The Slow-Mag? Marathon has been on the race calendar for 18 years, but there can be no doubt that 2010 will be remembered for the new route that was set. The race attracted a record number of 4 000 athletes with many clocking up qualifying miles for the Comrades, while others tested out the new route.
Hazel Quilliam is no stranger to the running scene. This 65-year-old grandmaster has captained the Roodepoort Athletic Club for 20 years and has 22 Comrades Marathons in the bag. She is also one of only two ladies to have completed 20 consecutive 1 000km Challenges. Hazel shares her experience of the Slow-Mag? Marathon with Modern Athlete.
SLOW-MAG? MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON, BENONI, 11 APRIL
I have participated in the Slow-Mag? Marathon for many years now. It is such a welcome change when clubs set a new course. On the day of the race it was such a nice surprise to be presented with a new route!
The first few kilometres were flat followed by a slight pull around the 4km mark. At around the 9km mark runners were directed through the Ebotse Golf Estate and what a delight it was to run through the estate! It offered majestic views of natural grasslands at their very best. Around the 15km mark the route made its way past the Benoni Country Club and Golf Course where blesbok, steenbok and springbok could be spotted!
The course continued with a gentle run as it wound its way around Rynfield. At the 18km mark runners could spot rabbits huddled in the Bunny Park. Another gentle pull took athletes to the finish line. Those doing the marathon repeated the first lap.
The race was incredibly well organised with enough watering tables. The atmosphere was festive and I enjoyed myself immensely. This year I have run the Sasol, the Vaal and the Monster, so I was well prepared for the Slow-Mag?. I helped a friend, Kobie Oliver, through the finish line in preparation for Comrades. Together we finished in 4:53!
RESULTS
MARATHON OPEN MEN
1 William Mokwalakwala Mr Price 2:24:25
2 Vincent Seng Nedbank 2:27:17
3 Raymond Msiza Daveyton Hearts 2:29:53
MARATHON OPEN WOMEN
1 Lesley Train Nedbank 3:09:39
2 Belinda Waghorn Bonitas 3:14:24
3 Julanie Basson Nedbank 3:15:35
HALF MARATHON OPEN MEN
1 Tunyiswa Odwa Nedbank 65:52
2 Nkobane Sequabane GS 66:07
3 Joshua Sabao Mr Price 67:16
HALF MARATHON OPEN WOMEN
1 Chiyedza Chokere Mr Price 79:15
2 Cornelia Joubert BCC 79:36
3 Lizzy Chokere Nedbank 84:40
