RESPECT – 90th Comrades Race review

Comrades 16 months of training and dedication come down to one day – either success or disappointment. Even though I did not complete this race this time I was disappointed at first but I have had time to reflect and I have learnt an alternative word to disappointment which is RESPECT. This race teaches you many things about yourself that you were not aware of. If you did not learn anything then maybe your heart was not in it.

I will break R.E.S.P.E.C.T. in to individual words for the Comrades:

  • Relax it is Race Day – You have trained hard for this day and you know you can do it. Enjoy the National Anthem followed by Shosholoza then the cock crow and the Chariots of Fire. It all starts from there. It is an unbelievable feeling where more than 15 000 people sing the National Anthem and Shosoloza – goosebumps will emerge just for the singing
  • Expect anything – Plan properly. Have a plan A, B and even C. You may feel like you are having a great run and then something could go wrong. What are you going to do? Plan B may get you to the finish. Going in with only one plan and then needing another may spell disaster.
  • Slow – Don’t race this run as it WILL slow you down at some point. Resist being pulled at the start as you can be caught up and feel good but it will eventually catch up to you. Also don’t worry about crossing the start line after 10 minutes as you have almost 90km to run and can make it up slowly, so take it easy and run at your own pace. Remember the faster you start the slower you finish.
  • Persevere – One thing you need to remember is to persevere and keep moving. Don’t stop. Rather walk through the water stations. There are around 46 water stations and if you stop for a minute at each you could lose up to 46 minutes add the 10 minutes from the start and it could be close to an hour that you lose!
  • Enjoy – Use the supporters for extra energy. They are there for all of the runners. If you need something, they will most probably have what you need (plasters, salt, cold beer, bacon and egg roll and the list keeps going….) They are fantastic and they enjoy it more when you are enjoying it. Even when you are not enjoying your time they lift your spirits. So, keep going and have a great time. Enjoy!
  • Commitment – Stay committed to your race plans to get to your main goal – To finish as you are Ultraordinary!
  • Take advice – I cannot stress this point more. Whether it is advice from a fellow runner, your partner, doctor or even an article by a professional (Lindsey Parry for one, I also listen to Brad Brown and Lindsey Parry’s podcasts on http://talkfeed.co.za/runtalksa/ This is invaluable information for those running Comrades and needing advice) Another wealth of information is from experienced runners. I have learnt so much from them over the short time I have done marathons and ultra-marathons. One of the more experienced runners I have received advice and encouragement from is Axel Rittershaus. He did so well this year and accomplished a Bill Rowan medal (sub 9 hours) at this year’s Comrades. His advice on his running blog or even in person if you are fortunate to meet him is also invaluable. Lastly, you need to listen to your gut feel. This sometimes is the hardest to listen to when all you have been preparing for is the big day. I count myself lucky that nothing tragic happened in my ignorance and selfishness in trying to complete this race. This race will be there next year and then the year thereafter!

My Race review:
The 90th Comrades was to be my second run and I was in contention to earn a “Back-to-Back Medal.” This is only achievable on your very first and second completion of both runs. It was mine for the taking as my training was better than last year. I was mentally and physically fitter than ever before. Sadly, I was unsuccessful this time around. I entered my race with plan A and plan B. Plan A would be a sub 11 hour race and plan B would be to finish with the 12 hour bus if things were not going to my primary plan. In the end I should have opted with plan C which would be the “Grown-Up” decision. Plan C would be to not run at all due to a bout of flu I caught the week before race day. Even Lindsey Parry who is the official Comrades Coach recommends that you do not run if you have been sick in the last three weeks before race day. I think most of us runners don’t listen to our bodies or take advice from others easily as we invest so much time and do not want to miss out on what we have trained for.

