By Adnaan Mohamed
Arthur Jantjies announced himself on the national stage, while Gerda Steyn added another chapter to her legacy at the Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD in Cape Town on Saturday.
Jantjies, 25, produced a breakthrough performance to win the men’s 56km race in 3:09:25, claiming the biggest victory of his career.
“It’s a phenomenal step – a big step. It’s history,” said Jantjies, who hails from Hopetown near Kimberley. “I’m just a small-town boy winning Two Oceans. That’s something really special.”
The race developed into a tactical contest over the closing stages. Zimbabwe’s Blessing Waison led over Constantia Nek, forcing the chasing group into action.
Jantjies remained in contention alongside former champion Onalenna Khonkhobe and defending champion Joseph Seutloali. Waison was caught at 49km, before Khonkhobe made a move at 51km.
Seutloali dropped off the pace, though Jantjies stayed with Khonkhobe before making his decisive move near Chet’s Hill to secure victory by 35 seconds.
“I know he (Khonkhobe) is faster than me. But in training we always pick up in the last 8km. I stayed close to him, and he gave up too quickly. Then I told myself I’m going to strike now,” Jantjies said.
Running only his second ultra marathon, Jantjies credited his preparation under coach John Hamlett.
“My coach put me through the worst in Dullstroom where I die in the mountains. We often do 800m elevation on huge long runs and this was only about 600m of elevation. So, this was nothing. I was there for 8 weeks away from my family. Whatever he says, I do. No questions asked. My coach says we stay small and fly under the radar. It was better for me to come through like a cannon ball. It’s the first major title for my town in the Northern Cape. Winning this race opens doors because it puts my name somewhere.”
In the women’s race, Steyn delivered another composed performance to claim a record seventh title.
The 36-year-old broke clear shortly after the marathon mark, moving away from Margaret Jepchumba and maintaining her pace to the finish.
Steyn crossed the line in 3:27:43, her second fastest time at the race.
“I didn’t break the record but I’m still happy with my race and am really happy with my time. It’s a completely successful day for me,” she said.
“When I won my first Two Oceans, I never envisaged winning seven. I take it year for year. If I’m here next year and ready and fit, then I’ll push for sure. But I also need to accept the fact that I’m getting older. But for now, I’m feeling strong and I feel that I still have a few more years left in my career. So, if seven becomes eight and eight becomes ten, then I’ll take it.”
Jantjies’ win and Steyn’s record extended the rich history of the Two Oceans Marathon, widely regarded as one of the premier ultra-distance races in the country.
TOP 10 RESULTS: Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon powered by BYD
Elite Men
1 Arthur Jantjies 03:09:25, 2 Onalenna Khonkhobe 03:10:00, 3 Blessing Zvikomborero Waison 03:11:13, 4 Dennis Kipkosgei 03:11:29, 5 Tumelo Moja 03:12:07, 6 Sphamandla Nkosi 03:12:42, 7 Siboniso Sikhakhane 03:12:42, 8 Malixole Kalideni 03:12:49, 9 Mphatso Nadolo 03:13:16, 10 Msawenkosi Mthalane 03:13:32
Elite Women
1 Gerda Steyn 03:27:43, 2 Margaret Jepchumba 03:33:31, 3 Nobukhosi Tshuma 03:38:34, 4 Shelmith Muriuki 03:39:14, 5 Rholex Jelimo Kogo 03:40:39, 6 Mildred Chepkemei Kinyanja 03:42:42, 7 Bize Beyira Negasa 03:43:00, 8 Neheng Khatala 03:43:43, 9 Courtney Olsen 03:44:40, 10 Loveness Madziva 03:48:54