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Cape Town Marathon’s runners tell their story through Instagram
42.2km is pretty far to travel in a car, let alone on foot, but that’s what these athletes overcame at the Cape Town Marathon this past Sunday.
While the South African local record might’ve been set on the day (and kudos to Asefa Negewo for doing just that), it’s the stories of the hundreds of other part-time competitors that makes the event — and events like it — extremely special.
The first Cape Town Marathon took place in 1994, and was then a relatively unknown event. But it has become one of the premier events on the running calendar, for the city and South Africa.
The Cape Town Marathon saw over 8000 runners compete this year, each with a different story to tell
Being it 2016 and the age of social media, runners from across Cape Town, South Africa and beyond took to Instagram to share their moments before the whistle sounded, out on the road, and on the finishing mat.
Paying tribute to them today, here are some of the most evocative, stunning and heartfelt snaps from the Cape Town Marathon this weekend.
The Cape Town Marathon: an Instagram photo story
If we’ve learnt anything from the Cape Town Marathon’s runners: preparation is essential. Image: Danielle Schoeman.
It’s the morning of the big race, with Table Mountain standing watch in the background. Image: Nicholas Rix.
Great morning out on the road- 58:30 for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 10km #capetownmarathon
A photo posted by Nicholas Rix (@magicallynick) on
Obvious tension on the startline is obvious. But this is what runners live for. Image: JetlineActionPhoto.
Umm… we’re not totally convinced that these guys also competed in the day’s athletics… Image: Julene Muller.
Out on the road, Cape Town definitely isn’t the worst city to enjoy a pleasant jog, or fairly long marathon. Image: Chris Hitchcock.
Of course, you needn’t run the road race if flat lands aren’t to your taste. The organisers also hosted a 22km trial run along the slopes of Table Mountain, who those who enjoy mud on their shoes. Image: Amy Fouche.
A photo posted by Amy Fouche (@amy_fouche) on
This is it: the moment that Ethiopia’s Asefa Ngewo will likely remember for quite some time. He’s the first man to break the 2:08 minute mark on South African soil over 42.2km, beating the previous record by more than a minute. Image: Magan Hanekom.
The reward at the end of the run seems rather worth it, doesn’t it? Image: Catherine Staden.
A photo posted by Catherine Staden (@catherinevanstaden) on
Some athletes ran their very first marathon this weekend, with many (understandably) feeling the strain. A well deserved splash in the ocean was in order. Image: Madelief Roux.
And when it’s all said and done, celebrations are obviously in order. Insert your celebratory beverage of choice here. Image: Tom.
Nu så, nu känns det bättre. #capetownmarathon
A photo posted by Tom (@winther2) on
If you have an Instagram snap that you’d like featured in this article, let us know in the comments section below, or drop us a line over on Instagram at @burnmedia.
Feature image: Cape Town Marathon
