Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Going Water-Wise in 2018

Off-grid water sourced from a natural spring, ice packs consisting of recycled water for runners and the use of grey water for cleaning operations are some of the changes to be implemented for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon this year. 

Last updated: 1 February 2018

Following the news of the Cape Town Cycle Tour’s approach to going “waterless” in 2018 and beyond, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon has taken a bold step in the same direction.

The marathon is set to take place on 31 March 2018, less than two weeks away from when Day Zero is expected to arrive. New water-wise features of the event have been drafted in light of the ongoing drought in the Western Cape:

• Water for the race day has been sourced from a natural spring, allocated and approved by the National Department of Water and Sanitation. This water will be used in the sachet and non-sachet water delivery system for all race participants.

• The event organiser has engaged with runners to use hydration packs and to fill up at the start of the race instead of using their daily household allocation of potable water.

• Of special note is the use of recycled water for ice to keep the race water sachets cool – kept in sealed bags and marked ‘not for consumption’.

• All sponsors and sponsor partners have been requested to invest in similar strategies. A key decision has been taken to remove all showers for after the race. Caterers have committed to supplying their staff and crew with liquid refreshments that include bottled water. Water from the spring supply will be used in food preparation, and grey water will be utilised in clean-up operations after the event concludes.

• All chemical toilets brought to the various sites will have certified recycled water from the respective service providers.

• Participants will be bound by the water savings initiatives of the event’s venue partners and accommodation sponsors.

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Cape Town’s biggest marathon is set to take place on Saturday, 31 March 2018. Get the latest on the route, start times and other info.

Got plans during while the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon is happening? Take note of the road closures for the event.

Take your pick from all these events happening around Cape Town during the month of March.

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