Two Oceans result delights Bubb
She completed the race in 01:28:47 to finish 15th.
Benoni Northerns Athletic Club’s (BNAC) top runner, Kaitlyn Bubb, was delighted to secure a top 20 spot and a silver medal at the Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon in Cape Town on April 14.
Initially aiming to finish under 87 minutes, Bubb was not far off her target when she clocked 01:28:47 to finish 15th in the women’s race, earning herself a silver.
Bubb described her triumph as a reminder of the time and hard work she has invested in the sport, adding it was a big confidence booster.
“Placing 15th at Two Oceans among a large field of talented athletes is an achievement I am super proud of. This race was a reminder of all the time and work I’ve invested into achieving my goals, all while balancing the demands of work and studies,” she said.
She added, “This race has also given me a confidence boost and belief in what I’m capable of achieving.”
Blandina Makatisi from Lesotho won the race in 01:13:52, while pre-race favourite Cian Oldknow finished second 52 seconds later. Bianca Tarboton rounded off the podium in 01:19:27.
In her autopsy of the race, Bubb explained she had to change her plans of dipping under 01:27 after the first climb at 3km in Claremont. Having prepared for this race on mostly flat routes, tackling the hills was challenging, so she revised her target to finishing under 01:30.
“I was more than happy to do this, considering the challenging route I was about to face. Most of the 21km races I’ve used to build up to Oceans were reasonably flat in comparison, and I’m a little unfamiliar with pacing myself on those steep climbs.”
Reflecting on her season, which includes incredible performances at the Varsity Kudus 15km race and Johnson Crane Marathon in January and silver at Wingate The Mooo’se Race in March, she said her sub-90 minutes goal was quite easy to achieve.
“I started the year feeling strong and aimed to get comfortable running sub-90mins, which has been easier than expected. The Two Oceans was definitely my goal race for the year. However, it was not in my wildest dreams to come in the top 20. I didn’t believe it at first,” Bubb said.
On moving to the longer distances, Bubb said she has unfinished business with the half-marathons but will eventually change to the marathon.
“I’m working with my coach to run a sub-85 eventually. I believe I have age and time on my side for running marathons. I enjoy the long training runs incorporated in my training programme. So I believe marathons will be on the cards for the future.”
Also Read: Bubb races to podium finish
Also Read: Northerns runners in top 10 at Old Eds race
