Two Oceans Marathon qualifier Flowchart

There are less than 37 days left to still qualify and enter the Two Oceans Ultra 56. I was wondering what choices people who want to qualify and enter have or are still to make regarding the marathon choice. I went for an earlier qualifier at the Winelands Marathon in November and I am so glad that I did as running the Red Hill Marathon this weekend took the pressure off.



There still are a few Western Cape maratho qualifiers still avaliable:

1. 21 February - The BDO Peninsula Marathon

   Using the same route as last year, changing back next year



2. 27 February - Cango Caves Marathon

   Famous for personal best times



3. 6 March - Seeff Weskus Marathon

   "Although the official Two Oceans entry closing date is 3 March, Rowyn James, Two Oceans Race Director decided that they will man an entry table at the Seeff Weskus Marathon Finish venue and take manual entries on the day just for the 56km race." - Official Statement

Bay to Bay 30km Race

A scenic race from Maidens Cove to Hout Bay and back

With the excesses of the Festive Season a not too distant memory and Two Oceans less than 3 months away. A 30km race it just what the doctor ordered to get the year started right. The route consists of a considerable amount of hill work.

ROUTE

Type: Out and back
Distance: 30km, 15kmx2 relay and 5km fun run option
Google Earth: KMZ
Start Time: 11 January 2010 06h00
Time Limit: 4h00
Surface: 99% tar
Entries: Pre entry and on race day

PROFILE

Click to Enlarge

View Larger Map

Antipolis Wreck with Lions Head and 12 Apostles Hotel Enlarge

Driving the route will never be the same, the route is spectacular but running it allows you to experience it with all your senses.

30km races are hard to come by in the Cape Town area so when one is available you have to do it.

After the 15km there is a little bit of cruelty; instead of running straight up Suikerbossie, you do a short hilly tour of the houses in Hout Bay. The route drops straight down to the bottom of Suikerbossie hill (just in case you were worried that are somehow going to meet up with Suikerbossie half way up).

FACT

The route passes at least 5 shipwrecks
São José - 1794
Het Huis te Kraaienstein - 1670 (South Africa’s oldest known shipwreck)
Blythe - 1966
Antipolis - 1977
BOS 400 - 1994 visible on the approach to Llandudno.

LIST

2009 Winners
Male - Zolile Bhitane 1:44:42
Female - Joanna Thomas 2:06:39

Sponsors
2009 Webber Wentzel Bay to Bay
2010 Ocean Basket Bay to Bay

LAST STRETCH

I have run Bay to Bay twice before it is a good race. I have to admit I prefer Big Mama 30km round Durbanville hill and the John Korasie 30. I think one reason is because the other two compared with Bay to Bay have not psychological half way point and also have all their hard work in the earlier part of the race.

Bay to Bay was my first long run and race over half marathon distance.When I got over to the top of Suikerbossie and saw the 21km marker, I was disappointed at how no one else seemed to notice.

Great views, good hill work and it dovetails into most programs gearing up for Two Oceans.