The Runners Who Have Never Missed a Race

​​For a select few, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has become more than a race – it has become a tradition. These dedicated athletes are preparing for their 13th consecutive race, making them the few who have participated in every Sanlam Cape Town Marathon since its inception. We decided to honour the commitment of these athletes by exploring what keeps them coming back every year. Athletes Fundiswa Sandi, Louis van der Walt, Anne Williams, Alison Smith, Deborah Horn-Botha & Jenny da Silva took the time to let us know their favourite parts of this special race and their individual journeys with it. 

With over 13 years of dedication behind them already, these athletes have developed a connection to this marathon, acknowledging it as an important part of their personal and athletic journeys. Deborah recalls that her first Cape Town Marathon was in 2005, and she has been committed ever since. Alison told us that when she signed up for her first Sanlam Cape Town marathon, she only ever intended to run one. Her mind changed when the marathon experience unexpectedly drew her in. “I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did,” she said. ”There is something so rewarding about completing something that’s hard to do.” Despite the challenges each year presents, runners continue to find the motivation necessary to triumph. “Every marathon is hard,” said Alison, “but it’s a mental battle that I love. Your body wants to stop but your mind convinces you to keep going.” For Louis, who began running marathons in 2001, the Cape Town marathon has been a highlight of his athletic year ever since. He trains all year round, and has missed just one week of training in his impressive 24 year running career. For all, the unique combination of running through the heart of beautiful Cape Town, and the personal achievement of conquering the course is what makes this marathon so special. Jenny told us she too thrives on this challenge of showing up every year, pushing herself and in the end being better every time.

During this impressive 13 year streak, some of these athletes have had to face significant personal challenges. Deborah shared with us that one of her Cape Town marathons was run just nine weeks after a cancer diagnosis and surgery. She shared that during that race, “I was ecstatic and thankful to be alive and doing what I love.” Deborah also recalled the emotional marathon she ran shortly after the loss of a close running friend, with whom she had shared many Cape Town Marathon races. “The race route took us a block from where he had lived,” she told us. “I ran that year with a yellow ribbon in my hand until the street where he lived, and tied it around the pole.”

To Fundiswa Sandi, running and the Cape Town marathon also holds emotional significance. Louis began running in order to run the Comrades, to achieve her late nephew’s dream, and continues to run to honour her lost loved ones. 

We asked these athletes what motivates them to keep coming back to conquer the 42.2 kilometres, no matter the emotional or physical setbacks they face. Fundiswa told us that the development of Cape Town marathon training programs and runs have greatly contributed to her continuing participation. All agreed that the combination of the positive crowds, the Cape Town setting and the fantastic race day vibes keep them coming back, as well as the support on the road. For Jenny, seeing international athletes and heroes visiting really adds to the event. We can’t put it better than Alison did when she said, “Don’t run this race if you don’t want your life to be changed forever!”.