Dubbed the world’s most beautiful marathon, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon (OMTOM) attracts local and international athletes, offering a tough challenge against a backdrop of spectacular scenery. Everyone taking part in the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon relishes the opportunity to challenge themselves and each other, but the race is more than a great test of mental and physical endurance. It also gives participants and their supporters a chance to make a difference.
Mokaedi Dilotsotlhe, Chief Marketing Officer at Old Mutual, says: “The Run For More Than Yourself campaign enables generous and community-spirited South Africans to join Old Mutual in raising funds for causes close to all our hearts. It starts with caring enough about other people’s struggles to do something and it involves us acting together for positive change.”
Wildlands, a leading environmental NPO, were the official beneficiary of OMTOM 2015 and partnered with Old Mutual in their activations at the exhibition and on race day.
The OMTOM exhibition was held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 1 to 3 April. Old Mutual, together with Wildlands, created an impressive, attention-grabbing stand in the exhibition hall with a large, nearly life-size rhino sculpture. In exchange for a small donation, expo visitors could colour in a spot on the rhino. This was a huge hit with all the children and by the time the expo came to an end, the design on its hide (of Table Mountain and the Two Oceans route) was full of lively colour.
A 44-year-old fisherman and father of three from Lamberts Bay in the Western Cape, Marius Brown, offered to run for Wildlands in the very heavy head of a rhino suit. Dubbed “Rhino Kop” on social media, he ran the gruelling 56km with a heavily laden head – creating a buzz and raising awareness around the rhino poaching crisis.
This was not the first Marius has run for more than himself. Last year he ran from Cape Town to Durban to raise awareness around the destructive impact of absent fathers on families and communities.
For the first time in 14 years, the women’s race was won by an ecstatic 32-year-old South African woman, Caroline Wöstmann, in a time of 03:41. The men’s race was won by a Lesotho national, Motlokoa Nkhabutlane, in a time of 03:10.
“It was an amazing experience to be part of such a prestigious and well organised event,” said Wildlands Strategic Marketing Manager Lauren van Nijkerk. “We would like to thank Old Mutual for their sponsorship and commitment to our organisation. Together we can make a huge difference and contribute to a greater future for all!”
Visit www.morethanyourself.co.za for more information. Run For More Than Yourself supporters can continue to raise funds through Old Mutual’s other upcoming endurance sponsorships: the Comrades Marathon, the Soweto Marathon, the joBerg2c mountain bike challenge and the Wild Series.
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)