Cape Town Marathon Reflections by Tyran Cooper

The 2024 Cape Town Marathon, was held last Sunday with clear skies, mild temperatures, and a refreshing breeze, the city’s streets were filled with thousands of runners eager to take on the scenic yet challenging route through the Mother City. With 62 Runners representing FHAC it was one hell of a good time.

Pre-race Excitement:

The excitement began early outside the stadium, where the race started against the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain. Fish Hoek runners gathered at the starting pens, exchanging last-minute tips and words of encouragement. For many, this race marked the culmination of months of early-morning training, and the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation.

The Marathon Course:

The 42.2km route showcased all Cape Town has to offer. From the vibrant Waterfront to second hand stores of Woodstock. The energy from the cheering crowds was contagious. Support from fellow Fish Hoek members along the route was a source of inspiration. The first half of the course was fast and enjoyable, easy running and a cool breeze helping to keep runners fresh.

The real test came at the 30km mark, with the “climb through the Company Gardens.” For many, this was the race’s defining moment. Thanks to training on the valley’s hills, our runners pushed through, knowing the finish was only a little more than two park runs away. The notorious Sea Point “Death Loop” lived up to its reputation—hot and seemingly endless—but strong crowd support and cheers of “Go Fish Hoek” helped our athletes cross the finish line and head straight to the beer tent!

Fish Hoek Standout Performances:

Several Fish Hoek runners delivered outstanding performances. Lebu led the team with a remarkable time of 2:45:33! Cameron also joined the sub-3-hour club, finishing in 2:56:03! Personal bests were achieved by many including Jake Kolnik, Adam Hansen, and Tyran Cooper. We also had 14 novices start and finish strong!!

Club Spirit and Support:

One of the highlights of this year’s marathon was the tremendous support for Fish Hoek Athletics Club. Non-racing members were out in full force at water stations and along the course, waving banners and cheering runners on. At the finish line, the beer tent was alive with celebration. Warm hugs, cold beers, and lively music welcomed our finishers, as they swapped stories and basked in the shared sense of accomplishment.

Post-race Celebrations:

As the sun set over Cape Town, Fish Hoek Athletics Club gathered for a well-deserved post-race celebration. Whether it was a personal best, a first marathon, or simply finishing strong, every runner’s effort was recognized and applauded. The day ended with a sense of pride in both individual achievements and the unity of the club.

Final Thoughts:

The 2024 Cape Town Marathon was a huge success for Fish Hoek Athletics Club. With a great turnout, impressive individual results, and unbeatable team spirit, the event showcased the strength and camaraderie of our club. Congratulations to all the runners, supporters, and volunteers who made the day one to remember.

Here’s to many more races and milestones to celebrate together!