By Stephen Granger
Leading contenders for Sunday’s Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon speak about their hopes and expectations for the race and some of the wisest people in the sport have made their predictions for the “World’s Most Beautiful Marathon”.
From pre-race predictions it would appear that three times Comrades Marathon winner, Bongmusa Mthembu is favoured to defend his title with fellow South Africans Nkosikhona Mhlakwana and Sboniso Sikhahane tipped to challenge most strongly for the title. Gerda Steyn is odds on favourite to win for the third time and improve Frith van der Merwe’s 32 year old record, with Irvette van Zyl and Ethiopian Amelework Bosho most likely to secure podium positions.
Charne Bosman
“I’m going to run my own race. After a long break, I only started training in December. Two Oceans was my first ultra in 2013, so I’m pleased to be back! My Two Oceans career started in 2001 with the half marathon, so it’s been a long journey.”
Jenna Challenor
“2017 was an amazing year after a rough build-up. I had no expectations in my debut race and went out and did what I love – I ran with all my heart. I’m so excited to be on the line again after a roller-coaster last two years. So grateful just to be out there reminding myself why I’m here – we just love running.”
Amelework Bosho (Ethiopia)
“After winning the Nedbank Runified 50km just last month, I’ve just focused on running shorter and faster runs and found that my body has fully recovered. I realise the Two Oceans has more hills than the Gqeberha run as I’ve run it before (she placed third in 2016 behind Caroline Woestmann) but I’m confident I can do as well as in the 50km.
Ashumar Admasu (Ethiopia)
It’s my first time ever running outside Ethiopia. So I’m very excited and humbled by this opportunity.
Irvette van Zyl
It’s been a while and a few operations – but I’m happy to be back. Every time you line up, you want to win the race of course! Last time I had stomach problems so this time I’ll take immodiums for my stomach!
Gerda Steyn
To me Cape Town is the running city and it’s always a pleasure to run in it. I’ve done all my training in Johannesburg and I’m excited to get running on Sunday. Starting running later in life maybe makes it easier to handle pressure, as I’ve learnt to handle that in other aspects of my life. I feel pleased I have a variety in my running career and I enjoy racing over different distances. First and foremost I’m wanting to defend my title, but I’m aware how close I was to the record last time. I feel I’m prepared to run the record, but I have to respect the distance and many things can go wrong on the day.
Motlokoa Nkhabutlane (Lesotho)
I’d like to win again after 2015 – I’m happy to be back. I’ve trained well with no injuries. Many of the leading athletes in Lesotho train together and talk to each other during the race which helps us to achieve top positions.
Guilaume Ruel (France)
It’s my first time at Two Oceans, but I’m quite ready. I prepared very well for 50km and I achieved my goal there. And I’m looking forward for a win on Sunday.
Sboniso Sikhahane
I’m looking forward to running on Sunday and running a good time – that’s all I can say.
David Gatebe
I’m 40 years but feel able to compete with younger boys. That gives me motivation! The younger boys have early speed but after 42 km they will be tired and I’ll come through and pass them! I’m coming with a strong mind. Knowing that I achieve something special every three years motivates me to do well on Sunday.
Nkosikhona Mhlakwana
On my side everything is going fine and am feeling very strong and looking forward to be on the start line on Sunday. My training went very well thanks to my coach Prodigal Khumalo. I’ve had amazing support from my new club Hollywood Bets and my sponsors. I am very positive about the race and I believe that I will do well on Sunday.
Pre-race predictions by running cogniscenti
Manfred Seidler: distance running expert, broadcaster and statistician
Men: 1 Bongmusa Mthembu; 2 Sikhakana ; 3 Nkosikhona Mhlakwana
Women: 1 Gerda Steyn; 2 Irvette van Zyl; 3 Ann Ashworth
Cuan Walker: distance running expert and television commentator
Men: 1 Nkosikhona Mhlakwana; 2 Bongmusa Mthembu; 3 Siboniso Sikhakana
Women: 1 Gerda Steyn; 2 Irvette van Zyl; 3 Amelwork Bosho
Mosibodi Whitehead: television broadcaster
Men: 1 Nkosikhona Mhlakwana; 2 Bongmusa Mthembu; 3 Ntsindiso Mphakathi
Women: 1 Gerda Steyn; 2 Irvette van Zyl;
Harold Berman: Founder member of Two Oceans and legendary announcer
Men: 1 Bongmusa Mthembu; 3 Guillaume Ruel; 3 Nkosikhona Mhlakwana
Women: 1 Gerda Steyn; 2 Ashumar Admasu; 3 Irvette van Zyl
Stephen Granger: SPNAfrica journalist
Men: 1 Bongmusa Mthembu; 2 Motlokoa Nkhabutlane; 3 Nkosikhona Mhlakwana
Women: 1 Gerda Steyn; 2 Irvette van Zyl; 3 Amelework Bosho
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