Comrades Visor

Comrades Registration

We travelled up from Cape Town on the Thursday before and went straight to the expo. It was an amazing change from last year where we stood in queues for about 1.5 hours. This year I walked straight to the front of my nominated queue and was speedily on my way to walk around the expo. We had a choice of either a full cap or a visor. I chose a visor. They have the route profile on the underneath of the peak. A quick walk around to get a few last minute items and a free health check by Bonitas (promised my mother to get checked) and then we left. All fine except blood pressure was quite high but the nurse said it was ok. There was quite a bit to see and do at the expo but I did not want to be on my legs too long so close to raceday. Friday and Saturday were rest days and I watched Super 15 rugby for most of these days. Early to bed on Saturday night as we left for Durban at 03:30 on raceday to be there before the roads get congested. My wife dropped me off and I went to my start batch. I was met with a fellow club runner and we chatted which helped me settle my nerves.

Comrades Start

It all begins:

The start area is amazing as you can feel so many different emotions. Either yours or even your fellow runner. The National Anthem is played then Shosoloza and followed by the cock crow and bang you are off. A full 7 minutes for me to cross the start. It is a steady climb out of Durban. You will probably climb for a full marathon before you feel like it is a bit flatter. Outside of Durban I saw a fellow club member that wisely chose option C. I caught up to another club member in Pinetown where we made our way up Fields Hill. We chose to run and walk this hill. It is punishing which ever direction you are running as it is long and steep. We eventually made our way to Hillcrest (around 37km done) where my support base was waiting. My wife, sister and brother –in-law were waiting there. After a quick kiss and a photo we were off again. After Hillcrest we met Botha’s Hill. This is where I could feel I needed plan B as my claves were starting to twitch and a sign that it was going to be a longday.Disappointed at my condition as I had been taking tissue salts every hour and they worked really well during the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. It was too early for me to start cramping but I persevered towards my goal of getting to Pietermaritsburg. The supporters were fantastic and keep you going. They encourage you and sometimes I even believed them that I was still looking good although I was dying inside. When I was just past Inchanga with about 36 kilometers to go it all went downhill for me. I stopped to let my wife know where I was and I cramped. First my right calf started cramping and then Arden whom I finished my previous Comrades with helped me but I could feel I needed something else and told him he had to go (He completed and got his Back-to-Back medal 11:46) Then both legs gave in and I ended up lying on the ground. In pain, 3 runners helped me to my feet and one runner took out a bag of salt a told me to suck on it.. After I was able to go again I made it to a physio and had a rub down. In mid rub down she stopped and I realised that I had thorns all over me from when I was on the ground. She got one in her thumb. My apologies to her! After this she recommended I see the medical tent. The nursing sister said I was fine. I had a phone call from a friend and he said I need to rub the calves down as much as possible with ice. I managed to get a block at the next water table. This helped and I was again on my way. I made it to Cato Ridge and was 45 minutes ahead of the cut-off at this point (57.7km done and 30km to go)

Comrades 5

Comrades 6 Hillcrest – Still enjoying it!

Plan B:

Shortly before Camperdown my plan B arrived…The 12 hour bus! I was struggling at this point and I could feel the energy of this bus. I ran for a few minutes with them but I could feel my day was going to get harder. Then the second 12 hour bus arrived and I could not keep up with them. I met my wife in Camperdown where she was waiting patiently. She had some food for me but at that point I could not eat anymore. She rubbed my calves down again and while she was rubbing my calves down a fellow runner stopped and waited patiently for her to help him out with a rub down. She obliged and then I shuffled on as I felt I may be able to accomplish my goal. (Remember “P” for persevere and keep moving) I made it to Umlaas Road Interchange with 20km left and just on 3 hours to complete and my mind said YES, you can do it. At this point your mind plays tricks on you as an easy 21km run is 2 hours or less and with an extra hour added this is easy. Wrong! At 15km to go I ran past my aunt as they live near Lynfield Park and was encouraged by both their support and how I was feeling.

15km to go, I can do it!

