Arthur Jantjies making waves in SA marathons
DANIE VAN DER LITH DANIE.VANDERLITH@ACM.CO.ZA
THE KGOSI Galeshewe Athletics club in Kimberley have polished another sporting gem.
In a stunning display of prowess and determination, Arthur Jantjies, hailing from Hopetown and running for the Galeshewe club, has emerged as a dominant force in the South African marathon scene, with the young runner recently clinching victories at both the Meerkat Marathon in Kimberley and the Kloppers Marathon in Bloemfontein.
Still basking in the glory of his recent successes, Jantjies spoke to the DFA and shared insights into his journey, training regimen, and future aspirations for both readers and aspiring athletes.
Reflecting on his journey into the sport, Jantjies reminisced about his high school days, where he dabbled in track and field, albeit briefly. However, it wasn't until the establishment of the Hopetown Running Club in 2018 that his passion for running truly ignited. Witnessing the dedication and camaraderie of the club members inspired him to pursue the sport more seriously.
When asked about his recent double triumph, Jantjies couldn't hide his elation. “It felt glorious,” he exclaimed, “and made me more excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for me.”
The victories not only boosted his self-confidence but, he says, also set a high standard for him to continuously strive for improvement.
Delving into his training routine, Jantjies revealed a disciplined approach characterised by a mix of long runs, hill repeats, strength training, intervals, tempo runs, and crucial rest days.
This meticulous preparation undoubtedly laid the groundwork for his exceptional performances on race day.
Despite the challenges inherent in marathon racing, Jantjies remained unfazed.
Armed with meticulously crafted race plans, he executed his strategy flawlessly, maintaining his focus and composure throughout both events.
Describing the atmosphere at each marathon, Jantjies provided vivid accounts of his experiences. While the Meerkat Marathon held a sense of familiarity, having competed in it previously, the Kloppers Marathon presented a fresh challenge with unfamiliar competitors and a supportive crowd cheering him on.
Jantjies told the DFA that his strategy was a big factor in his recent victories. He emphasised the importance of pacing himself, gradually increasing his speed over the course of the race – a tactic that undoubtedly paid dividends in the races he won.
When asked about his motivations for running and striving for higher attainments, Jantjies cited the achievements of fellow athletes and his own aspirations to represent South Africa on the international stage, including the Olympics – a dream he believes is within reach with hard work and dedication.
For aspiring marathon runners, Jantjies offered sage advice: “Have faith and believe in yourself without any hesitations or doubts.”
His words resonated with the ethos of perseverance and self-belief that underpin his own journey.
Jantjies spoke about his future plans too, saying that he has set his sights on the Athletics South African Marathon Championships as a short-term goal, with aspirations for eventual Olympic participation in the long term.
But before preparing for another race, he told the DFA that he will celebrate his recent triumphs with a well-deserved massage and some muchneeded rest.
Arthur Jantjies stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes across South Africa, and his recent successes prove that with determination and dedication, anything is possible in the world of marathon running.