Enock Skosana: SA marathon runners spoiled for choice

The busy schedule begins with the Two Oceans Marathon on 11-12 April, followed by the Cape Town Marathon on 23 May, before the Comrades Marathon takes centre stage on 14 June.

National road running chairperson Skosana has told SABC Sport that the Cape Town Marathon’s new May slot is ideal, stressing that athletes cannot race every major event.

“You have to choose. South African road running is in a healthy state, and it’s up to the runners to decide which races suit them,” said Skosana, who also chairs road running at Athletics Gauteng North. 

“You cannot do all three races, it’s nearly impossible. The runners are spoiled for choice. We have a jam-packed calendar and athletes must choose wisely.”

Four-time Comrades Marathon champion and six-time Two Oceans winner Gerda Steyn admits it is impossible to contest all three races and says she will select only two events – having already confirmed her entry for the Two Oceans.

Steyn, who has never won the Cape Town Marathon, had hoped to claim all three major domestic titles last year, entering Cape Town as the overwhelming favourite before the race was cancelled due to severe weather. 

“It’s impossible to do all three races in such a short space of time, it would take a superhuman,” she told the national broadcaster.

Stephen Mokoka, who has confirmed his participation in the Cape Town Marathon as he chases a fourth title while foregoing the Two Oceans marathon this year, acknowledged the challenges of the tight schedule. 

“It’s unfortunate that the races are so close, but it’s a good headache for runners,” he said. “If Cape Town was in the second half of the season, many athletes would already be tired. Moving it to May is a blessing in disguise. 

"It may impact Comrades and Two Oceans, but you have to choose – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We live with it.”