JOHANNESBURG – Running a 42km may just be easier than you think. Experts comment on the build-up to Africa’s first city marathon in September – the Cape Town Marathon.
With the Cape Town Marathon set to take place on September 21, providing runners – both professional and amateur – with the chance to run through the beautiful city of Cape Town, the opportunity to live their dream may be closer than they think.
While there is no getting away from the fact that training and diet plays a key role, what many may not realise is that it starts with the self and the right mindset – believing that it is within reach and that they are able to take to the road and realise their goal.
Elana Meyer, Ambassador for the Cape Town Marathon and South African Olympic medalist and repeat recordholder in long distance running, discusses how for professional and amateur participants alike the ideal frame of mind does indeed make all the difference.
As a continent, we carry a proud legacy of producing world-class, elite marathon runners. At the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, the late Samuel Wanjiru (Kenya) set a world record of completing the 42.2km marathon in two hours, six minutes and 32 seconds. Four years later, Ugandan Stephen Kiprotich won the event at the London Olympics in two hours, eight minutes and one second. And the all-time top ten fastest male runners in the marathon category are either Kenyan or Ethiopian.
So it comes as little surprise that South Africa carries a major influence in sport, playing host not only to world-class sporting events such as the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup and the 1995 Rugby World Cup, but more pertinently, to a thriving running culture.
With more than 55 marathons being organised around the country annually, one would struggle to dispute the notion that more and more professional and recreational runners are taking to the streets, particularly on the eve of the relaunch of Africa’s first city marathon, the Cape Town Marathon, which is set to take place on September 21.
Entries opened on April 1. Visit www.capetownmarathon.co.za to enter.
The 2014 Cape Town Marathon event is managed by a joint partnership between Western Province Athletics (WPA), ASEM Running and the City of Cape Town. Endorsed by Elana Meyer and Francois Pienaar, it will be held from Saturday Sunday September 20 to 21. The classic 42.2km Cape Marathon is the centrepiece of a festival of running through Africa’s Mother City that includes a 10km Peace Run, a 5km Fun Run, trail runs in the Table Mountain National Park, a teambuilding relay and Prestige Mile Races.
The new Cape Town Marathon route is competitive, yet beautiful, offering runners a unique experience that highlights the city’s natural splendour and top cultural attractions. The field is inclusive of the world’s elite athletes, club and non-club runners, wheelchair racers, casual joggers, social runners and walkers. Athletes and spectators can enjoy Cape Town’s unique festive atmosphere at safe, fun supporter zones along the route, and at Cape Town Stadium in Green Point.
Cape Town Marathon delivers a sustainable and charitable event that brings together runners and supporters to experience the exceptional spirit of Africa’s world-class City Marathon.