I Can still do it:

15km left and 2:10 to do it within. Game on! Then at 12km to go I realised it may be over. I could not run anymore without my legs wanting to cramp. I could not find ice at any of the next 2 water stations. It was a warm day and they were out there for a long time already. At 10km to go I had a rub down and was again on my way. This was the point I realised my day was over. A bus was driving slowly behind me. Should I get in? No, go as far until you are pulled off was what I had in my mind. Tears flowed as I knew I could not make it and I had disappointed myself and friends that woke up early to watch and support. Now I was on the last named hill – Polly Shortts (this hill has been the heart break of many professional runners vying for a gold medal). The 9km to go board was there and cut-off was 14 minutes away at 8km mark. I can still do it, just keep walking and didn’t give up. I was then met by a fellow club runner and he said to me to keep going. I tried to go but I couldn’t and then suddenly I managed to shuffle along again and caught up to him. We made it to the 8km marker and we looked at each other and felt that it was strange as there was not real activity at that point. Did we made it…? Then a little further along and approximately 40 meters away we heard a gun go off. NO, that was the actual cut-off and we did not make it. A mere 40 meters away! Yes, I can still smell the gun powder.

Comrades Heroes

Feelings:

Wow, emotional as it was I was relieved that I could get into a bus and I did not need to run the last few kilometres as I would have made the end but not in time. I called it a bus of shame at the time but it was far from that. We were all upset but there was still an energy amongst us. Such a long day in the road without a medal. That’s not true. We made it up the Big 5 (Cowies Hill, Fields Hill, Botha’s Hill, Inchanga and Polly Shortts), we ran further than most people can run, we are heroes to someone. No one can take the accomplishment of what we did away.

Thank you:
I would like to thank my wife Julia for all her support leading up to and including race day. It is amazing that knowing someone is there for you can get you so far. It is a very selfish period as you need to be focussed on your training and diet for the build-up to the Comrades. She deserves a huge medal. We then made our way on Tuesday up to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and Pakamisa for a well-deserved break.

36th Winelands Marathon race review

RACE RATING:

Type: Road race

Distance: 42.2km

Difficulty: 3/5

ThHelderberg Harrierse 36th Winelands Marathon was graced with near perfect running conditions the day after the Western Cape was battered by a massive thunderstorm the night before. As a result my lift was left stranded in Hout Bay which saw me make my way to Stellenbosch on my own. Thoughts of “Nutter” crossed my mind thinking I may be the only die hard to brave this race. Closer to Stellenbosch I could see fellow runners driving towards the start venue. So I wasn’t the only crazy runner…. The parking was well organised and you could even park fairly close to the start by paying a few Rands to park on the nearby school field. Due to the weather conditions I chose not to take a camera so there are no running shots.

The start line was alive with the typical chatter and banter before the run. I was joined by a fellow club runner for the first 10 kilometers. Unsure of pushing or taking it easy he bolted. As you turn off the Polkadraai Road you are greeted with farmlands. We passed strawberry fields, vineyards and even a farm with Wildebeest. The water tables were well placed and had ample water and coke. The course is undulating and is not the easiest around but the scenery makes up for this. Around the 33km mark you turn onto an uneven gravel road for approximately 3kms. The rain started at this point but it was light and actually helped me. Thereafter the route back is flat and downhill at times. The finish is well organised and you are greeted with the announcer welcoming all the athletes in with the customary medal to mark your achievement and my PB. Benefits belonging to a club is the gazebo at the finish. A great time to hear fellow club runner’s stories. A nice hot cup of soup was the perfect finish to the day. Great race, well organised and will do this again!

Winelands Medal Winelands kit

Winelands Marathon and Half Marathon

THE RACE:

Helderberg HarriersWinelands Marathon and Half Marathon and 5km 16 November 2013:

The Winelands marathon is a challenging course with scenic views of vineyards and strawberry fields. The marathon and half marathon start and finishes at Eikestad Primary School. The first part is undulating but fairly easy. There is a four kilometre climb where you gain around 160m but once you are over be careful not to run too fast as you need to keep your legs for the hilly econd half. The marathon serves as a qualifying event for the Two Oceans and Comrades ultra-marathons. The cut-off time for the marathon is 5hr30 and 3hr30 for the half marathon. There will be medals for all finishers.

Winelands Profile

THE PLACE:

Stellenbosch lies approximately 50 kilometres from Cape Town. The town is internationally renowned for its wines, restaurants, historical buildings, schools and University. Stellenbosch acquired its name from Simon Van Der Stel who named it after himself which means Stel’s Bush. Afrikaans is the primary language spoken but English is easily understood. Stellenbosch has a Mediterranean climate which is perfect for their viticulture industry and is a town for all seasons.

