Border runners aplenty in ultra

THERE are novice runners aplenty among the Border contingent to the 2014 Two Oceans 56km road race and a good few in the half marathon as well.

Many of the veterans of the sport are meanwhile doing the trail run and half marathon on consecutive days.

There are few words to describe committed runners.

With a large international component to the Cape Town race it is not to be expected any of the local runners will be competing up front, save perhaps Hanlie Botha who is in line for a possible gold medal over 21.1km.

Rivalry among the Borderites is generally rife and thus they will be going all out to deliver the best they can.

A handful of the men will race for the silver medals on offer for running a sub-four hour 56km race and the most likely to be successful are Mbuyisele Mema and Sinethemba Mekeni from Overtakers, Zakhutini Retyu and possibly Luyanda Ndzandza of Queenstown Harriers and Zingisile Marekeni from Ned Bank.

Raymond de Klerk has all the credentials to clock in under four hours and he could be joined by fellow Oxford Strider, Sabelo Myeza.

Real Gijimas have the largest contingent from Border and they must be in with a few surprises of their own, ably led as they are by Alex Kambule who will be clocking up his 10th Two Oceans and winning his permanent number.

The women will chase sub-five hours probably, but with Steph Smith the Born 2 Run marathon queen concentrating on Comrades she may or may not run at five minutes per kilometre. If she does she will lead the “girls” home.

Hayley McLaren is a seasoned campaigner and has had good ultra marathon results before. She too could be the one to watch.

Two novices who have impressed in the early part of the year, Sandy Hunter of Old Selbornians and Brenda Graham of Oxford Striders, will be watched with interest to see how they step up to both the distance and national competition.

Over the years many local runners have performed admirably at home only to emulate some of the Super Rugby teams who wilt on the away stage.

First hand knowledge of the route is essential.

The first half is relatively easy with the climbing only starting half way on Little Chapman’s, often mistaken as it is for the real thing. When that happens and runners round the bend to be confronted by the big daddy, gasps can be heard through the field.

Going down Chapman’s Peak Drive is still more damaging with a stiff camber as an add on to deal with.

Hout Bay is dead flat but as runners hit the marathon mark they encounter the even more ferocious Constantia Nek, which is four kilos of torturous climbing.

Of course the training is all done and it is to be hoped all this was taken into account, allowing for a faster last 10km in to the finish at the University of Cape Town.