Five runners from the Florida Running Club participated in the country’s most scenic race, the Two Oceans Marathon, on April 11.

The 56km ultramarathon, which winds its way from Newlands through the Cape Peninsula via Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Chapman’s Peak, and Constantia Nek, all the way to the University of Cape Town, is no walk in the park.

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According to Chris Nursey, a 25-year veteran of the club and the Two Oceans, having completed his 33rd marathon, it all depends on how you approach the race.

“You can’t rush it,” he says.

Nursey competed in his first Two Oceans in 1992.

“A few friends were at the finish line of the Two Oceans Marathon in 1991 and made a pact to compete the next year.

“Of course, I was the only one who showed up, but I’ve been running every year since, except the two years when it was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.”

He is in full agreement that the Two Oceans is the country, if not the world’s, most beautiful marathon, adding that the spectacular scenery helps keep your mind off how tired you are.

Nursey is currently in preparation to run his ninth Comrades Marathon, and trains about four days per week, including time trials at the Florida Running Club every Tuesday.

Which of the two marathons is more challenging?

“Definitely the Comrades uprun,” he says.