YOUR BASE:

Places to stay

  • Majeka House
  • Middedorp Manor
  • Lanzerac Wine Estate

Winelands accomm

OTHER EVENTS:

  • Stellenbosch has so many events for every person’s taste. If you are interested in Stellenbosch why not drop us a mail and we could advise you what to do.

 

UPCOMING RACES:

  • 06 October 2013 – Amatola Maraton
  • 11 October 2013 – Merrell Hobbit 100 – Amatola Trail Run – 2 Days 100km
  • 12 October 2013 – The 10th Mutter – 2 Days (85 KM)
  • 13 October 2013 – OUTsurance 94.5KFM Gun Run 21.1km
  • 17 October 2013 – Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon – 7 days 245km
  • 20 October 2013 – Constantia Grape Run 21.1km
  • 26 October 2013 – Crazy Store 1 000 Hills Trail Challenge 10km, 20km, 41km
  • 26 October 2013 – BASF 32 km, Half Marathon & 10 km
  • 02 November 2013 – Bonkolo Marathon & Half Marathon
  • 02 November 2013 – City Lodge Marathon, Half Marathon & 10 km
  • 02 November 2013 – Ingeli Mountain Trail Run
  • 03 November 2013 – Landmarks Half Marathon & Move for Health 6 km Fun Run/Walk
  • 07 November 2013 – Fairview Dryland Traverse – 3 Day, 4 Stage Trail Run
  • 09 November 2013 – SuperSpar Bela-Bela Marathon, Half Marathon & 10 km Ladies
  • 10 November 2013 – Cape Point Half Marathon
  • 15 November 2013 – Salomon Skyrun & Sky Run Lite
  • 16 November 2013 – Winelands Marathon & Half Marathon
  • 16 November 2013 – Land of Legends Thohoyandou Marathon
  • 23 November 2013 – Lowveld Botanical Garden Marathon Series 4
  • 23 November 2013 – Die Vlakte Marathon, Half Marathon & 10 km
  • 27 November 2013 – Sanlam Niel Joubert Plaaswedloop 13 km
  • 30 November 2013 – Sani Stagger Marathon & Half Marathon

Interested in this run or any other sporting event in Southern Africa or just plain travel? Why not contact us via email on info@beyondthefinish.com and let us put together a free quote for your individual travel needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Berlin Marathon Review

Auch eine Schnecke macht Strecke!

Der 40. Berlin Marathon am 29. September 2013 war das große Highlight unserer Deutschland Reise im September dieses Jahr, WAS für ein Erlebnis!

P1000133 Berlin RosenbomberUnser Marathon Wochenende begann am Freitag mit dem Besuch der Expo und Registrierung am historischen Flughafen Tempelhof. Mit der U-Bahn kamen wir dort an und alles war super organisiert. Die tolle Musik und Atmosphäre brachte mich sofort in Lauf- Laune und machte die Aufregung vor dem großen Tag sogar noch etwas größer! Mehrere riesige Hallen dienten den Ausstellern rund ums Laufen und Inline- Skaten. Und auf dem ehemaligen Runway war einer der historischen Rosinen-Bomber zu sehen sowie hunderte Inline- Skater, die sich für den nächsten Tag schon einmal ‚warm-skaten‘ wollten.

Berlin Breakfast 2Berlin Breakfast 1Berlin Breakfast 3Berlin Breakfast 1

Am Tag vor dem Berlin Marathon nahmen wir dann auch am Breakfast Run teil, der am Charlottenburger Schloß mit einigen tausend Teilnehmern stattfand. Dieser Fun Run ist meiner Meinung nach der perfekte Einstieg für den Marathon gewesen, die 6km sind super, um die Beine etwas zu lockern und einfach Spaß mit all den anderen Marathonis zu haben. Bei diesem Breakfast Run ist es geradezu Pflicht, entweder verkleidet, mit Perücke oder sonstigem zu laufen oder – als Nicht-Deutscher- seine Heimatflagge wehen zu lassen. Das haben Andrew und ich natürlich ebenfalls gemacht und so trafen wir nach kurzer Zeit – mit wehender Südafrika- Flagge – auf weitere Deutsch- Südafrikaner, die auch noch unsere Freunde hier in Kapstadt kannten. Und nach dem Lauf trafen wir sogar noch zufällig Andrews frühere Deutschlehrerin Bettina auf dem Weg. Die Welt ist tatsächlich ein Dorf… ☺

