On Thursday afternoon, the elite runners vying for the podium attended the Old Mutual Two Oceans Press Conference. The top athletes had some inspiring and motivational quotes to share before tackling their race on Saturday.

“Training has been going well in the last month. My base training hasn’t been as great as I’d hoped – but this past month has been a lot better. Ocean has always been a magical race for me. 3 podium finishes have been incredibly special for me!” Boxer Superstores @tanithmaxwell

— Runner's World SA (@runnersworldza) March 29, 2018

“Discipline is so important for athletes. If you put more focus on distance and mileage, you will achieve. Two Oceans is so important, it’s a tough race and I’m hoping for 1:12 on the half course this year.” Lebogang Phalula #OMTOM2018

— Runner's World SA (@runnersworldza) March 29, 2018

“It’s a new journey for me post-baby, but looking forward to my first competitive marathon since. I’m a lot more relaxed this year.” @ReneKalmer #OMTOM2018 pic.twitter.com/eHYADkTRnZ

— Runner's World SA (@runnersworldza) March 29, 2018

“Looking so forward to running this year. Oceans is a tough route, you can’t rule any competitors out. I trained hard in Kenya last year and my breakthrough happened.” @conrad_nolene. Check out those achievements behind her… pic.twitter.com/nserDdgqg5

— Runner's World SA (@runnersworldza) March 29, 2018

“I had to take 6 months off from running due to my injury, so it was incredibly difficult. I’m planning to use @2OceansMarathon as my training run for @ComradesRace.” @11Caz11 #OMTOM2018 pic.twitter.com/8c9Ir8zOkz

— Runner's World SA (@runnersworldza) March 29, 2018

“I’ve been wanting success in a marathon event. I wanted to get back to the roots of running within myself. I want a challenge. I’ve heard how great Cape Town is & how much people embrace running. Im very excited about this!” American runner Lindsey Scherf @Nedbank_RC pic.twitter.com/1O8LJv6NKm

— Runner's World SA (@runnersworldza) March 29, 2018

“I’ve been in Lesotho for high-altitude training and I’m hoping that will carry me though the race on Saturday. I’ve seen a huge improvement in shorter distances and that will help me with my speed.” @GerdaSteyn_ @Nedbank_RC pic.twitter.com/tnuxhKPLfO

— Runner's World SA (@runnersworldza) March 29, 2018

“I trained well in Johannesburg. I believe I went the extra mile in training for the 2018 @2OceansMarathon.” Defending Champ (3:09:43) Lungile Gongqa #Omtom2018 pic.twitter.com/ePD6zD9Fbj

— Runner's World SA (@runnersworldza) March 29, 2018

“I changed my strategy this year. Kenyans don’t believe in running Ultra Marathons. I trained for speed. My main focus is to be the first Kenyan on the podium at @ComradesRace.” Melly Kennedy came 5th in 2017 (3:13:36) #OMTOM2018 pic.twitter.com/hjic8etiwn

— Runner's World SA (@runnersworldza) March 29, 2018

Some of the elites you need to keep an eye on for the 2018 @2OceansMarathon title. #OMTOM2018 pic.twitter.com/Rp93Xj9vBA

— Runner's World SA (@runnersworldza) March 29, 2018

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