Bay to Bay an ideal Oceans yardstick

WHILE the Two Oceans and Cape Town Marathons are the flagbearers of road running in the Western Cape, the Nutribullet Bay to Bay 30km has earned its place as a leading event among local distance athletes and tomorrow’s race over the traditional out and back course between Camps Bay and Hout Bay again promises top racing action.

The Bay to Bay signals the start of the year’s road running programme and over 5 000 are expected to line up for either the longer distance event from Camps Bay High School, or the 15km from Hout Bay Harbour. No late entries will be accepted at the start.

With substantial climbs either side of the Suikerbossie hill and the striking coastal landscape between Camps Bay and Llandudno, the race is ideal early preparation for the Two Oceans Marathon at Easter, and traditionally attracts several of the contenders for that event.

Last year, Olympians Lusapho April and Dominique Scott turned in celebrity performances, winning the 30km and 15km races respectively, and while neither is expected to turn out, several other leading athletes will be in action.

Two Oceans’ gold medallist, Durban’s Jenna Challenor, has withdrawn leaving the door open for another contest between last year’s top three, who will be turning out once again. Zimbabwe- born Fortunate Chidzivo defends her title, with Comrades gold- medallist, Danette Smith, and Ulrica Stander looking to improve on their runners-up positions.

In the absence of April and runner- up Etienne Plaatjes, 2013 winner and record-holder and runner up in 2015 and 2016, Nkosinathi Madyo, may be the one to beat, with 2015 winner, Itheko’s Duane Fortuin, a close challenger.

The 30km gets underway from Camps Bay High School at 05h30, with the 15km starting at Hout Bay Harbour at 07h30.

Runners are asked to get to the start as early as possible given the expected heavy parking congestion, and given the recent concerns around marine plastic pollution, runners should ensure they discard used water sachets into the bins provided.