Two Oceans runners can save water and support local this weekend

Participants in this weekend’s Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon will have the opportunity to save water, and support a local business.
Over 30 000 people are expected to take part in the Two Oceans ultra marathon, half marathon and other related events this weekend. The event has committed to remaining water neutral so that visitors to the city do not have any impact on water supply.
And runners will be able to save 20 litres of water, just by opening their goodie bags.
The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism has procured 30 000 sachets of DryBath gel, a patented waterless washing product created by Cape Town entrepreneur Ludwick Marishane.
The sachets will be branded with messages to remind runners and visitors to save water, and will be inserted into all race goodie bags.
Minister Alan Winde said: “The Two Oceans Marathon is a major contributor to the Western Cape economy and we commend them for taking the decision to go water neutral. By using their sachet of Dry Bath, participants will be saving water, and supporting a local, youth-owned business.”
Marishane, who was the inaugural winner of the Premier’s Entrepreneurship Recognition Award in 2013, invented the DryBath gel while still a teenager, and started manufacturing in 2013. It is dermatologically tested and deemed safe for use on sensitive skin.
Marishane said up until the announcement earlier this year that Day Zero was likely, only about 20% of his market had been local. However, he said as the reality of Day Zero set in, sales spiked.
“Since Day Zero has been moved out, we’ve seen a drop again. It’s important that people continue to understand the severity of the level 6B water restrictions,” he said.
Marishane’s company is now also developing waterless hand sanitizers and they are working on developing a waterless hair shampoo to provide a full array of waterless hygiene products.
Minister Winde said “the drought has kick-started the growth of the water economy in the Western Cape as businesses and consumers are looking at ways to reduce their usage. Ludwick’s business is proof of how a simple idea, can make a big difference.”