Nachdem der Breakfast Run im Olympia- Stadion endete, gab es dann noch ein Frühstück, wobei das sehr chaotisch mit viel Gedränge ablief und viele Stände recht schnell nichts mehr hatten… machte aber nichts, einen Saft, Apfel und Croissant konnten wir ergattern und insgesamt ist der Breakfast Run wirklich zu empfehlen. Übrigens war sogar Haile Gebrselassie als VIP am Start mit dabei!

Am Sonntag morgen war dann endlich der große Tag gekommen! Für südafrikanische Verhältnisse begann der Marathon recht spät, denn der Startschuß für die Gruppen A und B fielen erst um 08h45.

Um halb 7 saßen wir – mehr oder weniger wach- in der U-Bahn Richtung Potsdamer Platz, wo wir mit tausenden Läufern zusammen dann in Richtung Brandenburger Tor und Straße des 17. Junis liefen.

Noch fix ein paar Fotos vor dem Brandenburger Tor in der Morgensonne gemacht und sozusagen das Ziel als Bild eingeprägt, danach ging es zu den Gepäckabgabe- Zelten. Andrews Zelt war recht schnell gefunden, allerdings waren die Gepäckabgabestellen für Frauen ein gutes Stück entfernt und gegen den Strom von tausenden Läufern… um ca. 08h30 standen wir dann endlich in unserer Startgruppe E und ‚Ready to rumble‘. Die Atmosphäre am Start ist einfach fantastisch, absoluter Gänsehaut – Moment, als es dann endlich losging. Natürlich dauert es eine Weile, bis man überhaupt erst die Startlinie überquert, aber da für mich die Finish- Zeit bei diesem Rennen nicht so wichtig war, störte mich das nicht. Andrew, der Blitz, war nach 2 Minuten dann auch weit vor mir in den Menschenmassen verschwunden und so startete ich meinen Marathon in meinem Wohlfühl-Tempo. Das Wetter war absolut perfekt, ca. 11 Grad kühl, aber sonnig und keine Wolke am Himmel.

 

Berlin Brandenburg

Da ich zu den langsameren Läufern gehöre ( meine schnellste Halbmarathon Zeit liegt bei 2h16) und mir klar war, dass ich bei diesem riesigen Event eine Bestzeit nicht realistisch sein würde, konnte ich ganz ohne Zeitdruck laufen und das war für mich genau richtig. Alle 10 – 12 Minuten machte ich einen Foto- oder Wasserstop, danach ging’s wieder weiter.

 

Berlin Run

Da die Marathonstrecke uns durch komplett unterschiedliche Gegenden führte, gab es einfach überall etwas zu sehen und die ersten 21 km vergingen eigentlich wie im Flug. Natürlich muss aber an dieser Stelle auch gesagt werden, was für einen absolut fantastischen Support man von den Zuschauern am Straßenrand bekommt. Ich laufe seit 5 Jahren und habe auch schon einige, größere Rennen mitgemacht. Aber dass man auf der kompletten Strecke, an jeder Ecke, auf jeder Brücke, an jeder Kreuzung hunderte Leute sieht, die uns Läufer angefeuert haben, das habe ich so zum ersten Mal erlebt. Dass bei mir die letzten 20km relativ gut liefen, habe ich nicht zuletzt den Berlinern zu verdanken, die mich immer wieder angefeuert und für mich geklatscht haben. Eine wildfremde Frau rief mir irgendwo in Kreuzberg zu: ‚Julia, Du schaffst das! Du bist meine Heldin!!! ☺

