Countdown to the new-look Legends
ONE week remains before the return of The Legends. Shelved amidst much controversy in 2016, the event is due to bounce back with new routes for both the 68km ultra marathon and the half marathon, while a 10km race has been added along with the 5km one previously staged.
The three previous male winners have all come first, or been gold medallists, at the Two Oceans. The Comrades runners on the other hand have all been in the mix though not at the helm of the 68km.
The previous half marathon attracted a fair quality field in the first year, but the tough course and therefore lack of fast times failed to attract the runners back in any significant numbers up front.
The “new” option, which is actually a tried and tested route, will ensure changes in years to come.
So how does one prepare for the 68km distance? We know that when racing a marathon runners need to break through the 32km wall in order to succeed. They train accordingly.
When running Two Oceans 42km is the break point, while at Comrades it’s somewhere between 60 and 65km. That means that the Comrades runners should be best suited to crack Legends. To this point that has not been the case, probably due to the short recovery time they have as opposed to the Two Oceans men and women.
I think the mould will be broken this year and one of the successful Comrades men will take the race. The women’s race is more difficult to discern as no top runners from the two big ultras have entered as yet.
The times do not really mean that much in the ultra because it is a nonrecognised distance, as indeed most ultras are. However, in the half marathon it is a very different story.
The route chosen to honour the two greatest half marathons ever run on the African continent is tested, proven and ready for someone’s big effort.
That there is currently no one within South Africa likely to be able to beat the men’s 60:11 or the women’s 67:59 is accepted. Once the international community hears about the course that, almost certainly, will change.
It is not too late for Born 2 Run, Legends themselves or Border Athletics to attract the likes of Stephen Mokoka and Elroy Gelant to spice things up in the 21.1km.
From a local runner’s perspective it is essential to come into this race, fast as it is, fresh and under-raced. Taking a weekend break from racing is absolutely crucial to securing that state.
It might not gel with folk new to running or to those chasing their personal dream times, but this race, more than any other, will offer that scenario. More than that it will give the confidence required to chase a fast 10km, Buffs Marathon, Two Oceans or Comrades in 2018.