We’ve heard a lot from the runners about the diabolical water situation in the Two Oceans ultra marathon but here’s a different perspective from one of the supporters on the day, Lungi Khambule.
Good day,
I was privileged to support runners at 26km and just before 47km during the Two Oceans Ultra — and what I witnessed left me deeply moved.
At 26km, runners were asking for food, salt, and spray etc. All was relatively good.
But at 47km, the sight was heartbreaking. Runners were desperate for water – pleading at every supporter they saw. Even the supporters adjacent to us were asking us for water, as runners were desperately also asking them for water.
We quickly ran out of water and offered Energade and Mageu as alternatives, but the runners declined and specifically said they needed water.
We only had 5 litres of water and some half litre bottles. We hadn’t bought a lot of water as we were assured that there would be enough water at the race.
We started breaking ice into cups, so they could at least get something. It was a sore sight and we felt helpless 😭
I saw 5 runners who were either being attended to by paramedics or lying on the ground awaiting assistance, and I sincerely hope it wasn’t due to dehydration.
On Sunday, I did the half marathon. I had a hydration pack because of what I saw at the Ultra. I didn’t receive a medal and I can still accept that, but a lack of water is a life threatening situation. I did at some point see an update wherein the organizers said that it’s only a small percentage of runners that had issues at the race, however even if it’s 0.5%, that still represents human lives. People could have died.
I pray that at some point the organizers would look into the issues and revert on how they’re going to fix them🙏🏽
Regards,
Lungi
A note of thanks should go to the supporters and residents along the route. People like Lungi were lifesavers this year. I can personally attest to relying on the kindness of strangers along the waterless stretch from 38.5km and 44.5km and over the final kilometres.
If someone had died as a result of dehydration due to insufficient water, it might have resulted in a case of culpable homicide being opened against the organisers. let’s hope that never happens. Although no lessons seemed to have been learnt from the 2024 event.
And a big Thankyou to all the supporters for all their assistance in providing water to all the thirsty and tired runners on Constanta Nek.
THANK YOU – THANK YOU – THANK YOU – to Lungi and all those other spectators and supporters that helped out.
We South Africans are special people at so many levels.
Lungi, Lungi, Lungi,
The support was definitely appreciated. You were well positioned to assist us with whatever we needed. Continue doing the good work of supporting and of course, the Two Oceans team can do better
Lungi you are a star ⭐ and all supporters we love support and thank you 🙏🏽. You are and appreciated. It may be a thankless role but we salute you guys are live savers be blessed immensely.
Our very own Lungi from team vitality centurion 🥰🥰
Well done Lungs
Thankx to Lungi and others who helped along the way. Water is life it might be available all the time.
Thanx Lungi you were a star. Sadly the organizers are busy taking people to court for their poor organization of the event instead of addressing their shortcomings.
Thank you Lungi and all the other supporters who gave assistance.
A special shout out to Clement and his crew from AAC for providing food and drinks through the desert of Hout Bay.
A huge thank you to the amazing water support of the seconding teams! I was feeling the heat before Constantia Neck and asked for some water to cool down. One of the kind gentlemen simply said, “Let me help you,” and poured the water over my head — it was exactly what I needed! Your support made all the difference. Thank you!