Growing up in South Africa (SA) I was always in awe of the many athletes who participated in the Two Oceans and Comrades marathons and spent hours glued to the TV on both these occasions every year.  Although I ran when I lived in SA, I never did more than a half marathon.  In the last thirteen years since I have been living abroad, first in Ireland and then in England, I have completed four full marathons plus numerous halves. 

 

Last year I ran the Two Oceans Half with a good friend (see picture) and whilst watching the runners finish the Ultra marathon (many old friends amongst them), I was inspired to give it a go myself.

I ran my qualifying marathon in Bournemouth in October in just under the 5 hour qualifying time and entered the Two Oceans Ultra (56 km) shortly afterwards.  I am really excited about the prospect of taking part in an Ultra marathon, whilst being terrified at the same time The race is on Easter Saturday the 19 April 2014. 

 

While I was in SA in December I met with a friend who inspired me to put all the blood, sweat and tears involved in the training and the actual race, into something other than the glory of finishing and the idea to run for the kids of Masiphumelele was born.

 

 

The Two Oceans Marathon is known as the world’s most beautiful marathon and passes through some of the most amazing scenery in the world. 

 

 

It also passes very close to some areas which are not beautiful to look at but have the most amazing residents who are doing the best they can in extraordinarily difficult conditions.  One of these townships is Masiphumelele which is really close to the 25 km mark of the race.   The name Masiphumelele means ‘we can succeed’ in Xhosa.  This is definitely the inspiration I will need to get me through 56km on the 19 April.

Masiphumelele was established in the 1980’s with about 500 people.  In 2010 the population was estimated at 38,000.

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