The weekend ahead is a busy one for runners with options ranging from 5km parkruns, through to a fast 10km, a half-marathon and a standard 42.2km.
The marathon, organised by Queenstown Harriers, one of the oldest clubs in South Africa, is steeped in history.
Tomorrow the 39th running of the Twizza Bonkolo Marathon takes to the surrounds and street of Queenstown, while the half-marathon under the same banner will be run for the 24th time.
The marathon is not an easy one, but it has some splendid views of mountains and of course the Bonkolo Dam itself.
The winners list over the years reads like a who is who in marathon running folklore in these parts. Herman van der Wilt, Edwin Lwana, Peter Berlyn, Alfred Mangesi, Solomon Pongola – who won it three times – Peter Biyase and Queenstown’s own Hendrik Erasmus, who is a multiple winner, all spring to mind.
Not to be outdone, Lizbet Ntozini won the women’s race four times in succession, whilst Mandy van Schalkwyk won it twice.
The manner in which the Queenstown community gets behind the race is spectacular and leaves visiting runners with a feeling of great warmth and camaraderie.
The half-marathon is a much more manageable affair and is actually a very pleasant course.
It too has a proud list of winners headed up by Olympian and multiple SA champion, and Xolile Yawa, who at that stage ran for President Brand Mines. Bassie Mbenya and the late Lunga Mancam were two other quality performers who won in Queenston. Bernice Fanoe and Lizanne Holmes are two female runners to make their mark in the early days of the race.
The field in both races is wide open this year and it remains to be seen if performances of yesteryear can be matched or not.
In what is a fairly new occurrence there are back-to-back races in the province and on Sunday morning the Xerox Lightning Fast 10km will be run in East London. This race too has shown longevity and will be run for the 30th time. The reason it has shown such resilience is because it is a fast 10km, indeed the fastest in the province.
Fast does not mean easy and indeed there are two hills to test the runners, but perhaps the biggest test comes in Vincent Road, where the dead flat running often leaves a runner feeling equally flat.
Then again runners with a little left towards the end will have the sensation of flying to propel them down Hudson Avenue and on to the finish at Oxford Striders in Beach Road, Nahoon.
Some course knowledge and an understanding of how to pace oneself will negate any negatives.
The fact that an athlete as good as Mzwandile Shube could not break 30 minutes on the route proves the points above, while Makaya Masumpa, Phillip Quvana and Bassie Mbenya all dipped appreciably under 30, with the latter running a 28:28.
Decisions in choosing which race to run seems unfair on the athletes, but that is what it is and be it the half, the full marathon or the 10k, runners will know exactly where they stand on Monday morning.
Choose to go long or opt for a speed bolt
The marathon, organised by Queenstown Harriers, one of the oldest clubs in South Africa, is steeped in history.
Tomorrow the 39th running of the Twizza Bonkolo Marathon takes to the surrounds and street of Queenstown, while the half-marathon under the same banner will be run for the 24th time.
The marathon is not an easy one, but it has some splendid views of mountains and of course the Bonkolo Dam itself.
The winners list over the years reads like a who is who in marathon running folklore in these parts. Herman van der Wilt, Edwin Lwana, Peter Berlyn, Alfred Mangesi, Solomon Pongola – who won it three times – Peter Biyase and Queenstown’s own Hendrik Erasmus, who is a multiple winner, all spring to mind.
Not to be outdone, Lizbet Ntozini won the women’s race four times in succession, whilst Mandy van Schalkwyk won it twice.
The manner in which the Queenstown community gets behind the race is spectacular and leaves visiting runners with a feeling of great warmth and camaraderie.
The half-marathon is a much more manageable affair and is actually a very pleasant course.
It too has a proud list of winners headed up by Olympian and multiple SA champion, and Xolile Yawa, who at that stage ran for President Brand Mines. Bassie Mbenya and the late Lunga Mancam were two other quality performers who won in Queenston. Bernice Fanoe and Lizanne Holmes are two female runners to make their mark in the early days of the race.
The field in both races is wide open this year and it remains to be seen if performances of yesteryear can be matched or not.
In what is a fairly new occurrence there are back-to-back races in the province and on Sunday morning the Xerox Lightning Fast 10km will be run in East London. This race too has shown longevity and will be run for the 30th time. The reason it has shown such resilience is because it is a fast 10km, indeed the fastest in the province.
Fast does not mean easy and indeed there are two hills to test the runners, but perhaps the biggest test comes in Vincent Road, where the dead flat running often leaves a runner feeling equally flat.
Then again runners with a little left towards the end will have the sensation of flying to propel them down Hudson Avenue and on to the finish at Oxford Striders in Beach Road, Nahoon.
Some course knowledge and an understanding of how to pace oneself will negate any negatives.
The fact that an athlete as good as Mzwandile Shube could not break 30 minutes on the route proves the points above, while Makaya Masumpa, Phillip Quvana and Bassie Mbenya all dipped appreciably under 30, with the latter running a 28:28.
Decisions in choosing which race to run seems unfair on the athletes, but that is what it is and be it the half, the full marathon or the 10k, runners will know exactly where they stand on Monday morning.
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