Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - The Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, affectionately known as “The most beautiful race”, took place in Cape Town with several Klerksdorp runners participating.
The ultramarathon covers 56km which includes the scenic Chapmans Peak Drive. 14 000 athletes from across the country as well as overseas entered and competed in the race.
This year, once again, saw a record number of entries for the four different races totalling 32 000 athletes occupying Cape Town. Klerksdorp Marathon Club had 27 athletes who took part in the Ultra Marathon which took place on Saturday April 5.
The first athlete from Klerksdorp to cross the finish line was Johannes Diketso Radebe in a time of 3hours 50minutes. First woman from Klerksdorp was Venessa Lottering in 5hours 5minutes.
Although organizers warned of severe heat and dehydration, the maximum temperatures didn’t affect the Klerksdorp runners. On Sunday the half marathon route was adjusted because of the heat warning and the race also started earlier to get athletes out of the sun earlier.
26 Athletes from Klerksdorp marathon club were part of the massive 17 000 field who took on the half marathon route and Marli Meiring was the first athlete to cross in 1hour 45minutes. The veteran runner, Jasper van Zyl, was the first male to cross for the local club in 1hour 53minutes.
Some mentionable achievements were Pieter Meiring and Christa Charalambous who both ran their 10th consecutive ultra marathons and receiving their permanent blue number from Two Oceans. Santie Crotts achieved the same special achievement in the half marathon.
