Time to choose, train for 2023’s major events

The year has been a difficult one to negotiate for runners and has required resolve and self-belief in any runner’s attempt to get back to where they were in early 2020 or indeed show improvement at events, new or established.

The youth have had two or more competitive years ripped from their young lives, but some good performances have emerged at the odd cross country event that took place, one of which was a “rebel” but entertaining event in Bathurst.

As mentioned previously, the return of the Twizza Bonkolo Marathon and half marathon on November 5 is being welcomed in most running circles, with a new venue and course for both distances. Flooding caused the organisers to rethink running on the gravel road section. The marathon will now be a two-lap event, on the same route as the 21.1km.

The two races still go out to the Bonkolo Dam and that “little pull” will not be lost to the class of 2022.

Another change to the calendar revolves around the Trevor Gee 10km with a new date on the same weekend, but on Sunday 6.

There is such a close relationship between the founders of Queenstown Harriers and East London Athletics Club and none more so than in the memory of Trevor Gee, the man.

It is a pity that the races are happening over two days, which is another good reason to re-do the race calendar in its entirety. It does, however, take strong will, understanding of the needs of the sport and the athletes in respect of optimal performances and not just the banking of money. It is tough, but tough is what it takes to be great.

For this year all involved should work to make it work in the hope that athletes will rise to the occasion.

In preparing for 2023 we cannot expect much more given that nothing in the allocation of races has changed, but we do know that the three races, that have the most impact on local and indeed national running, have set their dates.

Buffs Marathon and half marathon is down for February 26, the Two Oceans for April 15 and 16 and Comrades for June 11. All three dates are in themselves controversial but at least there is clarity.

Training is now non-negotiable for those and other events, including ones such as the Surfers Challenge, scheduled for February 11. There are thus 16 weeks to Surfers, 18 to Buffs, 25 to Two Oceans and 33 to Comrades.

Can runners race all those plus other races between? No, but they can run them all. Surfers is a bit of fun; Buffs is a major qualifier for the two ultras and is a major event, as a standalone marathon.

I always ran both the 56km of Two Oceans and the 87-94km Comrades and ran them hard, but it is not ideal.

Choose one and have a full go. Let a coach evaluate which is best suited and spend the next few months working on delivery.

Running is a superb sport if tackled correctly so all should be encouraged to make 2023 count as though it is the only one on offer. The last couple of years have taught us that.