Ever wondered why the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon is known as the most beautiful marathon in the world? Well, that’s because it’s more than just a 56-km run. It’s an opportunity see some of the most beautiful scenery in Cape Town while ticking another marathon off your bucket list.
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, takes place this weekend (29 – 30 March). It starts on the Main Road in Newlands before meandering towards Fish Hoek, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Constantia Nek, Rhodes Drive, Union Avenue to the finish at UCT. These are just four of the most beautiful spots runners and viewers can expect along the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon route.
Chapman's Peak, Cape Town. Photo by Nina Louw
1. Chapman’s Peak Drive
Running along Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the highlights of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. Located after the halfway mark of the marathon, Chapman’s Peak Drive is considered to be one the most beautiful marine drives in the world. Chappies, as the drive is known to the locals, will give both runners and spectators an unforgettable experience.
The coastal roadway has 144 curves and offers some of the best coastal scenery in the world. Over the recent years, the ocean has become a popular whalespotting area and you can see whales while driving past areas such Llandudno. However, you are unlikely to catch a glimpse of the southern right whales in March as they migrate to the area in August. The area is also home to local fauna and Cape Fynbos species such as the Erica and Protea. It is not uncommon to see baboons basking in the sun along the road.
2. Hout Bay
Chapman’s Peak Drive is the gateway to the beautiful seaside town of Hout Bay. Once runners have conquered Chappies, they ‘waltz’ through the town of Hout Bay, which offers a breather between Chapman’s Peak Drive and Constantia Nek. While watching the runners climb on Constantia Nek, explore the harbour town.
What was once established as a fishing village has become a highly socialiable town bursting with adventure and beautiful scenery. You can visit the Hout Bay Harbour Market or simply take a dip in the ocean. The town offers a lot of activities like abseiling, game fishing, sea kayaking and boat trips. If you are not a big fan of the ocean, you can also go hiking, cycling or abseiling on the surrounding mountains.
3. Constantia Nek
After a breathtaking run through Chapman’s Peak, runners will take a short detour through Hout Bay and then Constantia Nek. Like Chappies, Constantia Nek is one the most iconic roads in the Mother City. Home to Cape Fynbos and some of the best hiking routes in the vicinity of Table Mountain, the pass exudes beauty and tranquility. Ironically, for runners, it is not a walk in the park as it is the highest point in the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon.
Spectators can get acquainted with a bit of history as the oldest restaurant in the Cape, Constantia Nek Restaurant is located in the area. You can also go for a tour of the vineyards as the area is home to several wine estates.
4. Rhodes Drive/Kirstenbosch
Once runners have managed to survive the breathtaking run through Constantia Nek, they will find themselves in the tree-lined Rhodes Drive. This road is usually alive with various events to entertain spectators. If you are a runner, try to resist the urge to join the jamming crowds in the shade at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The best thing to do along this road is to remind yourself that the finish line is just six kilometres away.
