Old Mutual Same Ocean Twice marathon

Ever since the news spread that Chapman's Peak was to be closed, rumour has been rife among South African runners about the future of the 2000 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon.

The climb up Chapman's Peak is one of the most beautiful sections of the course. It takes runners past breathtaking scenery, up a severe climb from just after the halfway point of the race to the 33-kilometre mark. It is here, with a glorious view of Hout Bay and The Sentinel, that runners can discover how well they will run the remaining 23-odd kilometres to the finish. Those having good runs know that they can open up. Those struggling realise that they must conserve energy for they have a very tough job ahead.

It was rumoured that the road repairs would be completed and the road opened by May 1. It was argued then that since the Easter weekend was so close to the official opening day an exception would be made for Old Mutual Two Oceans runners.

Then the fires struck. These devastating fires not only destroyed homes, fynbos and indigenous animals, they also destroyed deep rock systems and plants that hold back so many of the huge rocks that threaten the Chapman's Peak drive and its users.

As a result of the fires, the road up Chapman's Peak will now definitely be closed and the Two Oceans must now find a new route.

The organisers have not been idle and a new route has already been planned, measured and run. This year's race will take the route from Sun Valley over Oukaapseweg. Essentially the Two Oceans will remain the same for the first 25 kilometres or so, flat and seductively easy running until Sun Valley. At that point runners will turn towards Oukaapseweg.

This is a beautiful mountain pass which goes from Louw's Corner in Sun Valley to Tokai. It affords magnificent views of the whole Cape Peninsula from False Bay to Table Bay, and from the Table Mountain range to the Hottentots Holland range.

So, from the point of view of the scenery, the runners have been well compensated. They have simply traded one magnificent view for another. From the bottom of Oukaapseweg, runners will turn left into Steenberg Road then run past Pollsmoor Prison, past the Tokai forest and into Ladies Mile extension, over the Constantia main road and then to Southern Cross Drive. This road then joins the conventional Two Oceans route at Rhodes Drive just before the traditional 48-kilometre mark. The race is, of course, still 56 kilometres long.

What every runner wants to know is how tough the new route is. The organisers think that it is slightly easier as the "big hill" commences at 26 kilometres on Oukaapseweg whereas the Constantia Nek climb began at the standard 42-kilometre mark. On the other hand, Chapman's Peak and Constantia Nek rise to 180 metres over five kilometres and 215 metres over four kilometres respectively. Oukaapseweg rises 312 metres over seven kilometres. Two very tough hills are being exchanged for one and a half very, very tough hills. The Southern Cross Drive hill approach to the 48-kilometre mark is milder and shorter than the approach and climb to the Nek. Conversely, the climb up Oukaapseweg is monstrous. Some runners who have trained on the new route think it is far harder. Others think not.

I am more concerned about the descent, though. Steep downhill runs are deceptive. They allow the kilometres to fly speedily past but the jarring that results can be devastating in a marathon.

On the traditional Two Oceans route the jarring section was the five-kilometre run from the top of Chapman's Peak to the Hout Bay Village. Now a steeper descent must be run in just over three kilometres. I shudder at the thought. This sharp descent could be the section that makes or breaks everyone's run this year.

Whatever the merits of the new course, Two Oceans runners will be given an opportunity to run in a unique Two Oceans. The race will more than likely return to its traditional route and those who run in 2000 will be able to brag that they tackled the Millennium Two Oceans up Oukaapseweg and Southern Cross Drive.

Some runners have suggested that since the route will not join the Atlantic Ocean this year, the race should be called the Old Mutual Same Ocean Twice marathon!