The 2014 Two Oceans Marathon was epitomised by what runners have described as ideal weather conditions.
Of the small contingent of Newcastle athletes who competed at this year’s 56 kilometre race, good organisation and support from Capetonians buoyed most until the finish line had been crossed.
Among these were nine representing the Eskom Athletics Club.
Club spokesman, Ndabe Ndaba explained how the energy-sapping climb up Constantia Nek and the debilitating downhill, linking Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay, could mirror running conditions at the Comrades Marathon later on June 1.
In many ways, he continued, the Two Oceans was good preparation for what lay ahead at the Comrades.
On race day, Mr Ndaba elaborated, the start at Newlands until Muizenberg saw temperatures at about 16 degrees Celsius with a light breeze, picking up to about 19C between Fish Hoek and Chapman’s Peak.
“The race was toughest at Constantia Nek where the temperature was at 21C.”
Racers’ woes were compounded by four water tables between Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay running out of water sachets, the only blight on an otherwise well-run event.
Results for Eskom Athletics Club is as follows:
Ndwandwe Mfanlo – 5:48:53; Ndabe Ndaba – 5:52:15; Thulani Msane – 5:52:48; Dumisani Ngcobo – 6:04:14; Bheki Mthembu – 6:11:31; Celani Myuza – 6:38:27; Shida Narochum – 5:47:08; Vien Sewlal – 5:33:20; Ngema Muzikayise – DNF.
“The scenic route and support from Capetonians of all walks of life was amazing – it made the gruelling 56km challenge lighter on the runners’ shoulders.”
