Two Oceans Marathon NPC responds to High Court Judgement
5 June 2025
The Two Oceans Marathon NPC acknowledges the judgement handed down by the High Court in the matter involving public commentary made by Mr Stuart Mann regarding the organisation and its Chairperson.
While the Court accepted the urgency of the matter, the application was ultimately dismissed. We respect the Court’s ruling, but are disappointed that the judgment did not substantively engage with the nature, tone, or personal impact of the specific language used — including statements which, in our view, extended beyond fair criticism into reputational harm and personal attack.
We wish to clarify that the Court did not find Mr Mann’s statements to be truthful, justified, or ethically appropriate. The matter was dismissed on procedural grounds — not on the factual accuracy or moral acceptability of the comments made.
As an organisation, the Two Oceans Marathon NPC has always welcomed scrutiny, transparency, and robust engagement — especially from the passionate running community we serve. However, it is essential that such engagement is carried out responsibly, respectfully, and with due regard for the rights and dignity of individuals.
As custodians of the Worlds Most Beautiful Marathon, we believe it is our duty to uphold the ethics of responsible engagement within the running community — not only on behalf of the organisation, but in the interest of all athletes, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and stakeholders who are part of the Two Oceans Marathon legacy.
Our decision to pursue legal relief was not taken lightly, nor was it a frivolous attempt to silence criticism. It was a step taken to bring an end to ongoing public attacks that, in our view, undermined the integrity of the organization and unfairly targeted individuals serving it in good faith.
We reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism — and to ensuring that the Two Oceans Marathon remains a race defined not only by excellence on the road, but by dignity off it.
Issued by:
The Two Oceans Marathon NPC
Media Enquiries: media@twooceansmarathon.org.za
