Melanie's running community

What I’ll remember from the Cape Town Running Community:

It might be a hard thing to explain but so far my favorite part of being in South Africa has been getting involved in the running clubs and races. After joining a social running club in the fall at UConn (UConn Endurance) I knew I would want to find some fun races to do. And since my mother was very insistent on me always running with a friend, I was so lucky to spot Katrina’s Hartford ING Half Marathon water bottle in the pre-departure class and from then on we became study abroad (and hopefully life-long) running buddies J

When we first arrived here running was rough – we were not used to the heat and were very busy during orientation. Our lodging is conveniently in walking distance of the Rondebosch Commons, a popular running and biking 3k loop. It was tough in the beginning but eventually we worked back up to longer distances. Looking back, this was when our bonding really started. We would go out for group runs in the mornings and then all rush back so all 6 of us could use the same shower before we had to start our day. The runs gave us a good chance to catch up and talk about how we were adjusting to South Africa.

The first race we wanted to run was the Koeberg Nature Reserve 15k. However, planning how to register and get there affordably was not easy and we almost didn’t go. But we did decide to go and it ended up being the best decision ever. We showed up in a taxi and immediately stood out because as it turned out this race was primarily for locals in running clubs (we were the only ones with “temporary licenses” and without running club jerseys). It was intimidating at first but we immediately met the nicest person, named Joy, in the bathroom line. Basically she adopted us and taught us all about running clubs and races in Cape Town and introduced us to so many people. We made plans to meet up with her at the next race, the Constantia Valley 15k. That race was also a great day. Not only did we meet up with Joy (and it was her birthday!), but we met new people who also instantly welcomed us to their running communities as well. After passing the finish line you ended in an open field where all the running clubs had tents set up. We literally went tent hopping meeting all different people and getting good advice about what races would be fun for us to do.

We noticed little things about those races that we loved. First, unlike in my past experiences, nobody wears headphones for music. Instead of an individualistic, trying to zone out experience, it’s about appreciating your run fully.

It seems that there are these races every Saturday, which makes for a great time-consuming and healthy habit for locals.

Also, why is there coke at the finish line and no water? At first we resented it but by the end we embraced this new unhealthy habit J

 Next we tackled our first half marathon abroad, the Tiger Valley Half Marathon. This was special because David and Savanna, two other UConn students who have also taken up running, also came with to do the 5k. It was so exciting seeing people go to their first races and feel so inspired that they are both now planning to do half’s in the future! The vibes and positivity at these events are unlike anything else.

Then we had about a month free until the big, famous Two Oceans race. This was the race that we’ve been trying to get registered into since before leaving. It was not easy and I got a lucky extra registration through the entry draw. Then for awhile it was sad because Katrina couldn’t enter but she ended up finding an entry through an organization called A21 recruiting runners to run for a charity. Her organization works to end slavery and human trafficking. That’s just one example of the many ways running brings people together and inspires them to do good things.

The Two Oceans race started within walking distance of our house, which felt cool because it really felt as if this HUGE, world-known race was happening in my hometown. There are two races, the half marathon (13.1mi/21km) or the Ultra marathon (35mi/56km). We clearly did the half. It was a hilly course but great because there were so many people cheering for us and even full bands and DJ’s set up along the way. It made me think about support, how someone sticking out their hand for a high-five could give us enough energy to make it up the next hill. Two Oceans also posted cute signs along the way, such as “Run Forrest Run” “It’s just a hill, get over it” or even “Run for something greater than yourself.” At the finish we were greeted by Lauren and Allie cheering us on too! Then we stuck around by the bleachers to watch the first ultra marathoners finish. The first man finished in about 3:08 (which is like a 5:30-ish per mile pace). Which is crazy. Like absolutely crazy. So it wasn’t a surprise that the first finishers actually just collapse after they cross (which is sad to watch… and pretty unhealthy).

We went over by the grassy area where the ultra marathon finishers were stretching. We were curious what people did after finishing something like that so we just sat in the grass in the middle of it all and observed. At one point a guy sat close to us so we nervously started conversing with him about how the race went. His name was Elias and we ended up talking for quite a while (which often happens at these things). He told us all about his training schedules and finishing the comrades race (another famous South African race that’s about 86k and can take up to 11 hours to finish….). He loved hearing about what we’ve been doing in South Africa and wanted us to spread the word to our friends and family about what the country is really like. He even invited us to visit his church and school where he works in another province. Overall it was inspiring to hear about his serious dedication and love for running but he also had a way of making us feel proud for finishing the half (when after watching ultra marathoners finish you basically forget you ran any significant distance at all). In a way it was amazing to meet Elias but in another way that’s just another example of the day-to-day interactions in Cape Town.

Soon after finishing the race our landlord, Harry, showed us his photograph book of his running career and telling stories. He has been great; giving us lots of advice and inspiration. He showed us the big award he got for completely the ultra ten times. And again, in South Africa these are just your average-joes.

When we went out that night we wore our race shirts so the friendliness continued, people coming up so us and saying they ran too and we would share stories.

Like I said, it might be hard to explain why these experiences have been so special. Overall the running culture is a huge part of the area and we feel really lucky to have been accepted into it. We’ve been randomly invited to so many different clubs, group runs, and even braai’s. We’ve learned about community, social support, dedication, inspiration, and fun. We are now in our last week of the program and we are full of different thoughts and emotions. Our flight leaves Sunday afternoon, and it seems just perfect that there happens to be a trail run that morning. We might be a little sore on the plane, but we think it will be the perfect way to say goodbye to Cape Town.