Berlin Start

Nach der 30 Kilometer Marke ging das Laufen bei mir dann nicht mehr ganz so locker flockig, aber immerhin rückte das Ziel immer mehr in greifbare Nähe und mit regelmäßigen Gehpausen ging es dann vergleichsweise gut bis zum Kilometer- Marker 41. Von hier aus sieht man recht schnell dann das Brandenburger Tor einige hundert Meter vor sich und obwohl es zu diesem Zeitpunkt bereits ein laaanger Tag war, scheinen die Beine auf einmal die letzten 40km komplett vergessen zu haben….die letzten 500m konnte ich einfach nur noch genießen, es geht am Hotel Adlon vorbei und dann durchs Brandenburger Tor. Nicht nur, was sich an diesem Ort geschichtlich abgespielt hat, auch dass ich es tatsächlich durch den Marathon geschafft habe, machten diesen Moment für mich einfach unbeschreiblich. Nur noch einige Meter bis zur Ziellinie und es war geschafft! Leider hatten sich die Organisatoren verkalkuliert und hatten leider keine Marathon- Medaillen mehr, als ich nach 5h40 ins Ziel lief. Aber zumindest bekam ich eine Ersatz- Medaille vom Mini- Marathon mit dem Versprechen, meine richtige Medaille nach Hause zu schicken. Ich hoffe mal, die kommt noch an in den nächsten Wochen, aber eigentlich ist es kein Beinbruch, wenn nicht. Dieser Lauf wird für mich unvergesslich bleiben und mit Sicherheit auch nicht das letzte Mal sein.

Berlin Beer

Ein weiteres Highlight beim Berlin Marathon war natürlich Wilson Kipsangs neuer Weltrekord von unglaublichen 2:03:38. Meine absolute Hochachtung für diese tolle Leistung!

Von diesen Zeiten kann ich selber zwar nur träumen, aber immerhin, ich bin den Berlin- Marathon erfolgreich und mit viel Spaß gelaufen und letztlich gilt das Motto: Auch eine Schnecke macht Strecke! ☺

 

Voet van Africa Marathon

THE RACE:

Voet van Afrika LogoVoet van Afrika Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km 19 October 2013:

Voet van Africa Marathon and Half Marathon is still on.

The Voet van Africa Marathon is held in the town of Bredasdorp in the Western Cape. The motto for this race is “The toughest race with the warmest heart” holds true for this race as the hospitality of the town is warm and friendly and the route is challenging. The marathon is run partly on gravel roads and consists of a tough mountain climb but is rewarded with spectacular views as the route takes you through fynbos covered areas and surrounding farmlands. The tough climb takes you 280m up the Soutmuisberg which is then followed by a steep descent to the town of Napier. From there you head back to the town of Bredasdorp where your energy levels will have to be saved as this is where your race could be lost.

The half marathon takes you along the Soutmuisberg and over the town’s dam wall. The race is consistently voted by Runner’s World as a well organised and presented event and in 2010 was voted as the 3rd best marathon event and the half marathon as the 9th best.

Voet van Afrika Profile

THE PLACE:

Bredasdorp lies in the Southern Overberg region of the Western Cape and is roughly two hours by car from Cape Town. The town is about 35km from Cape Agulhas which is the southernmost tip of Africa. The farming activities are chiefly grain, cattle and sheep farming and fynbos cultivation.

Things of interest in Bredasdorp:

  • Dutch Reformed Church which was built in 1911 in the Cape Gothic style of architecture
  • The Shipwreck Museum with the collection of artefacts and furniture from ships wrecks along the South African coastline.
  • The massive milkwood tree on the farm Rhenosterfontein which is a national monument and considered to be one of the largest of its kind.
  • De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve which has unspoilt Cape Fynbos and is a protected marine reserve. The reserve is home to the endangered Cape mountain Zebra and Cape Vultures. De Hoop also brags one of the best whale watching areas between June and December. The De Hoop Whale Trail is a must for hikers and nature lovers.
  • De Mond Nature Reserve which lies at the mouth of the Heuningnes River supports several species of small animals and has a rich and varied birdlife.

Towns close to Bredasdorp include Arniston, L’Agulhas (southernmost town in Africa), Napier, Caledon and Swellendam.

