Scott to make a rare city appearance

THE Nutribullet Bay to Bay 30km, which takes place tomorrow on the traditional out and back course from Camps Bay to Hout Bay, signals the start of the 2017 road racing season and its build up to the Peninsula and Two Oceans Marathons in February and April respectively.

While considered part of the Two Oceans build up, the Bay to Bay has become increasingly popular in its own right and, with a probable starting line-up of close to 5000, can be considered one of the premier events on the Cape Town racing calendar.

In spite of having to climb Suikerbossie Hill on both the outward and inward legs, the respective course records which stand behind the names of Neo Molema (1:32:43 in 2002) and Monica Drogemoller (1:53:01 in 1987) also are the national best times over 30km, pointing to the competitive nature of the event.

Last year’s winning duo, former Itheko clubmates, Sibusiso Madikizela and Nkosinathi Madyo, have confirmed their entries and will be the targeted runners tomorrow. Madikizela won a close race by just 22 seconds in 1:42:14, with Gugulethu’s Bernard Rukadza a further 28 seconds back in third.

Cape Town Marathon champion, Tish Jones, surprised Tanith Maxwell, in a close finish last year shortly after her move to Cape Town from the UK, winning in 1:57:56. Jones is recovering from a foot injury and in her absence Maxwell is favoured to repeat her 2015 win tomorrow.

Runners also have the option of a “one way ticket” 15km from Hout Bay to Camps Bay, and all eyes will be on US-based South African 10 000m Olympian, Dominique Scott making a rare appearance in her former home city in the 15km event.

Runners will be competing for an attractive first prize of R5000 (men and women), with R2000 on offer for the 15km event, run from Hout Bay Harbour to Maiden’s Cove.

Entries will still be taken today at Rondebosch, Tygervalley or Sea Point Sportman’s Warehouse at R80 (R115 for non-licenced runners). Runners are advised to get to the Maiden’s Cove early.