Half Marathon : 21km
Saturday : 28th February 2026 06h00
Marathon : 42.2 km
Saturday : 28th February 2026 06h00
Event organizers Military Sports Club Oudtshoorn
Two options were offered this year if one decided to attend the Cango Marathon. One could either travel in a coach to de Hoek Mountain Resort which had been booked by our Club Captain Wayne. This offer included a two-man tent with ablutions on site and meals included. Or one could travel to Oudtshoorn by coach organized by Wietse with accommodation at the local Holiday Inn. This would be my fourth Cango Marathon and having had a really good experience previously with Wietse I decided to take this option.
On Friday morning we met the coach at DF Malan Hoer Skool with Carl’s bicycle in tow. Nothing new here, Carl takes along his bike so that he can take photos, cycle the route and offer a back up to me. Once the coach was boarded by all and a head count complete it was time to leave Bellville and head off towards Oudtshoorn. Carl and I chose the two front seats whilst Paula and Naomi tucked in behind us in the second row. Sheer and utter pure relaxation lay ahead. Our coach driver was more than adequate in handling this huge machine which he seemed to take in his stride. Our first stop was in Robertson where one was offered an hour to lunch and stretch one’s legs. Everyone took this opportunity to do so and grab some fresh air at the same time.
Once back on the coach it was full steam ahead to the military base in Oudtshoorn to collect our race numbers. From there Paula, Naomi and I decided to walk through to our hotel which was a mere 1 ½ km away. A pleasant enough walk to stretch those legs.
A little later that evening we walked into the restaurant district and chose a very nice eatery which satisfied one and all. Back to the hotel. It was bedtime now as we had an early start ahead the next morning.
Before we knew it, it was 03h30. Crickey it felt as though we’d just put our heads down when my angry bird alarm woke us up. No time to potter around, it really was a case of out of bed and into the running gear to be on the coach for 04h15. And not a minute later.
Our coach driver took us up to the start of the marathon at Cango Caves which was abuzz with activity. Fortunately, and well planned, there were enough ablutions to cater for everyone. Even portaloo’s had been placed at the start line. The gun went off at exactly 06h00 with folk scurrying to get ahead as much as possible. I’d probably run approximately half a km when up ahead I spotted a five-hour pace setter bus. A young man by the name of Hanno. I picked up my pace and hopped on his bus. Hanno had quite a few passengers already and I was prepared to take it as it came.
Hanno was well experienced at driving a pace setter bus. He would let everyone know exactly what place we’d be running at for each km. And of course, most importantly there were some good walk breaks in-between. I must be honest and admit I really appreciated those!
Unfortunately, one of the passengers tripped over a cat’s eye and took a very very hard tumble. Poor soul. I’m not sure if she ended up finishing or calling it a day. That would definitely been it for me. Snot en trane!
I thought if I could just stay with the bus until the 30km mark, I’ll be ok. But my legs sadly had other ideas. I was so cheesed off with myself at the 22nd km when honestly, I was seriously having difficulty staying with the bus. I stopped for a little walk and before I knew it the bus was off in front of me, now a distant hope of what I was aiming for. So be it. You know what they say about when someone gives you lemons? No time to feel too sorry for myself. I had to buck up and make my way to the finish line.
30km’s came and went. Those confounded concrete slabs just went on and on. I’m not sure how many km’s they covered but damn I wish they hadn’t. Again, one of our passengers tripped on the concrete and went sprawling. No more hills to speak of now, neither up nor down. Just a flat road ahead, through the houses and on to the Military Base.
It was here that one of the marshals dressed in army attire offered to run with me. Well, he did, but only until I turned the corner when we both stopped. And laughed!
The end was now in sight. As I entered the gates to the Military Base the finishers were making their way home with their medals. Entering the grass section brought back some very good but emotional memories of when Bron used to stand and wait for me and actually running part of the way too. I’m sure you heard me thank you Bron. But up ahead the West Coast gazebo was in my sight and the club members that had finished before me lined up and cheered me in. Again, I really was overcome with emotion. Such an amazing gesture!! I certainly won’t ever forget that.
And just like that I crossed the finish line at 05h20. I’ve done better and I’ve certainly done a lot worse.
It was wonderful too to walk into the arms of Jeanine who ran this marathon like the absolute star she is. Wow there were some fantastic runners out there. Surely setting personal bests?
I must thank the Infantry School for the most amazing day. Refreshment stations absolutely laden with ice cold water sachets with the option of coke. Of course. Greedy me I drank as much as I could as it was a relatively warm day and needed to remain hydrated. The marshals were super friendly and this year offering the walk/run through shower. Oh boy that was SO welcome.
I would like to thank our fabulous West Coast AC for supplying the gazebo and the absolute enthusiasm from every single member. And of course it goes without saying, the heartiest congratulations to each and every one that ran, no matter the chosen distance.
Thanks must go to Paula and Naomi who after their 21km run waited patiently for me to finish with Paula supplying cans of ice-cold coke. And to my Carl of course. He took photos and videos throughout the race offering words of encouragement as I slogged along the tarmac.
Once back at the hotel it was swim time. Oh yeah, and then to bake in the sun to dry off. An early dinner out then bed!
I’d do it all again in a heartbeat and probably will God willing.
Stay safe out there ‘till next time Gill x