R2 million raised for Charity as TWO OCEANS MARATHON Initiative (TOMi) entries sell out
A limited allocation of 2 000 Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD entries, made available through the TWO OCEANS MARATHON Initiative (TOMi) on a first-come, first-served basis, generated an impressive R2 million for charity, further reinforcing the event’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community.
The TOMi entry category offered runners the opportunity to combine their passion for running with meaningful purpose, helping to create a lasting impact beyond race day.
By securing one of the 1 000 ULTRA MARATHON or 1 000 HALF MARATHON TOMi entries, each runner made a built-in R1 000 donation, contributing to a collective fundraising goal of R2 million in support of the TWO OCEANS MARATHON Initiative.
TOMi is the official community impact programme of the TWO OCEANS MARATHON NPC, dedicated to providing much-needed funding to charities whose work aligns with the event's four social impact pillars:
· Education
· Environment
· Health and Wellness
· Athletics Development
All donations to TOMi are received and managed by the TWO OCEANS MARATHON NPC in accordance with established governance processes, ensuring funds are allocated transparently, responsibly, and where they can have the greatest community impact.
Runners also have the option of donating directly to one of the four TOMi Pillars when entering.
Caroline Wills, Chair of the TOMi Subcommittee, explains: “With our staging partner relieving the Board of the operational load, we can refocus on the philanthropic role of the non-profit company. The financial stability of the race allows us to plan strategically and support charities through larger, long-term projects. TOM NPC is also in the process of applying to SARS for approval to issue Section 18A certificates, which will help attract support from corporate funds.”
Glenn Muller, TOM NPC Vice-Chairperson, is excited about the impact that TOMi can make: “As a Board, we have agreed that we want to support charities and causes that align with the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON (TTOM) powered by BYD. In particular we want to assist the communities along the TTOM route and provide meaningful opportunities for them to be part of the World’s Most Beautiful Marathon.”
As a first step in this resurgence, TOMi has recently awarded over R500 000 in grants to eight WP Athletics clubs to support youth development programmes and event organisation.
Proposals for grants within the other charity pillars are currently being received and evaluated.
An allocation of entries to third-party charities will be made after the entry ballot process has been completed. Details of these charities will be available on the TTOM website. The cost of these entries will be determined by the charities based on their individual marketing strategies.
Highlighting the importance of giving back to the communities that support the event, Wade Bromfield, Event Director of the Totalsports TWO OCEANS MARATHON powered by BYD, says TOMi provides a meaningful platform for creating positive change:
“We are excited to see the incredible support for the event translating into meaningful community impact. We look forward to the TOMi Subcommittee ensuring that the proceeds are directed towards initiatives that can make a positive and lasting difference in the communities that continue to support the event.”
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