a number of scenarios that will allow us to host the Two Oceans Marathon in 2021, which we plan to present to the authorities and our stakeholders soon.
This includes plans and processes to mitigate the risks for runners and all who work on our event; as well as various adjustments and additional safety protocols to our logistics planning, including staggered starts, screening and sanitisation models from start to finish.
Our goal is to host the 2021 Two Oceans Marathon in a format that will give as many runners as possible, the opportunity to experience ‘the world’s most beautiful marathon.’ Over the coming weeks, we will continue to work towards a viable solution that will be positively considered by the authorities and our stakeholders.
We commit to keeping you updated via our communications channels.
On behalf of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC, we wish you a happy and safe festive season. Don’t forget to wear your mask, avoid large crowds and sanitise. Stay safe.