 

YOUR BASE:

Places to stay

  • Aghulas Ocean Art House
  • Die Opstal

Voet van Afrika Ocean Art House

UPCOMING RACES:

  • 08 September 2013 – Medihelp Dolphin Coast Ultra 50 km, Half Marathon & 10 km
  • 14 September 2013 – Two Countries at Musina Marathon
  • 21 September 2013 – Laingsburg Karoo Ultra Marathon
  • 02 September 2013 – Cape Town City Marathon & 10 km
  • 22 September 2013 – Ethekwini Township to Township Marathon
  • 29 September 2013 – Bonitas City2City Ultra Marathon, Half Marathon & 10 km
  • 06 October 2013 – Amatola Maraton
  • 11 October 2013 – Merrell Hobbit 100 – Amatola Trail Run – 2 Days 100km
  • 12 October 2013 – The 10th Mutter – 2 Days (85 KM)
  • 13 October 2013 – OUTsurance 94.5KFM Gun Run 21.1km
  • 17 October 2013 – Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon – 7 days 245km
  • 20 October 2013 – Constantia Grape Run 21.1km
  • 26 October 2013 – Crazy Store 1 000 Hills Trail Challenge 10km, 20km, 41km
  • 26 October 2013 – BASF 32 km, Half Marathon & 10 km

Interested in this run or any other sporting event in Southern Africa or just plain travel? Why not contact us via email on info@beyondthefinish.com and let us put together a free quote for your individual travel needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon 2014 Entry Details

Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon

Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon entry system has changed for the 2014 event. There are 11 000 entries available for the Ultra Marathon and 16 000 entries for the half marathon. The half marathon is extremely popular and sells really fast. You need to diarise these dates and not delay as you will be left very disappointed!

Half Marathon:

The breakdown for the half marathon for the first 10 000 entries are as follows:

  • 05 November 2013 – Blue Number Club runners can enter (individuals who have run 10 or more Two Oceans but is limited to the first 1000 entries)
  • 11 November 2013 – Licensed club members can enter (limited to the first 5 500 entries)
  • 14 November 2013 – Runners who have previously completed the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, Half Marathon or Trail Runs can enter (limited to first 2 000 entries)
  • 22 January 2014 – The remaining 6000 entries are reserved for novices (runners who have not previously run any of the Two Oceans Marathon runs) and previous runners who missed the first entry batch
  • 1 500 entries are for charities and International participants

Ultra Marathon

11 000 Entries are available for the Ultra Marathon and will be available from 15 October 2013.
If you need further information please contact us or visit their website.

PPC Cement Riebeeck Bergmarathon, Half marathon and 10km 03 August 2013


riebeeck-marathon
The PPC Cement Riebeeck Bergmarathon is a very picturesque marathon set in the scenic Riebeeck Valley. The 2013 race will be the 28th time this event has taken place and is also a Comrades qualifier. There is also a 21.1km half marathon and a 10km and 5km fun run/walk. The marathon is very popular with stunning views, coupled with a friendly atmosphere. Continue reading „PPC Cement Riebeeck Bergmarathon, Half marathon and 10km 03 August 2013“

Bainskloof Ultra Marathon & Half Marathon (63.3km & 21.1km) 24 September 2013

THE RACE:

BainskloofBainskloof Ultra Marathon & Half Marathon (63.3km & 21.1km) 24 September 2013:

The Bainskloof Ultra Marathon and Half Marathon start in the historic Boland town of Wellington. The ultra-marathon route takes you out from Wellington through Bainskloof towards the town of Ceres. The first 20 kilometres will prove challenging where you will reach the highest point. From this point the course becomes easier where you make your way to the turnaround point at Bergsig Kelders. The cut-off time is four hours at the halfway mark. The half marathon follows the same route and makes its way well into the pass when you turn around and return to Wellington.

Bainskloof route profile

About Bainskloof Pass: Situated on the R303 and is part of the Lamietberg Nature Reserve which was declared a national monument in 1980 and is part of the Cape floral kingdom. The pass has many flowering plants, bird species and other small animals. The pass was built by Scotsman Andrew Geddes Bain in 1853 and is one of the most scenic passes in the Cape.

Continue reading „Bainskloof Ultra Marathon & Half Marathon (63.3km & 21.1km) 24 September 2013“