Last year as a novice runner, the Two Oceans Half Marathon 2010 was my first 21.1km race and the experience was a good one; the cheering bystanders, the prestige of the race, the medals and of course crossing the finishing line. Two Oceans 2011 was back to complete the race and this is a detail of my experience, online and offline as well.

I have been following @partnerrunning on Twitter who a husband and wife duo who travel the world and run marathons together.

Preparation

I observed a moderate diet which was rich in proteins and carbohydrates prior to the race and ensured that I got enough sleep the night before the race even though my neighbours were having a party that night. With the help and support of my running club, Itheko I got sufficient milleage in my legs by running from Constantia Nek to Champies, a run up Southern Cross Drive and I even sneaked in a 10 km Race i.e the Pro Sano race.

The Race

About 9000 runners who were doing the 56km Ultra marathon and 14000 runners who were doing the 21.1.km were at the start line and the excitement and tension could was palatable, the National Anthem were sung, the gun was fired and we were off. My wife and I set off at an easy pace for the 1st 10km passing Claremont Main Road, through to Wynberg, Alphen, Constantia pass many vineyards, local residents came out to support and cheer the runners on. Waterpoints were at every 3km park and were well stocked with Water, Powerade and Coke to keep all runners hydrated. This race has a reputation for a 3km steep and gradual climb called Southern Cross Drive which had some runners walking while we opted to tackle it at a slow pace. At Kistenbosch , the Ou Mutual Klopse Brass band created a vibey atmosphere and did a good job in encouraging tired runners on.

Big company exercise some successful branding exercises on Race Day; Puma who was the technical sponsor had their emblem painted on  Rhodes Drive, you saw a see of bottle green as Ou Mutual the title sponsor offered branded supporters placards for free at the Expo. Click here to find out about the sponsors.

As we approached the finishing straight at UCT, the vibe was frenetic as our fellow club members were encouraging us on.

History of the race

This is the biggest running event held in Cape Town during the last week in April since 1970. Past winners include; Frith Van der Merwe, Bruce Fordyce and Nick Bester.

Run 2.0

There was a Pre-race Tweetup which draw a small of 26. Click here for more Tweet Vite page.

Ross’s corner You Tube Channel for tips for novice runners. Click here for more info.

Friends and family could get sms updates of your when you cross the halfway mark as well as the moment you cross the finish line by tracking your timing chip.

Email Newsletters kept runners informed about road closures before the race and race highlights after the race.

Live streaming of the event on the internet proved to be cool, when SABC 2′s live broadcast ended  by midday.

Winners