Two minutes and six seconds sounds like a long time in a road race, but that is the difference between the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon record and the best time over the distance on the African continent.
Last year’s winner of the city event, Ethiopian Asefa Negewo, ran the 42.2km distance in 2 hr 08 min 41 sec, whereas the continental record is 2:06:35, set by Kenyan Stephen Tum Kipkemei in Marrakech in 2013.
Now there is increased optimism that Cape Town will play host to the setting of a new record, with changes having been made to the course, which could aid runners in this pursuit.
At an event in the city yesterday to mark 50 days to the starting gun, it was announced that there had been a decision to change the direction of the course to ensure the IAAF requirement of full street closure during the race.
This has resulted in a course potentially faster than in previous years.
“The course has six fewer turns and corners than last year, it showcases the City’s best attractions, we have full road closure and we have alleviated traffic congestion,” explained race director Janet Welham.
“There are four small hills in the first half and a long gradual downhill stretch between 17 and 38km, with a final descent to the finish. And we encourage spectators to come out in numbers for what could be the party of a lifetime. We will have music bands, fancy dress activations and much more,” promised Welham.
Independent Media's Jermaine Craig with Francois Pienaar and Elana Meyer at the launch of the 2017 Cape Town Marathon. Photo: Henk Kruger, ANA Pictures
What will probably also improve the times in the race is the fact that big-name runners will be attracted to it, both due to the prize money on offer and the possibility of a fast time.
The race is Africa’s first IAAF Gold Label Standard Marathon, and in September it will welcome back last year’s winners, Negewo and British Capetonian Tish Jones, who used their 2016 wins at Cape Town to gain invitations as elite athletes into the London Marathon, where they both excelled.
Both will be focused on retaining their titles in September.
Negewo’s 2:08.41 victory set a new race record 11 months ago and is the fastest time on a certified course in South Africa. “We now want to go one better and claim the fastest time on the African continent,” Cape Town Marathon race ambassador Elana Meyer explained.
“Asefa’s time last year is the fourth fastest, and we believe if the conditions are right, the African mark is achievable.”
Frith van der Merwe’s 2:27:36, set in 1989 in Port Elizabeth, is the fastest in Africa, with Cape Town Marathon record holder Isabella Ochichi’s 2:30:20 in sixth position.
A four-day running festival of races and events starts in the city with the AIMS Africa Conference and the opening day of the marathon expo on September 14, and climaxes with the marathon on Sunday, September 17.
AIMS – the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races – is a member-based organisation of more than 400 of the world’s leading distance races.
The hosting of the regional event in Cape Town, in conjunction with the marathon, reflects its high standing in the eyes of the continent’s leaders in the sport, and will undoubtedly open the way for future participation of Africa’s best in Cape Town.
“We have set challenging targets for ourselves and we have achieved them all,” said Cape Town Marathon ambassador and former South African rugby captain Francois Pienaar. “It just shows you that we can do anything in the city if we want to, together.
“And the Cape Town Marathon is set for even bigger things, including becoming the biggest single-day fundraiser in South Africa, with many charities and communities benefiting.
“I have a vision,” remarked Pienaar in closing. “Wouldn’t it be amazing to start with a candle in Nelson Mandela’s cell on Robben Island, for the candle to light a torch to be flown over for Mayor (Patricia) de Lille to start the marathon, watched by everyone on the planet?”
Western Province Athletics’ Allen Barnes was equally effusive.
“The Cape Town Marathon has it all – a great city with a stunning backdrop and an event for all. The field is inclusive of the world’s elite athletes, club and non-club runners, casual joggers, social runners and walkers.”