This weekend marked the 51st Two Oceans Ultra Marathon (56km) since it’s start in 1970. Once again it was such an inspirational display of athleticism from both the men’s and women’s divisions. With Gerda Steyn once again winning the gold medal as well as setting a new personal best. Not only that, she also finished in record time.
We also witnessed individuals from a 70+ age group cross the finish line with the intention of competing again next year. Let’s jump right into this amazing annual event.
The Two Oceans Marathon History
As mentioned earlier, the Two Oceans Marathon started back in 1970 with only 26 candidates competing. All men. Back then it was called the Comrades Marathon. The winner, Dirkie Steyn, crossed the finish line barefoot with a time of 3:55:50. It was only in 1972 that the race became known as the Two Oceans Marathon.
It was only in 1974 that the first female entered the race. Theresa Stadler was 40 years old and crossed the finish line after the cut-off time (6 hour limit) at 07:33:00. However, they allowed her to finish as she was an inspiration to other women to follow her example.
In 1975 policy allowed other race groups to enter for the event. George Goodenough Qokweni and 8 other runners from Paarl East Athletic Club were among those that entered for the first time. It was also at this time that Ulla Paul, who was a mother of three, became the first women to finish the race within the limit with a time of 5:14:51. The Two Oceans Marathon saw it’s first black winner in 1976, Gabashane Vincent Rakabaele with a time of 3:18:05 in the men’s division.
Then in 1978, Janet Bailey an inspiration to all other women, broke the 5 hour barrier with a time of 4:34:28. Her famous last words “never again”.
An Inspiration to us All
Today there are thousands of entries for the Two Oceans Ultra marathon including the Half Marathon held on the same day. The race is not only a physical one, but a mental race as well.
Preparing for a 4 hour run is a mental challenge and makes it even more of an inspiration to those that are only starting out or have reached a 10km marker. That being said, I’d like to give a special note to some of the interviewees of this year’s Two Oceans Marathon Finishers: Louis Massyn and Graham Channon.
Louis Massyn
Massyn made his Two Oceans debut in 1972 and crossed the finish line yesterday (April 16) for the 45th time. He is 73 years young with no intention of hanging up his running shoes anytime soon. He says “My goal is to run until my body will no longer carry me”.
His goal is to get to 50 Ultra Marathons. His only setback, as he admits, is his age. But he is immensely determined and believes that nothing will stop him from reaching his goals.
In an interview Massyn was asked the following:
This man is an inspiration to us all, young and old. He sets his goals and do anything and everything to achieve them all the while enjoying every second of the way. I’ll surely be looking out for him on the track again next year.
Graham Channon
Channon is 73 years young and has received 39 TOM Ultra medals to date. He made his debut in 1980. His personal best is 04:08:47 which he achieved in 1985.
Unfortunately, no interview material could be found of Channon. Nonetheless an inspiration to the younger generation to never give up, no matter what your age. You can achieve anything you put your mind to as long as you take action and enjoy the journey.
4-Time (Consecutive) Winner, Gerda Steyn
Steyn has now cemented her place in history as the Greatest of all time (GOAT) as she wins yet again. Not only did she win the gold medal for a fourth time, she also beat her previous record. Simply sensational.
In an interview she admits that she started running as a way to meet new people. Just before falling in love with the sport in 2014, she had moved to Dubai, not knowing anyone. She knew that joining a running club will introduce her to new people and possibly start new friendships.
Not only did she get to meet new people and make new friends, she also found her new love: running. In 2015 she took part in her first marathon, Comrades and finished with a time of 08:19:08. Since then she’s improved and standing with a new record of 03:29:06, smashing the previous record held since 1989.
Gerda states the following in an interview held by Ryan from Health Matters:
“I’m not exaggerating when I’m saying running literally changed my life. Before I fell in love with running my life looked a lot different than it does not. Not that I didn’t enjoy life before, but I never envisaged this life for myself.”
She also goes on to talk about how much she’s learnt about herself since starting the sport. Changing from an office job to a professional athlete. Steyn never thought that this could have ever been her life.
Steyn’s Message an Inspiration to the Younger Generation
“It’s not just a sport. It’s not just about putting one foot in front of the other. It is really, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a wonderful life to be a part of.”
“I always think if I can inspire one person to take on running and to make it part of their life, to me that would be a successful career. I hope that I can bring some inspiration to the young generation and to also see them breaking the tape in a couple of years’ time.”
For more on her interview on Health Matters please check this video:
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