ELITES
Hellraisers
HALF MARATHON
As the fastest on foot arrive in Cape Town for the 25th running of the Two Oceans Half Marathon , nothing is quite what it seems on a route where agility , speed and strength will be required almost in equal measure to win this historic race .
A
powerful elite-athlete field , which includes past winners and strong
In Memoriam younger athletes , will line up in
Newlands Main Road on Sunday morning together with the masses .
While it is unlikely the leaders will take time out to appreciate the sunrise gilding the mountain tops as they stride out past Kirstenbosch in the final quarter , a backdrop worthy of ‘ the World ’ s Most Beautiful Marathon ’, it is certain that thousands behind them with less urgent goals will do so .
‘ Movement That Inspires ’
“ It ’ s a wonderful spectacle − throngs of runners set against breathtaking scenery ,” enthused Gary Scott , CEO of Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon ’ s official Vehicle Sponsors , KIA . “ This is a magical alignment with our brand slogan , ‘ Movement that inspires .’”
An interesting feature of this year ’ s race is the number of former Two Oceans Half Marathon champions who have opted to race the full 56km distance , including Stephen Mokoka , David Manja and Xolisa Tyali , as well as multiple half marathon winner , Irvette van Zyl , who will again be racing the ultra .
Many of South Africa ’ s leading road speedsters will be travelling to Cape Town for this week ’ s Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon , but the defending champion Mbuleli Mathanga will be a notable absentee .
The talented young athlete from the Phantane club lost his life just five months after winning the 2023 Totalsports Two Oceans Half Marathon title and shortly after representing South Africa at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships . He will be sorely missed but his life will also be remembered at this year ’ s edition .
Thabang Mosiako the man to beat ?
Modern Athlete ’ s Road Runner of the Year for 2023 ( shorter distance ), Thabang Mosiako , boasts an enviable race record over the past twelve months and despite his relatively poor outcome in last year ’ s race and his coach Michael Mbambani ’ s protestations , he starts as favourite to lift the Two Oceans 21km trophy for the first time .
“ After last year ’ s ( Two Oceans Half Marathon ) race I had to crack the whip ”, Mbambani admitted . “ Thabang did not race according to our plan and paid the price . But he learnt from that and recorded some good performances later in the year .”
Top of Thabang ’ s hit parade was undoubtedly his superb 6th place in 59:52 at the World Half Marathon Championships in Riga , Latvia . Just 16 seconds outside Stephen Mokoka ’ s national record for the distance , but his impressive 1:00:29 victory in Gqeberha last June to claim the national title ahead of the country ’ s best , comes a close second .
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