TZANEEN – Several local runners showcased their endurance during the prestigious Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon held in Cape Town over the weekend.

Local athlete Cor Heyningen made a remarkable effort by competing in both the ultramarathon and the half marathon. On Saturday, April 5, Heyningen ran the 56km ultramarathon, finishing with a time of 05:56:00. The following day, he joined his two daughters, Nicola and Tessa, in the 21.1km race, both of whom were participating in the event for the first time.

Heyningen shared with The Herald that the camaraderie of fellow runners is what draws him to these events. “The Sunday race was particularly special because I did it with the people I love,” he said. He is currently in training for the Comrades Marathon set for June. Having run his first Comrades in 1992, the upcoming race will mark his 17th participation in the iconic event.

After the race, Heyningen had the chance to meet long-distance running legend Gerda Steyn, who claimed victory in the women’s race.

Other runners from the Tzaneen Marathon Club also made their mark in the 56km ultramarathon. Menjie Els, Zelda van Rooyen, and Chandré and Celia Heyns all completed the challenging distance.

Additionally, Rusnath Malangana from N’wamitwa represented the local community by finishing the 56km race with a time of 04:31:00. Malangana, who competes for the University of Limpopo Athletics Club, said that the event was part of his preparation for the upcoming Comrades Marathon.

“Reaching the 50km mark in the fourth hour gave me a better understanding of how I will pace myself for the Comrades,” he said.