South Africa’s other road ultra: Kemboi takes Two Oceans

Best known for the Comrades Marathon (the 89k ultra run annually between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa) also boasts the scenic Two Oceans marathon, a 56k ultra that winds through spectacular scenery in Capetown and the Cape Peninsula. This year’s race took place over Easter weekend just past, with Kenya’s Justin Kemboi victorious in 3:09.21.

Wonderful run from Kenya’s Justin Kemboi, who wins the 2018 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. He’s just the second Kenyan to win the Ultra Marathon. #OMTOM2018 pic.twitter.com/bMn7fnNw4S

— Two Oceans Marathon (@2OceansMarathon) March 31, 2018

Kemboi’s time translates to an astonishing 3:54/k pace, maintained over 56k. He pulled away from second-place finisher Lebenya Nkoka of Lesotho with about 6k left in the race.

Kemboi is only the second Kenyan to win at Two Oceans. The other is John Wachira, who won in 2009.

Hometown runner Gerda Steyn won the women’s race in 3:39.26.

An amazing run from @GerdaSteyn_ who won the Women's Race for the #OMTOM2018 Ultra Marathon. pic.twitter.com/Mu2x88pxsS

— Two Oceans Marathon (@2OceansMarathon) March 31, 2018

Though the US’s Lindsey Scherf, winner of the Armory Indoor Ultramarathon last month, led through the first half, a painful IT band took her out off the course at around the 32k mark. Late in the race, last year’s second-place finisher Jenna Challenor was also forced to withdraw due to stomach flu.

David Manja of South Africa took home gold in the half-marathon in 1:04:07. Nolene Conrad, also of SA, won the women’s half in 1:16:17.

Ipeleng Khunou became the first half-marathon finisher to complete the race on crutches, while raising money for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. 

Ipeleng “The Crutch Runner” Khunou has made history as the first runner on crutches to run and finish the @2OceansMarathon Half Marathon. He did that to raise funds for @NMCF_SA!#OMTOM2018 pic.twitter.com/HKiO1wgoUL

— SABC Sport (@SPORTATSABC) March 31, 2018

The day was marred by tragedy when 43-year-old woman participating in the half-marathon collapsed and died on the course. Reports did not name the woman, who could not be revived despite receiving prompt medical attention.