Men

Arthur Jantjies (Pan African Resources), Ultra Winner

“I can’t complain. The race was very beautiful, and with my fellow competitors, we put on a good show. The show was beautiful.”

“This was a phenomenal first step. It was history in the making.”

“The race was nothing compared to what our coach (John Hamlett) put us through. We trained in the high mountains so we were used to mountains. It was nothing new.”

“My hands were in front of my face when I was approaching the finish line because I was showing that I was an unknown in ultras. I was an unknown person coming through. No one knew me.”

“I live in Hopetown which is 120km from Kimberley. I got two gold medals in the half marathon in the last two years but today was only my second ultra.”

“My coach told me that we were going to fly under the radar. There was no pressure on me. I don’t think any of the other competitors thought that I could make it. It was good for me because I could come through like a cannonball.”

“My coach is like a father figure to me. He works overtime and is very passionate. We did more than enough training. I even thought that I was overcooked at one point.”

“During training runs, we would always pick it up over the last 8km. When Onalenna attacked, I just found my stride and knew that I wasn’t going to stop. Maybe he gave up too early, but I just went when I caught him again.”

Onalenna Khonkhobe (Nedbank), Ultra Runner-Up

“Last year they stole my show, so this year I needed to be better. I’m happy because this guy (pointing to Jantjies) is a home boy.”

“When we fell behind the early leaders, I didn’t panic. My race started on Constantia Nek. In the last 4km I knew I was in trouble with this man (pointing to Jantjies).”

Blessing Waison (Zimbabwe), Ultra Third Place

“I was very excited to do my first ultra-marathon. I came here to win, but I am happy with the result.”

WOMEN:

Gerda Steyn (Hollywood AC), Ultra Winner

“Today was first about winning my seventh race. I achieved what I set out to do. I knew it would be challenging with a strong women’s field, and it felt like today there were so many ladies there until a very late stage.”

“Winning today was the priority, and I needed to keep the pace at a high level. The record did go through my mind, and I was less than a minute behind it at the finish, so I still feel that I ran a strong race. It was a completely successful day.”

“When I won my first Two Oceans in 2018, I never envisaged winning seven. I don’t like to think about winning 10. It’s not advisable to look that far ahead. I just take it year by year.”

“I ran back down the finish line after I finished because I just wanted the moment to last longer and to say thank you to the crowds and the supporters.”

On the crowds that supported her along the route:
“I can’t explain it in words. Even in the morning, when you can barely see anyone, I could hear people shouting ‘Go, Gerda, Go!’. It was a constant reminder that this is not just for me and my pleasure. That means more to so many people, and they want to see how it plays out. It gives my running much more meaning. You log lots of miles on your own, so I feel this is a complete celebration of all the work that’s been done. It’s a constant reminder to keep trying and give it my all.”

“I hope that I can send a message to young kids that you can achieve anything if you are willing to put the work in… constant and consistent work”

“I also want to show people that it is fun to run. It’s not just hard with lots of mileage and sore legs. The running community carries you, and you learn on a daily basis that you can do more than you ever thought you could do.”

Margaret Chepchumba (Nedbank), Ultra Runner-up 

“The race was tough, and I had to fight to finish second. The plan was to stick with Gerda as long as I could, and maybe I could be victorious.”

Nobukhosi Tshuma (Zimbabwe), Ultra Third Place

“I spent nine weeks training in Kenya for this race. I learnt how to push the pace there.”

“Today was a big achievement for me to get third.”

“From 54km it was very tough. I just wanted to get to the finish line.”

READ MORE ON: two-oceans Ultras