that comes with racing. The level of organisation is incredible. Three weeks before a race, we already had an itinerary! That’ s very foreign to me— every other club I’ ve been with usually sends that the night before, which can be chaotic. I love having things planned in advance— it really helps calm me.
“ To be part of an elite running club again, especially one as professional as Nedbank, is amazing. Last year, I did everything on my own, which is doable, but having these details taken care of makes such a big difference. And let’ s be honest, that green kit is just beautiful!”
The Power of a Strong Team“ Running is an individual sport— you’ re out there alone, racing from start to finish. But being part of a strong team such as Nedbank gives you an incredible sense of belonging and support.
Although women runners don’ t often run in packs like the men do, just knowing I have a team behind me makes a huge difference. Being at the same hotel as my teammates, attending press launches in the same kit, and feeling part of a strong family boosts my confidence. Nick Bester has been such an integral part of the running community, and having him and the team backing me means such a lot.
Putting on a professional kit gives you a sense of pride and belief in yourself. It reminds you that you belong, that you’ re good enough, and that you have people supporting you. So, yes, it definitely impacts my confidence— I’ m stronger because of it.”
Training Smarter, Not Harder“ I haven’ t yet had the chance to train with Nedbank, but I hope to join a training camp before Comrades. My training has changed a lot since I got sick. I’ ve had to truly listen to my body. In the past, my body did whatever my head wanted. But after my illnesses, no matter what my mind wanted, if my body couldn’ t do it, it simply wouldn’ t. That was a hard lesson to learn.
“ Now, I train much smarter. I don’ t feel guilty about resting when I need to, because I know it will help me progress. I’ m more flexible in my approach— I don’ t do massive mileage, but I never have. I incorporate cross-training and prioritise recovery more than ever. Age plays a role, but so does the toll my health struggles have taken on me. So I have to piece everything together in a way that works for me. And I’ m happy to do it because I’ m just so grateful to be back.”
Race Goals and Expectations“ Of course, I have a time goal in mind. I’ m competitive, and I’ d love to do well. But I’ m also realistic about where I’ ve come from. It’ s been a tough two-year journey, and I know many people would have given up. I nearly did, several times. But I’ m stubborn, and I’ m so glad I kept fighting because I would have regretted giving up.
“ Two Oceans is a stepping stone for me towards the Comrades Marathon. Comrades is my‘ A’ race, and Two Oceans is part of the journey to get there. I still want to run a strong race, and a top 10 gold medal would be a dream come true. I don’ t care which position— tenth would be amazing! It’ s been a long, hard road back, and I just want to stick to my plan, enjoy the race, and have fun along the way.”
Lessons from 2022“ One big lesson? Don’ t fall at the finish line! In 2022, there was a hole in the grass near the end, and I tripped right before the finish. Thankfully, SuperSport only filmed the top three, so no one saw me face-planting in ninth place!
“ And, of course, I learned from Comrades 2022, where I crawled over the line. So this year, my goal is to make sure my legs are strong enough to finish properly. But if all else fails, I’ ll just crawl and smile like last time— just kidding! Hopefully, it all goes well.”
The Bigger Picture“ For me, just being on the start line is already a huge achievement. I never thought I’ d get back to running ultra-marathons after everything I’ ve been through. So I don’ t have massive expectations— just to love the experience, run as hard as I can, smile, and be grateful that I’ m here.
“ I want to have a solid, strong run and use this as a stepping stone towards Comrades. And, of course, I want to make my new team proud. It’ s an honour to be part of Nedbank, and I can’ t wait to put on my kit and race through the streets of Cape Town.”
Jenna Challenor’ s journey back to racing has been anything but easy, but her determination, resilience, and love for the sport shine through. As she lines up for the 2025 Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, she does so with gratitude, excitement, and the support of a team that believes in her.