Eleven runners from Springs Striders participated in the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town on April 11 and 12. The runners produced impressive results despite some not finishing the races.

The event marked a momentous achievement for Mzwakhe Maseko (49), who received his blue number for finishing his 10th Two Oceans in the 56km category.

“Beyond the recognition, this milestone symbolises years of consistency, discipline, and commitment to the sport.

“It also places me among the runners who form part of the rich history that defines this iconic and historic event,” Maseko said proudly.

He explained how he incorporated his event preparation into his regular training routine.

“Over the years, I trained four times during the week and completed a weekly long run of at least 25km with my neighbourhood running group, known as the 4:30 Group.

“This consistent and structured approach to training has been key to my ability to compete and perform well over an extended period,” Maseko said.

Maseko says he found this year’s race particularly challenging. He recorded a finishing time of 6 hours and 13 minutes, which is longer than in previous years.

“The difference this year was mainly due to ongoing injury setbacks, which delayed my training and meant I only started preparing in January.”

“During the race, my physical training effectively ended at about 28km, which is around the halfway mark. From that point onwards, I relied heavily on experience, mental toughness, and resilience to carry me through to the finish,” he explained.

He encouraged aspiring runners to have a strong and personal reason for doing what they love.

“That purpose is what sustains you during difficult moments and ultimately propels you to greater heights,” he said.

First-time participants Wilma van Rhyn and Tristan Slater competed in the 56km category, finishing in six hours 19 minutes and six hours 32 minutes, respectively.

Nian de Nysschen finished the junior 21km in one hour and 50 minutes. Reflecting on the race, Slater described the route as absolutely incredible.

“The scenery through Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, and of course Chapman’s Peak truly earns the Two Oceans Marathon its reputation as “the world’s most beautiful marathon.” The support along the route, from start to finish, was also something very special,” Slater said.

Slater says his favourite moment was when he video-called his partner while running along Chapman’s Peak to show her the scenery.

“When she answered, she told me she was watching the race on television and that they were currently showing runners on Chapman’s Peak.

“I replied that I was actually there at that moment and just as I said it, she spotted me on TV while we were on the call,” he said warmly.

He says his main goal was to finish within the 7-hour cut-off.

“I focused on staying calm and controlling my pace instead of trying to improve my finish time. I also prepared myself mentally for the toughest parts of the race, which actually made the experience feel more manageable than I had expected,” he shared.

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He plans to run in the Oxpecker, a two-day trail event on May 9 and 10. Van Rhyn shared similar sentiments with Slater, naming Chapman’s Peak as one of her highlights.

“What stood out most, however, was the incredible support along the route. In every suburb, locals came out in the early hours of the morning to cheer us on, creating an uplifting and energetic atmosphere throughout the race,” she said.

She adds that she approached the race with a disciplined mindset.

“With that approach, I was able to stay calm, manage my energy, and ultimately feel satisfied knowing I executed my plan and completed the course,” she said.

Her goal is to maintain her fitness, stay consistent and build a solid foundation.

Results:

56km

• Carla Strauss – 05:55:02
• Charmaine Botha – 05:55:05
• Mziwakhe Maseko – 06:13:09
• Wilma van Rhyn – 06:19:06
• Tristan Slater – 06:32:58
• Karin Smith – 06:50:18

21km

• Nian de Nysschen (junior) – 01:50:19
• Nico de Nysschen – 01:59:41
• Vionne Kruger – 03:30:14

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