Online entries for the 2013 Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon open on Thursday 20 September 2012. The 44th edition of the Ultra Marathon takes place on Easter Saturday, 30 March and is expected to attract another field of over 9000 entrants.

Known as "the world's most beautiful marathon", the Two Oceans was first run in 1970, but it took until 1975 for women to be allowed to enter it.

The route takes in two oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic, which meet between Cape Agulhas and Cape Point. Winding along the seaboard, it takes in spectacular views.

Different races

The event started as an ultra-marathon but has since expanded to include a half-marathon, which is now the most popular 21.1-kilometre race in South Africa, as well as trail runs for those seeking a slightly different challenge.

Only one man has ever managed to win the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons in the same year, Derek Preiss, who achieved the feat in 1974 and 1975. Seven-time Comrades Marathon winner, Elena Nurgalieva, has done the women's double twice, in 2004 and 2012.

For the first time in the history of the Two Oceans Marathon, participants will be able to enter online for the 56km ultra, without first having to qualify; runners will be able to supply their qualifying times at a later stage.

South African entrants wanting to run the ultra-marathon must belong to a registered running club and have a valid provincial licence number, as no temporary licences will be issued.

Half Marathon

There will be a split entry process with 10 000 entries for the 21km Half Marathon opening on 1 November for runners who have previously completed the Two Oceans Half Marathon, Ultra Marathon or Trail Runs.

Runners who have not previously participated in any of the Two Oceans Marathon events (all novices) and previous runners who missed the first entry batch can enter from 15 January 2013.

Entries for the Trail Runs will open on 3 December. Trail enthusiasts will need to enter as soon as possible to secure a place as entries sold out in less than three hours for this year's event.

Online entries

Runners are encouraged to go to Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon to enter the event and to view the 2013 campaign theme "Two Oceans, One Spirit".

Alternatively, an entry form can be downloaded from the website.

Online entries close on 5 March 2013 or when 11 000 entries are reached, whichever comes first.