Two Oceans to go ahead despite Day Zero threat
Organisers set to use the 49th edition of the race to tackle the water crisis that has rocked the city of Cape Town.
WITH the City of Cape Town and parts of the Western Cape in the midst of a severe drought, organisers of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon (OMTOM) are working around the clock to ensure the race is aligned with plans to avoid Day Zero.
Organisers said the 49th edition of the OMTOM will be used to address the water crisis as events like it are critical to the region’s economy. They said the OMTOM alone generates over R675 million, creating thousands of jobs and raising more than R3.5 million for charities.
The message from the City and the province is that Cape Town is open for business, but visitors are asked to be mindful of the drought and remain vigilant when using water.
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Carol Vosloo, General Manager of the Two Oceans Marathon non-profit company (NPC) said they would use the event to tackle the water crisis in every way they can.
“We have developed a comprehensive action plan and are implementing a range of water-saving and alternative water-sourcing initiatives. As citizens, we take our responsibility to conserve water seriously. We are raising awareness and communicating the severity of the drought and taking various steps aimed at ensuring the event has a zero water footprint,” said Vosloo.
No municipal water will be used, as water for race day has been sourced from the Newlands Spring with an allocated and approved dispensation from relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Water and Sanitation.
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The purified spring water will be distributed to all participants via sachets and other water delivery systems while refill stations for hydration packs will be positioned along the Ultra Marathon route, in support of the #GOGREEN campaign to reduce plastic and littering.
It has also been agreed that no shower facilities will be provided at the finish line. All chemical toilets brought to the various OMTOM sites will use only certified recycled water. The University of Cape Town (UCT) is closing all taps at the finish area, while the fixed showers at UCT will be inaccessible.
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