From the news desk

VOC assists at 2Oceans

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With the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon taking place on Saturday, VOC will be keeping runners hydrated at the station’s water point while giving back to the community.

“We do the water point so those runners running the 50 km run for the Ultra Marathon pass us. We do it because we want to provide for the community and offer the runners sustenance,” said VOC marketing manager Sukayna Johaardien.

The marathon is considered the world’s most beautiful race and this has been VOC’s seventh consecutive year of participation. The marathon serves as a means to motivate VOC staff and encourage team building skills.

“It is an honour for VOC to participate in the event. Of course, we have to wake up very early in the morning but we are so motivated and driven to serve the community and promote the traits needed to live a healthy lifestyle. It’s good team building effort as the team eats together, prays together and works together,” said Johaardien.

The team has been given a new route compared to previous years. The water point will be situated close to Retreat/Silvermine between 4am and 12pm providing runners with various beverages.

The refreshment station is VOC’s initiative in a bid to give back to the community. All of the funding is self-funded by the station as there are no sponsors provided.

The City of Cape Town hosts the marathon and it is the most popular tourist attraction which draws athletes globally.

“The Two Oceans Marathon has become as synonymous with Cape Town as Table Mountain, and is a firm favourite with local and international athletes,” says Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development, City of Cape Town Councillor Garreth Bloor.

The event provides a large contribution to the economy and the runner numbers has increased exponentially since its inception.

“From humble beginnings in 1970 with a field of just 26 runners, the event has grown in leaps and bounds and last year attracted 27 000 runners. Last year’s event contributed R266 million to the local economy,” says Bloor.

The City said the local economy thrives from these domestic events as it serves as a means of job creation and attracts an influx of tourism.

“The ripple effect by way of job creation and the increased visitor spending in the city, coupled with the need for local associated services that benefit directly from these events, are all a welcome injection into the local economy,” says Bloor.

There will be temporary road closures on the marathon route to accommodate runners. Residents and road users are urged to practice patience.

“Familiarise yourselves with the road closure schedule and parking restrictions so as to avoid any inconvenience,” says Bloor.

The City wishes all runners the best for the marathon.

“We wish all participants the best of luck for the marathon and hope they achieve their goals set for this run,” says Bloor.

The marathon is set to take place over the Easter Weekend from 4 April until 5 April 2015. VOC


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