RACE REPORT: Sanlam Cape Town Marathon – Sub 4 PB by Anthony Rimbault

The day started with a 04h30 am wake-up. This was going to be only my 3rd ever Marathon.

The drive to the start is always an exciting time, planning the run in my head and listening to a few favourite songs. Arriving at the start line to a sea of runners and an electric atmosphere. You could feel the nervous energy in the air. The National anthem was something special and the cheering that followed left me with goosebumps.

Group by group we moved forward and before we knew it, it was our time to start. The first few km felt like they were ticking over nicely. A highlight in the race is definitely when you come around the bottom of Nelson Mandela Boulevard and see Table Mountain in all its glory. A real sight to try and keep in the memory banks. Dropping down onto the main road the wind picked up a bit but the constant cheering and encouragement from the sides of the roads got everybody through the next section.

Once we turned off the main road and headed towards the Rondebosch common it felt like there was no section without spectators on the side of the road. Which definitely helped. Running around the common was fantastic as “GO FISH HOEK” was shouted many a time making you feel at home. Seeing family and friends gave me the boost I needed. (or that could have been the Redbull) Turning back after the halfway mark we had a tailwind that helped push us back into town. Turning back after the halfway mark we had a tailwind that helped push us back into town.

Coming past the grand parade was great as the noise level and excitement were needed for the little climb ahead. Again, seeing family at the top of that little climb helped me tremendously.

Going down onto the waterfront with 6km to go, I knew it was going to be a tough finish as the legs started screaming.  Looking around I could see others were starting to feel the pain and exhaustion. it definitely felt like the temperature jumped when we hit that waterfront, and the water tables could not come quick enough. It was a matter of gritting your teeth and ticking of the km’s one by one. 39, 40, 41

Every race when I hit that last km (if I am in an “ok” headspace) I then play back the race and take it all in. The support out on the route was amazing, and the vibe within the group of runners all running was something special. The journey of the day and the adventure of the training runs. These are all the things that played back as I ticked off the 42nd km.

Turning onto the carpet with 200 meters to go, I was happy it was done, but I was very happy with what I had achieved in my 3rd marathon. A wave of emotions and smiling as you hear the crowd screaming and you feel like it is all for you.

I had set out for a time, and I had achieved that time. Personal Best achieved. 3Hours 50Minutes

All in all, it was a great day out. Standing at the start with so many runners who had their own goals in mind and had trained so hard for that day. Running next to and with others who were at some point going through all different levels of pain and hurt to get to their goal or to finish. And then after the finish line I saw so many happy faces and shared stories with others of the day.

Thank you to everybody who supported us on the day!

Well done to everybody who finished the marathon. You can now say that you are in the 1% Club. Only 1% of the world’s population has finished a marathon.