Athletics clubs reeling over cancellation of Two Oceans Marathon

Local athletics club are reeling over the cancellation of the popular Two Ocean Marathon (TOM 2021).

Africa’s biggest running event which covers 56km was scheduled to take place in Cape Town on 3 April but had to be cancelled due to the current circumstances and the possibility of a third Covid-19 wave.

Organisers of the event were quoted in a media statement: “Under the current alert level 3 of the Disaster Management Act, No. 57 of 2002, we have continued with planning TOM 2021 in various formats and reduced numbers, applying international best practice to ensure the safety of the runners participating in the Two Oceans Marathon 2021. As the pandemic continues to rage across our country unabated, we have continued to consult extensively with our stakeholders, Athletics South Africa and Western Province Athletics, as well as our medical team on the best way forward.”

The Chief Medical Officer for the event, Dr Andrian Rotunno was quoted saying the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa is affecting a larger proportion of the population than the first wave and placing a severe burden on the health system. “The potential risk of a third wave in the coming months cannot be discounted. The health and safety of all competitors, stakeholders, and running community as a whole, is paramount, and given the current pandemic climate, the health risks around hosting the TOM 2021 mass participation event are far too significant for the event to proceed safely.”

Corrie Calitz, Chairperson of the Polokwane Athletic Club said they are disappointed by the cancellation of the event but the safety of the athletes is a priority. “We feel for our athletes because they are hungry to compete. However, we need to play it safe. For now the athletes are training on their own and in small groups.”

Member of Run and Walk for Life in Polokwane, Kobie Marais said the cancellation of major events has a negative physiological effect on athletes. “They are more depressed due to the inability to participate in major events. They are itching to participate in competitive events but there is nothing they can do. The situation is bad and they are just training on their own and keeping fit.”

Michael Ngoepe from Magoshi Athletics Club said the cancellation of the event had a detrimental effect on the athletes. “It is bad but is also important to adhere to the lockdown regulations.”