Two icons meet at Two Oceans

Despite being separated by thousands of miles, two athletes’ shared love of running united them over the weekend.

Biggarsberg Athletic Club’s (BBAC) own Ironman, Bongani Sabela competed in his very first Two Oceans Marathon this past weekend, and met the man who helped make it all possible, Joost Bekkers. Bongani was a last minute substitute to compete in the Cape Town marathon and so funds were needed to make the dream a reality. The word was spread and articles were read and news even reached the Netherlands.

Joost was planning on competing in his second Two Oceans Marathon and started searching for more info about this year’s race. It was then that he came across the article on Bongani and immediately contacted the Northern Natal Courier, asking how he could help.
He was put in contact with BBAC Chairperson, Lani van der Mescht, afterwards agreeing to sponsor Bongani and the rest as they say is history.

For Bongani, it was emotional finding out that someone who has never met him before, wanted to help him. They two met prior to the race, with BBAC athletes commenting just how nice a person Joost is.

His belief in Bongani paid off as Dundee’s Ironman shone at the race, finishing in a time of 3hrs 57mins, earning a silver medal in the process. Bongani was extremely thrilled with his performance and is already looking towards the Comrades Marathon where he aims to get another silver.

Coach, Justin Woolven, also marvelled at how impressive Bongani was. “I am super proud of him. Now the stage is set for a very exciting Comrades.” And what about Lani? “I just want to thank everyone who made it possible for him to go.

It was his first time in Cape Town, a dream come true,” she said with a smile while enjoying a tasty stroopwaffle that Joost sent her all the way from Holland.

As for Joost he finished his Two Oceans in 5:57 to earn a bronze… but he and Bongani’s friendship is now solid gold…