Two Oceans Half Marathon: Substitution

[Malpiet]

I would just like to ask why the half is so popular?

 

It is probably the most droll, ugly, boring 21km route out there and it's so packed.

 

The 56km is rad. Pretty and well laid out. But the half is probably the least appealing route on the half circuit in the cape.

 

Is it the 'I did two oceans' syndrome or is it because it is on the Easter weekend and folk are on holiday?

 

I am not being mean or trying to offend anyone, but having had this discussion with numerous people we still can't really figure it out.

 

Is it the vibe? Drinks at forries afterwards etc? An excuse for the Vaalies to visit Cape Town? Personally I do running races for the running race and find the crowds/parking and general city shutdown a bit much! I prefer the winelands half or even Lion of Africa as the field is small, parking/access is a breeze and they are super well organised.

For me its the vibe, other than the argus the vibe on the oceans is unparalleled. Maybe it is overhyped but so is the argus yet its the bench mark for us kaapies "world amateur champs"

 

More importantly, a 21km run is within most peoples reach as not many people can train for the road/mtb racing calender and still have time to train for 1 or 2 marathons a year to qualify for the ultra.

 

I run for fun and the feeling of being able to run a 2hr 21.1km less than 1 month of training is for me an achievement, i agree that maybe a few other events are more scenic but i hate anything in the winelands area its dry, hot and just a unpleasant feeling especially when it rains.