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Elite runners are intensifying their preparations for the eagerly anticipated Two Oceans Marathon.
The 56km ultra-marathon will take place in Cape Town on 12 April, with the half-marathon scheduled for the following day.
Fresh from his victory at the Legends Township Marathon at Eldorado Park Stadium on Sunday, Nkululeko Mgubhela is now turning his focus to his second appearance at the prestigious ultra.
Representing Entsika Athletics Club, Mgubhela stormed to victory in 2:20:29 and is building strong momentum ahead of the Cape Town showdown.
Gladwin Mzazi of Boxer Running Club, who finished second in 2:21:02 in what is fast becoming one of the country’s premier township marathons, is also gearing up for the annual spectacle.
Cijimpi Moloi of Phantane Athletics Club, who claimed third place in 2:21:57, will be making his debut over the 56km distance.
Mgubhela, who trains under the guidance of former marathon great Hendrick Ramaala at Zoo Lake, told SABC Sport that he is excited about returning to the Mother City.
“I am now focusing on the Two Oceans Marathon. I used this race as part of my preparations to test myself ahead of the big one in Cape Town. I wanted to see how far I am with my training.
Coach Ramaala is treating me well at Zoo Lake and we have a strong, motivated group that is hungry for success this year. I have won many races before, but this was my first victory in Gauteng,” he said.
“For this year, my goal is to finish on the podium at the Two Oceans. I ran 3:20 last year and I am aiming to improve that time in this iconic ultra-marathon,” he added.
KwaZulu-Natal-based Moloi, is also deep in preparation for his maiden run in Cape Town, though he insists he is not burdening himself with expectations.
“I am definitely running the Two Oceans, which is why I came here to get in a solid long run. It will be my first time, and my main goal is simply to finish the race. There’s no pressure from my side. I want to step up in distance because one day I hope to compete in the Comrades Marathon in Durban,” said Moloi, who is coached by Mdu Khumalo.
This year, the stakes are high, with the first male and female athletes across the finish line set to pocket a handsome R380 000 in prize money, adding further incentive for the elite field to deliver standout performances in Cape Town.
