Gillian Farquharson runs on the finishing straight before crossing the line to finish the women's 32km in second place.
Gillian Farquharson stormed down the Colgate Race home straight on May 3 with the urgency of a fresh runner, not someone who had just logged 32km, barely 48 hours after completing a full marathon.
Lying fourth at halfway and trailing early leader Lauren Quinn by 4:17, Farquharson unleashed a ferocious second lap.
She reeled in both Quinn and Nomalungelo Nkosi, charging into Boksburg City Stadium to snatch second place in a gutsy 2:23:50 finish.
Gillian Farquharson runs alongside Michael dos Santos at the halfway mark during the Colgate Race. Behind them is Benoni Northerns’ Casper Moodie.
The Run Zone AC athlete crossed behind winner Chrizell Roberts of Nedbank, who also produced a come-from-behind victory to win in 2:17:16. Nkosi completed the podium, finishing 8:15 off the winning pace.
Remarkably, Farquharson’s performance came just two days after she claimed second place at the MNS Attorneys Carnival City Marathon, clocking 3:20:32 in wet and testing conditions over 42.2km, adding to her 10km victory at the Actom Power Marathon at Germiston Stadium on April 26.
“It was a lovely race – some sneaky hills that definitely hurt the legs. But overall, I did what I wanted to do. I clocked 3:20 and I’m happy,” she said after the marathon.
Unbothered by gloomy skies and a light drizzle at the start, Farquharson stuck firmly to her race plan.
“We were a bit cold at the start with the rain, but I just focused on maintaining my pace. It cleared after about 3km and conditions improved. The finish was tough, especially on the grass – my legs were gone by then – but otherwise it was a good race.”
Gillian Farquharson runs on the finishing straight before crossing the line to finish the women’s 32km in second place.
Tackling the mental challenge of a double-lap marathon required discipline and focus.
“It always plays tricks on your mind. On the second lap, I broke it down into 5km segments. Every time I reached one, I reset and counted down again. That really helped me get through it.”
Now representing Run Zone after her move from Nedbank Running Club, Farquharson credited club founder Graham Block for creating a high-performance, supportive environment.
“Graham supports us so well. He’s always there for the big races, always checking in. Our long runs are incredible; well-organised with water points and everything we need. It really prepares us properly.”
Gillian Farquharson was second in the women’s marathon at the MNS Attorneys Carnival City Marathon.
Farquharson now turns her focus to the Comrades Marathon on June 14, where she will line up for her second shot at the Ultimate Human Race.
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